Rivotril is a medication containing the active ingredient clonazepam, which is a benzodiazepine primarily used to treat various neurological and psychiatric conditions[8].
Main medical uses of Rivotril (clonazepam) include:
- Epilepsy and seizure disorders: Used to manage various forms of epilepsy such as Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, absence seizures (petit mal, including atypical absences), myoclonic, akinetic, tonic-clonic (grand mal), partial (focal) seizures, and other non-convulsive epileptic conditions in adults and children[1][5][8].
- Panic disorders: Effective in the treatment of panic disorder, with or without agoraphobia, characterized by unexpected episodes of intense fear[3][4][5].
- Anxiety disorders: Used for the short-term management of various anxiety conditions[1][2][6].
- Movement disorders: Treats involuntary muscle spasms and some forms of restless legs syndrome[2][6].
- Other neurological conditions: Sometimes prescribed off-label for restless leg syndrome, acute mania in bipolar disorder, insomnia, catatonic states, tardive dyskinesia, and akathisia associated with antipsychotic use[6][7].
Mechanism of action: Clonazepam enhances the activity of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a calming neurotransmitter in the brain, helping reduce abnormal brain activity that leads to seizures, anxiety, and muscle spasms[2][8].
Important notes: Rivotril/clonazepam is generally recommended for short-term use due to the risks of dependence and tolerance. Sudden discontinuation may result in withdrawal symptoms; therefore, it should be reduced gradually under medical supervision[2][4]. Side effects may include drowsiness, dizziness, and in rare cases, respiratory depression, especially when combined with other central nervous system depressants[2][7].
References
- [1] Clonazepam – Wikipedia
- [2] About clonazepam – NHS
- [3] Clonazepam (Klonopin): Uses, Side Effects, Interactions – WebMD
- [4] Clonazepam (Klonopin) | National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
- [5] Clonazepam: Uses, Interactions, Mechanism of Action – DrugBank
- [6] Clonazepam – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf
- [7] Clonazepam: MedlinePlus Drug Information
- [8] USES OF RIVOTRIL 2MG – Vinmec
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