Clonazepam (marketed by Roche under the trade-names Klonopin in the United States and Rivotril in Europe, South America, Canada, and Australia) is a drug which is a benzodiazepine derivative. It is a highly potent anticonvulsant, amnestic and anxiolytic.

Like other benzodiazepines, clonazepam is believed to act by simulating the action of GABA on the central nervous system. Because of strong anxiolytic properties and euphoric side-effects it is said to be among the class of 'highly potent' benzodiazepines.

Clonazepam is commonly prescribed for:

* Epilepsy.
* Anxiety disorder. Due to the chronic nature of anxiety, long-term low-dose benzodiazepine treatment may be necessary for some patients; this continuation of treatment should not be considered abuse or addiction.
* Panic attacks
* Restless leg syndrome (RLS)
* Inital treatment of mania, together with firstline-drugs such as lithium, haloperidol or risperidone
* Hallucinogen persisting perception disorder (off-label use)
* Chronic fatigue syndrome
* Night terrors
* Tourette Syndrome - Clonazepam has shown to be helpful in reducing and dealing with the physical motor tics associated with TS, though is still considered an off-label usage by many.

Clonazepam can be useful for long-term treatment of some petit-mal forms of epilepsy in children and adolescents (adults may also respond well).

Before taking any prescription medicine, it is important that you consult your doctor!