Treating Seizures In Children With Clonazepam

How Does Clonazepam Work?

Clonazepam works by increasing the effectiveness of GABA (gamma aminobutyric acid), a naturally occuring chemical that inhibits or stops the elecrical firing of neurons. In the brain this has a general effect of slowing down brain activity, which is how it helps to control seizure disorders. It does this by enhancing the effectiveness of the body's benzodiazepine receptors. The benzodiazepine receptor is where GABA attached to the cell. Clonazepam allows GABA to bind more completely with the cell and might even boost the efficacy of GABA.

What is it used for in children?

At this time clonazepam is only recommend as a treatment for seizures in children. It is a very common anti-anxiety medication for adults, but there is insufficient data to recommend using it for that purpose in children.

How is it administered?

There are three versions of this medication available - a standard tablet, liquid form, and a disintegrating tablet. Discuss with your doctor which one is right for your child. The prescription can be given with a meal, with a glass of milk, or on an empty stomach. It should be given two or three times a day.

How much dosage is given?

Every child is different, your doctor will determine exactly how much the initial dosage will be. There are generally established dosage guidelines in place. The standard initial dose for children 10 years of age or less and weighing less than 30 kg is between 0.01 - 0.03 mg/kg/day, and shouldn't exceed 0.05 mg/kg/day. The dosage can be increased between 0.0025 - 0.005 mg/kg/day every third day until the seizures are under control, adverse effects inhit further increase, or the recommended maintenance dose of 0.1 -0.2 mg/kg/day is reached.

How long until the drug takes effect?

It may initally take a week or so for you to see the effects of the medication. The dosage is increased slowly until the maintenance dose is acheived, so your child may still have seizures at first.

What are the common side effects?

The most common side effects of clonazepam are increased drowsiness and general feeling of unsteadiness or clumsiness. Other less common side effects reported include:

Increased irritability
Drooling (in infants)
Blurry vision
Dry mouth

Which side effects are a sign of danger and need to be reported immediately?

If any of the following symptoms occur to your child you should contact a medical professional immediately:

Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction
Unusual bleeding or bruising
Increase in seizure frequency or severity
Signs of depression or suicidal thoughts

Are there any general guidelines than need to be followed?

Never give your child an extra dose or 2 doses
Never stop giving the medication without doctor approval, the amount of clonazepam taken needs to be tapered down slowly to avoid severe and possibly fatal withdrawal effects.
This drug has been show to be habit forming with long term use.