What Is Clonazepam?

Clonazepam is a prescription benzodiazepine medication used to treat seizure disorders and panic disorder. Sold under the brand name Klonopin, it works by calming overactive electrical signals in the brain.

Originally developed by Roche and approved by the FDA for seizure disorders, Clonazepam later received approval for panic disorder as well. Today, it's one of the most commonly prescribed benzodiazepines in the United States, available as an affordable generic from manufacturers including Teva, Accord, Solco, Sun Pharma, and Actavis.

Clonazepam is classified as a Schedule IV controlled substance by the DEA, which means it has a recognized medical use but also carries a risk of dependence and misuse.

What Is Clonazepam Used For?

FDA-Approved Uses

Clonazepam is FDA-approved for:

• Seizure disorders: Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (petit mal variant), akinetic seizures, and myoclonic seizures
• Absence seizures (petit mal): In patients who haven't responded to succinimide medications
• Panic disorder: With or without agoraphobia

Off-Label Uses

Doctors also prescribe Clonazepam off-label for several other conditions:

• Generalized anxiety disorder
• Social anxiety disorder
• Restless legs syndrome
• REM sleep behavior disorder
• Essential tremor
• Acute mania
• Tardive dyskinesia
• Burning mouth syndrome
• Akathisia

Off-label use means the medication is prescribed for a condition it wasn't originally approved for, but a doctor has determined it may help based on clinical evidence.

How Is Clonazepam Taken?

Clonazepam comes in two forms:

• Oral tablets: 0.5 mg, 1 mg, and 2 mg
• Orally disintegrating tablets (ODT): 0.125 mg, 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg, and 2 mg — these dissolve on your tongue

Typical Dosing

For panic disorder:

• Starting dose: 0.25 mg twice daily
• May increase to 1 mg/day after 3 days
• Maximum dose: 4 mg/day

For seizure disorders:

• Starting dose: 0.5 mg three times daily
• May increase by 0.5-1 mg every 3 days
• Maximum dose: 20 mg/day

Important Instructions

• Take with or without food, usually 2-3 times daily
• Swallow regular tablets whole with water — don't crush or chew them
• For ODT tablets, place on your tongue and let it dissolve
• Never stop taking Clonazepam suddenly — this can cause dangerous withdrawal symptoms including seizures. Always taper under your doctor's supervision

To understand how Clonazepam works in your body, see our article on Clonazepam's mechanism of action.

Who Should Not Take Clonazepam?

Clonazepam is not safe for everyone. You should not take it if you have:

• An allergy to Clonazepam or other benzodiazepines (such as Diazepam, Lorazepam, or Alprazolam)
• Significant liver disease
• Acute narrow-angle glaucoma

Use caution and talk to your doctor if you:

• Are pregnant or planning to become pregnant (Category D — evidence of fetal risk)
• Are breastfeeding (Clonazepam passes into breast milk)
• Are over 65 (increased sensitivity to sedation and fall risk)
• Have kidney problems
• Have a history of substance use disorder

FDA Boxed Warning

Clonazepam carries a Boxed Warning — the FDA's most serious warning — about two major risks:

1. Opioid interaction: Taking Clonazepam with opioids (like Oxycodone, Hydrocodone, or Fentanyl) can cause profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and death
2. Dependence and withdrawal: Clonazepam can cause physical dependence. Abrupt discontinuation or rapid dose reduction can be life-threatening

For more on side effects, read our Clonazepam side effects guide. For drug interactions, see Clonazepam drug interactions.

How Much Does Clonazepam Cost?

The good news: generic Clonazepam is one of the more affordable prescription medications.

• Retail price: $30-$45 for a 30-day supply (without insurance)
• With discount coupons: As low as $8-$15 through services like GoodRx, SingleCare, or RxSaver
• With insurance: Most plans cover generic Clonazepam as a Tier 1 preferred generic, meaning your copay could be as low as $0-$10

Brand-name Klonopin is significantly more expensive and may require prior authorization from your insurance. Since the generic is widely available and bioequivalent, most patients use the generic.

For a full breakdown of savings options, see our guide to saving money on Clonazepam.

Availability in 2026

Clonazepam has been experiencing intermittent shortages since 2023, with certain strengths (particularly 0.5 mg and 2 mg) going in and out of stock at various pharmacies. If you're having trouble finding it, Medfinder can help you locate pharmacies near you that have Clonazepam in stock.

Final Thoughts

Clonazepam is an effective medication for seizure disorders and panic disorder when used as directed. Like all benzodiazepines, it requires careful management — including proper dosing, awareness of interactions, and gradual tapering when it's time to stop.

If you have questions about whether Clonazepam is right for you, talk to your doctor. And if you need help finding it at a pharmacy, Medfinder can point you in the right direction.