Clonazepam is a benzodiazepine medication used to treat panic disorder and seizure disorders. It is produced as a generic and branded medication, including the generic form produced by Teva Pharmaceuticals, which is available as a tablet and an orally disintegrating tablet.
- Clonazepam is a benzodiazepine medication, available as a generic and branded tablet. It is a Schedule IV controlled substance due to its risk of abuse and addiction.
- Teva Pharmaceuticals produces a clonazepam tablet in three different strengths and an orally disintegrating tablet in five strengths.
- Each tablet is a different color and has a number imprinted on the side for easy identification.
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What is the Teva pill?
Teva Pharmaceuticals is a pharmaceutical company that produces a range of medications. One medication Teva produces is clonazepam, available as a tablet in three different strengths (i.e., Teva 832, Teva 833, and Teva 834) and an orally disintegrating tablet (ODT) in five different strengths. [1][2]
Clonazepam is a benzodiazepine medication, which is a Schedule IV controlled substance due to its abuse, addiction, and dependence potential. Clonazepam is available as a generic medication, such as the Teva-produced pill, and the brand-name medication, Klonopin.
How clonazepam works and its medical uses
Clonazepam is a benzodiazepine with a long duration of action that creates anxiolytic, sedative, and anticonvulsant effects. Clonazepam acts on gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), an inhibitory neurotransmitter that causes a calming effect on the brain. Clonazepam modulates GABA-A receptors, enhancing this effect. [3]
Teva clonazepam is produced as a tablet and ODT, which are administered orally. The tablet is swallowed whole, and the ODT is placed in the mouth where it disintegrates with saliva. After ingestion, effects begin to emerge within 30 minutes and peak between 1-4 hours. [1][2][4]
Clonazepam is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat panic disorder and seizure disorders such as epilepsy. Additionally, it is used off-label for purposes including managing acute mania, insomnia, restless leg syndrome, and tardive dyskinesia. [3]
Identifying Teva clonazepam pills and dosage forms
Teva clonazepam oral tablets are available in three different strengths, each of a different color and imprinted with a different number: [1]
- TEVA 832: The 0.5 mg tablet is round and yellow, scored down the middle, and imprinted with TEVA on one side and 832 on the other.
- TEVA 833: The 1 mg tablet is round and mottled green, imprinted with TEVA on one side and 833 on the other.
- TEVA 834: The 2 mg tablet is round and white or off-white, imprinted with TEVA on one side and 834 on the other.
The ODT are produced in five different strengths: [2]
- The 0.125 mg tablet is round and white, and imprinted with ā on one side and b 94 on the other.
- The 0.25 mg tablet is round and white, and imprinted with Ā¼ on one side and b 95 on the other.
- The 0.5 mg tablet is round and white, and imprinted with Ā½ on one side and b 96 on the other.
- The 1 mg tablet is round and white, and imprinted with 1 on one side and b 97 on the other.
- The 2 mg tablet is round and white, and imprinted with 2 on one side and b 98 on the other.
Dosage and administration
Adults with seizure disorders will start on a low dose of clonazepam, often 1.5mg per day divided into three doses. This can then be increased by 0.5 to 1 mg every three days until symptoms are managed. This dose will vary from person to person. The recommended maximum daily dose is 20 mg in divided doses. [1][2]
To treat children with seizure disorders, doses start between 0.01 to 0.03 mg per kg of body weight per day, in three divided doses. This can be increased every three days by 0.25 to 0.5 mg until symptoms are managed, side effects prevent further increases, or a daily dose of 0.1 to 0.2 mg per kg has been reached. [1][2]
Adults with panic disorder will initially be prescribed a dose of 0.25 mg to be taken twice per day. These doses can be doubled after three days, to reach the target dose of 1 mg per day. This is generally an effective dose, although some people may require up to 4 mg per day. [1][2] Using clonazepam to treat panic disorder in people under 18 years is not recommended.
Doses should be gradually decreased when treatment is discontinued, by 0.125 mg increments every three days until complete cessation. Tapering can be paused or continued more gradually if required. [1][2]
Clonazepam drug interactions and precautions
The use of benzodiazepines, such as clonazepam, with opioids should be avoided unless medically necessary, as this can result in severe central nervous system (CNS) depression, causing extreme sedation, slowed or stopped breathing, coma, and/or death. [1]
Similarly, the CNS depressant effects of clonazepam can be enhanced by alcohol, other benzodiazepines, barbiturates, antianxiety medications, and certain antidepressants, so concomitant use is not recommended. [3]
Side effects and risks
Medications can cause side effects, particularly at the start of a new treatment or after increasing the dose. Often, these effects will be alleviated within a couple of weeks. If side effects persist or become problematic, contact a doctor immediately.
Common side effects of clonazepam include: [1][2][5]
- Sedation and drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Coordination problems
- Impaired memory and concentration
- Blurry vision
- Pain in muscles or joints
- Frequent urination
- Increased saliva
- Heart palpitations
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Dry mouth
- Changes in appetite
- Nausea
- Muscle weakness
- Sexual dysfunction
Rare side effects
Rare and potentially serious side effects of clonazepam that should be reported to a doctor include: [1][2][5]
- Trouble breathing
- Trouble with swallowing
- Chest pain and shortness of breath
- Swollen face, mouth, eyes, or throat
- Rash or hives
- Severe changes in mood and behavior, including depression, aggression, or psychotic symptoms
Risks
Risks of clonazepam use include: [1][3]
- Overdose: Taking large doses of clonazepam can cause overdose, which may be potentially fatal. Symptoms of clonazepam overdose can include extreme drowsiness or confusion, and loss of consciousness.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding risks: Using clonazepam during pregnancy and breastfeeding may cause risks to the development of the fetus and the health of the infant.
- Age-related risks: Children and older adults may experience an increased risk of adverse effects when using clonazepam. Use in these age groups should be carefully monitored and doses adjusted as necessary.
- Driving risks: Clonazepam causes drowsiness. It is recommended that people using clonazepam do not drive until they know how the medication will affect them.
- Health issues: Clonazepam may not be safe for people who have or have had glaucoma or lung, kidney, or liver disease.
- Suicidal ideation: Some people taking clonazepam may experience suicidal thoughts during treatment. Before starting treatment, individuals and their family members or caregivers should be made aware of this risk and advised to monitor for concerning signs.
Teva clonazepam vs. Other benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines all have a similar mechanism of action but vary in their onset and duration of effects. Benzodiazepines are typically prescribed to treat anxiety, sleep, seizures, or movement disorders. [6]
Teva clonazepam begins working within 30 minutes, and the effects can last up to 12 hours. Other benzodiazepines differ, for example: [4]
- Alprazolam (Xanax) also begins working within 30 minutes, but its effects last up to six hours.
- Diazepam (Valium) begins working within 15 minutes and its effects last up to six hours.
- Lorazepam (Ativan) effects emerge within 30 minutes and remain for up to eight hours.
- Triazolam (Halcion) effects emerge within 30 minutes and remain for only up to 5 hours.
Withdrawal and dependence
Long-term clonazepam use can lead to the development of physical dependence. This means that the body becomes reliant upon the effects of the medication, and if it is stopped, withdrawal symptoms will occur. [1]
Common withdrawal symptoms caused by stopping clonazepam include: [1][2][5]
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Impairments with memory or concentration
- Shaking
- Pain and stiffness
- Restlessness
- Convulsions
- Extreme changes in mental state
- Prickling or burning sensations in the limbs
- Hallucinations or delusions
- Suicidal thoughts or thoughts of harming yourself
Withdrawal symptoms can be more severe if the medication is stopped abruptly, so a gradual dose reduction is recommended when discontinuing treatment. Some people may require professional support to safely withdraw from clonazepam, particularly if they have used or misused the medication for a prolonged period and in high doses. [3]
Clonazepam addiction potential
Clonazepam use can lead to dependence and addiction. This risk may be higher in those with a history of substance use issues, prolonged clonazepam treatment, or clonazepam use or misuse in high doses. Addiction to clonazepam can occur with or without the development of physical dependence and may be characterized by changes in mood and behavior linked to clonazepam use. [1][3]
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