What Is Klonopin?

Klonopin (Clonazepam) is a prescription benzodiazepine medication used to treat panic disorder and certain types of seizure disorders, including Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, myoclonic seizures, and absence seizures.

It is the brand name for Clonazepam, which belongs to the benzodiazepine anticonvulsant drug class. Klonopin was originally manufactured by Genentech (a subsidiary of Roche) and received FDA approval for seizure disorders and later for panic disorder. It is classified as a Schedule IV controlled substance by the DEA, meaning it has a recognized medical use but also carries a risk of abuse and dependence.

Klonopin is available as:

• Oral tablets: 0.5 mg, 1 mg, and 2 mg
• Orally disintegrating tablets (Klonopin Wafer / Clonazepam ODT): 0.125 mg, 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg, and 2 mg

Generic Clonazepam is widely available and manufactured by multiple companies, including Teva, Accord, and others.

What Is Klonopin Used For?

FDA-Approved Uses

• Panic disorder — with or without agoraphobia. This is one of the most common reasons Klonopin is prescribed.
• Seizure disorders — specifically Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (petit mal variant), akinetic seizures, and myoclonic seizures.
• Absence seizures (petit mal) — in patients who have not responded to succinimide medications.

Common Off-Label Uses

Doctors sometimes prescribe Klonopin for conditions not listed on the FDA label. Common off-label uses include:

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

Off-label prescribing is legal and common in medicine, but it means less clinical trial data exists for that specific use.

How Is Klonopin Taken?

Klonopin is taken by mouth. Here's what you need to know about taking it properly:

• Tablets: Swallow whole with water. Can be taken with or without food.
• Orally disintegrating tablets: Place on the tongue and let it dissolve. Swallow with or without water. Do not push the tablet through the foil backing — peel it open.
• Timing: Take at the same times each day for consistent blood levels.
• Do not stop abruptly: Stopping Klonopin suddenly can cause withdrawal seizures, even if you were taking it for anxiety. Always taper gradually under your doctor's supervision.

Typical Dosing

For panic disorder: The usual starting dose is 0.25 mg twice daily. Your doctor may increase the dose gradually, typically up to 1 mg per day. The maximum recommended dose is 4 mg per day.

For seizure disorders: The starting dose is usually 0.5 mg three times daily. The dose may be increased by 0.5 to 1 mg every three days until seizures are controlled. The maximum dose is 20 mg per day.

Your doctor will find the lowest effective dose for your condition. Higher doses carry more risk of side effects and dependence.

Who Should Not Take Klonopin?

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

• Significant liver disease — Klonopin is metabolized by the liver and can accumulate to dangerous levels.
• Acute narrow-angle glaucoma — Klonopin may worsen this eye condition.
• Known allergy to benzodiazepines — If you've had an allergic reaction to Clonazepam, Diazepam, Lorazepam, or any other benzodiazepine.

Use extra caution if you:

• Are pregnant or planning to become pregnant (risk of neonatal withdrawal and floppy infant syndrome)
• Are breastfeeding (Clonazepam passes into breast milk)
• Are 65 or older (increased sensitivity to side effects)
• Have respiratory conditions like COPD or sleep apnea
• Have a history of substance use disorder
• Take opioids, alcohol, or other CNS depressants

Klonopin carries an FDA boxed warning about the risk of combining it with opioids — this combination can cause fatal respiratory depression. It also has updated warnings about the risks of abuse, misuse, addiction, and severe withdrawal.

For a detailed look at side effects, read our guide on Klonopin side effects. For drug interactions, see Klonopin drug interactions.

How Much Does Klonopin Cost?

The cost of Klonopin varies significantly depending on whether you use the brand or generic, and whether you have insurance:

• Generic Clonazepam (retail): Approximately $25 to $45 for 30 tablets of 0.5 mg at retail price.
• Generic with discount coupon: As low as $8 to $15 for 30 tablets using GoodRx or SingleCare.
• Brand Klonopin: $100 to $300+ for 30 tablets, depending on the pharmacy.
• With insurance: Generic Clonazepam is typically covered as a Tier 1 preferred generic. Most patients pay $0 to $15 with insurance. Brand Klonopin may require prior authorization and often isn't covered.

For more ways to lower your cost, check out our complete guide to Klonopin coupons and savings programs.

Klonopin Availability in 2026

As of early 2026, Klonopin and generic Clonazepam are experiencing intermittent shortages. Some strengths — particularly 0.5 mg and 2 mg — have been on back order from certain manufacturers since 2023. Supply has improved somewhat, but availability can still vary by pharmacy and region.

If you're having trouble finding it, use Medfinder to check which pharmacies near you have it in stock.

Final Thoughts

Klonopin is an effective medication for panic disorder and seizure disorders when used as prescribed. It works quickly, is available as an affordable generic, and has decades of clinical use behind it. But it's also a controlled substance with real risks — including dependence, withdrawal, and dangerous interactions with opioids and alcohol.

If you're considering Klonopin or have questions about your current prescription, talk to your doctor. And if you want to understand more about how it works in your body, read our plain-English explanation of Klonopin's mechanism of action.