Clonazepam: Is Klonopin Safe for Kids?

If your child is living with a condition such as anxiety, seizures, or a sleep disorder, clonazepam (brand name “Klonopin”) might be a good solution. But, as a parent, you may ask, “Is Clonazepam safe for kids?” The short answer is, yes, it can be –  but only under the watchful eye of a trained health provider.

Understanding the link between teen mental health and clonazepam treatment can go a long way in helping you and your child make the best decisions for their well-being. Whether you choose to use Klonopin for treating teen anxiety or another treatment, Mission Prep can work with you to find the right solution for your teen.

This article can also help, as it gives you the rundown on Klonopin and explores extra topics, including:

  • The uses of Klonopin
  • How clonazepam affects behavior
  • Clonazepam side effects for teens and kids
  • Safety of this medication
  • Clonazepam dosage for teenagers and kids
  • Safely stopping clonazepam
  • Alternatives to benzodiazepines
Clonazepam: Is Klonopin Safe for Kids?

What is Clonazepam Used For?

Clonazepam is part of the benzodiazepine family of medications.1 It works by increasing a chemical in the brain called “gamma-aminobutyric acid” (GABA for short). By doing so, clonazepam helps people feel calm, even if they’re coping with mental health problems like panic disorder and anxiety.

Clonazepam is often used to treat conditions like:
2
  • Seizure disorders,
    such as epilepsy
  • Panic disorders and panic attacks
  • Sleep disturbances, like insomnia or night terrors
  • Restless legs syndrome
  • Tardive dyskinesia involuntary movement that can be a side effect of antipsychotic medications 
  • REM sleep behavior disorders

Because Klonopin only takes about one hour to work for panic disorder, when administered properly by a provider, it can help reduce symptoms that disrupt a person’s day-to-day life rather quickly. For this reason, it can be a life-changing medication for teens and kids coping with severe anxiety.
3

But, there is a downside. Klonopin can have some serious side effects, affect behavior, and even lead to addiction. Hence, it’s important to never misuse this medication and always talk to a provider about any negative side effects a teen might experience.

How Does Clonazepam Affect Behavior?

Clonazepam works by increasing the activity of the neurotransmitter GABA, which slows down brain activity. This calming effect is particularly helpful for conditions involving increased brain activity, such as seizures and anxiety disorders.4

But these effects may also lead to mood, focus, and behavioral changes, including:
5
  • Tiredness
  • Impaired attention and memory
  • Irritability
  • Hyperactivity, especially in children
  • Depression, usually in adults

It can be scary to experience behavior changes when starting a new medication like clonazepam. As a parent, you might wonder if the benefits outweigh the cons of clonazepam and emotional stability in teenagers. Additionally, a teen taking the medication might worry about how the medication will affect their daily life and relationships.

It’s important to talk to your mental health provider about any concerns or changes you notice while on clonazepam. For instance, if a teen feels hyperactive or irritable, you might want to discuss adjusting the dosage. You’ll also want to be on the lookout for other side effects of Clonazepam, which we discuss later in this article.

Clonazepam Dosage Guidelines for Children

Clonazepam dosage for teenagers and children is highly specific, as their bodies process medications differently than adults. The following is an overview of general guidelines based on different conditions.2

Seizures

Adults and adolescents (weight > 30 kg or 66 lbs): Therapy should start with 0.5 mg tablets taken orally three times daily. The dosage may be increased by 0.5-1 mg every three days until seizures are under control. The maximum daily dose should not exceed 20 mg.

Pediatric patients (weight < 30 kg): Starting dosage is typically 0.01-0.03 mg per day orally (not to exceed 0.05 mg per day) divided into two or three doses. The maximum dose shouldn’t exceed 0.1-0.2 mg in 3 doses.

Panic Disorder

Research shows that Klonopin is helpful for treating panic disorder in children at doses from 0.5–3 mg.6 Of course, every teen is different, so doses can change depending on what your health provider feels is right.

Side Effects of Clonazepam in Children

Like any medication, clonazepam comes with potential side effects. Fortunately, since many providers only prescribe this medication for a few weeks, most teens won’t have to tolerate these side effects for too long.

However, if your provider is using Klonopin for
generalized anxiety disorder in teens, Klonopin for teen stress management, or other chronic conditions, you’ll need to be aware of the possibility of side effects. Some common side effects you might experience while on clonazepam include:7
  • Feeling dizzy, drowsy, fatigued, or lightheaded
  • Impaired coordination
  • Decreased ability to concentrate
  • Headache
  • Restlessness

Clonazepam side effects for teens usually go away within the first two weeks
of starting the medication. If they continue, it’s best to let your provider know, as they may adjust the dose or switch medications. It’s also important to let them know immediately of more serious side effects like:
  • Shortness of breath
  • Trouble speaking
  • Extreme tiredness
  • Fainting
  • Increased heart rate
  • Memory impairment
  • Allergic reactions
  • Hallucinations

Most health providers will start a teen on smaller doses of the medication to help reduce the chances of serious side effects. However, if a teen experiences any of these issues, it’s important to communicate this straight away.

Is Clonazepam Safe for Children?

With some exceptions, clonazepam is safe for children if taken while under the care and monitoring of a mental health provider. The following are some things to consider about clonazepam’s safety for children and teens.

The FDA Approves Its Use

The good news is that Klonopin is highly safe for most people, to the point that the FDA has approved it for two uses:8
  1. Panic Disorder treatment with or without agoraphobia.
  2. Seizure disorder treatment.

The FDA recommends short-term treatment of anxiety (less than nine weeks) with Klonopin. This is because there are no clinical trials that show Klonopin is effective for anxiety after this period.

Klonopin Is Widely Tolerated by Teens

Like all medications, Klonopin has certain “contraindications,” or situations when it should not be used.2 These include people with conditions or issues such as:
  • Liver disease
  • Kidney disease or dysfunction
  • Narrow-angular glaucoma
  • Drug sensitivities

The good news is that these issues don’t usually affect teens, meaning most can safely take clonazepam. Of course, if a teen does develop a disease that would make Klonopin dangerous, your provider will likely switch them to another medication.

Risks of Long-Term Klonopin Use in Teens

Most parents won’t need to worry about the risks of long-term Klonopin use in teens. But what if their health provider wants to use this medication for longer than a few weeks?

It’s important to know that some teens might experience long-term effects like weight gain while taking this medication. But, while Klonopin and weight gain in teenagers is
reported, it’s not overly common or is modest.9

Still, there are other long-term effects to look out for, including:
10
  • Negative changes in sleep
  • Cognitive decline
  • Anger and irritability
  • Forgetfulness
  • Increased risk of dementia

After using clonazepam for panic disorder in teenagers, some might find it hard to stop taking it. Your healthcare provider will gradually reduce the dosage and help you a teen stop taking Klonopin safely.
Mission Prep can also help your teen naturally reduce their anxiety and learn how to develop coping skills for panic disorder and generalized anxiety disorder.

Stopping Clonazepam Safely in Adolescents

Clonazepam is addictive and is one of the most widely available benzodiazepines sold illegally.11 For this reason, providers will monitor its use closely and help a teen stop clonazepam safely. Additionally, as clonazepam is a benzodiazepine, stopping suddenly can lead to uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms, including the following.

Klonopin Withdrawal Symptoms in Adolescents:12

  • Sleep disturbances
  • Increased tension and anxiety
  • Panic attacks
  • Hand tremor
  • Dry retching and nausea
  • Weight loss
  • Palpitations
  • Muscle pain and stiffness
  • Seizures
  • Psychosis

While a teen might be tempted to stop taking Klonopin cold turkey, it’s important to consult with your health provider first. They can help you taper off the medication gradually and prevent clonazepam withdrawal symptoms and other medical complications from happening.

Alternatives to Clonazepam for Children and Teens

If you’re concerned about the safety of clonazepam or its side effects, it may be worth exploring other options. Exploring alternative mental health treatments, in consultation with your mental healthcare provider, can help ensure your child receives safe and effective care. Alternatives to Klonopin for treating teen anxiety include the following. 

Other Medications for Anxiety

There are other medications that can be used along with or instead of Klonopin. These might take several weeks to work as opposed to the fast-acting nature of clonazepam. Yet, they can still make a big difference in treating anxiety. Instead of using clonazepam for social anxiety in teens or treating generalized anxiety, perhaps consider medications such as the following.14

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
, including:

Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)
, including:

Tricyclic antidepressants
, such as:
  • Clomipramine (Anafranil)
  • Imipramine (Tofranil)

While these medications may take longer to work than clonazepam, they have been proven to be safe and mostly well-tolerated. Plus, these
antidepressants may be especially helpful in treating anxiety disorders when combined with therapy.

Therapy-Based Approaches for Anxiety

Mission Prep offers different effective therapies that can help your child take control of their anxiety. These include:

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) To Rewire Unhealthy Thoughts

CBT
is one of the most effective and trusted therapies used in mental health treatment. Instead of using Klonopin for treating teen insomnia or anxiety, CBT can act as a first-line therapeutic defense for sleep issues and anxiety.

During CBT, a therapist works with your child to identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to their anxiety. This can help them develop healthier coping mechanisms, change negative thought patterns, and prevent anxious thoughts from becoming overwhelming.

Exposure Therapy To Ease Anxiety

Exposure therapy is another effective approach used at Mission Prep for treating anxiety. It involves gradually exposing your child to their fears in a safe and controlled environment.

Through repeated exposure, the goal is to decrease the level of fear and anxiety associated with a trigger. As a result, your child can learn how to manage their anxiety and face their fears.
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Mindfulness-Based Therapies To Help With Stress

Mindfulness-based therapies
are becoming increasingly popular as a way to manage anxiety and stress. Teens go through many challenges in school, be it from peer pressure or academic demands.

Mindfulness-based therapies can help teens build resilience and learn how to cope with stress, accept their thoughts and feelings, and improve their overall well-being. They’re easy to do any time and can be as simple as doing a breathing exercise or as advanced as doing yoga

Weighing the Benefits and Risks of Clonazepam With Help From Mission Prep

Making the decision to use clonazepam for teen mental health isn’t a decision that should be made lightly. While Klonopin for teen mental health can be valuable in easing symptoms, it still comes with a range of potential side effects and risks. If you have questions or need further resources, Mission Prep is here to help. 

Our team of experts can offer guidance and information for you to make the right decisions about your child’s mental health and well-being. The best treatment package for your child comes down to their unique symptoms and circumstances. If medication becomes a part of this package, it’s because it’s the right choice for their needs.

We also provide individual and group therapy in our inpatient mental health treatment centers in California and Virginia. Additionally, we can offer outpatient mental health and telehealth treatment options to help your teen get through the challenges of anxiety. 

Contact Mission Prep via telephone today to explore our treatment options and learn more about medications and mental health treatment for your teen. Our expert team of therapists, psychiatrists, and medical professionals is here to help your child achieve mental wellness and long-lasting success.

Is Clonazepam (Klonopin) Safe for Kids

References

  1. NHS. (2023a, January 27). About clonazepam. https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/clonazepam/about-clonazepam/
  2. Basit, H., & Kahwaji, C. I. (2023a). Clonazepam. PubMed; StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK556010/ 
  3. NHS. (2023b, January 27). Common questions about clonazepam. https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/clonazepam/common-questions-about-clonazepam/
  4. Ghasemi, M., Navidhamidi, M., Rezaei, F., Azizikia, A., & Mehranfard, N. (2022). Anxiety and hippocampal neuronal activity: Relationship and potential mechanisms. Cognitive, Affective & Behavioral Neuroscience, 22(3), 431–449. https://doi.org/10.3758/s13415-021-00973-y 
  5. Epilepsy Foundation. (n.d.). Clonazepam. https://www.epilepsy.com/tools-resources/seizure-medication-list/clonazepam 
  6. Biederman, J. (1987). Clonazepam in the treatment of prepubertal children with panic-like symptoms. The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 48 Suppl, 38–42. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3667548/ 
  7. National Alliance on Mental Illness. (n.d.). Clonazepam (Klonopin) | NAMI. https://www.nami.org/about-mental-illness/treatments/mental-health-medications/types-of-medication/clonazepam-klonopin/ 
  8. Genentech USA. (2013, October). Klonopin Tablets (clonazepam) . Www.accessdata.fda.gov; US Food and Drug Administration. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2013/017533s05 3
  9. Stahl, S. M., & Strawn, J. R. (2024). CLONAZEPAM. In Prescriber’s Guide – Children and Adolescents: Stahl’s Essential Psychopharmacology (pp. 141–148). Cambridge University Press. https://doi.org/10.1017/9781009267526.015 
  10. Edinoff, A. N., Nix, C. A., Hollier, J., Sagrera, C. E., Delacroix, B. M., Abubakar, T., Cornett, E. M., Kaye, A. M., & Kaye, A. D. (2021). Benzodiazepines: Uses, dangers, and clinical considerations. Neurology International, 13(4), 594–607. https://doi.org/10.3390/neurolint13040059 
  11. Department of Justice/Drug Enforcement Administration. (2020). Benzodiazepines WHAT ARE BENZODIAZEPINES? https://www.dea.gov/sites/default/files/2020-06/Benzodiazepenes-2020_1.pdf 
  12. Peturrson, H. (1994). The benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome. Addiction, 89(11), 1455–1459. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1360-0443.1994.tb03743.x
  13. Bandelow, B., Michaelis, S., & Wedekind, D. (2017). Treatment of Anxiety Disorders. Generalized Anxiety Disorders, 19(2), 93–107. https://doi.org/10.31887/dcns.2017.19.2/bbandelow 
  14. Catanese, L. (2024, July 15). Exposure therapy: What is it and how can it help? Harvard Health. https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/exposure-therapy-what-is-it-and-how-can-it-help