Epileptic seizures or fits are experienced when your brain sees excessive electric impulses. Abnormal signals occur all of a sudden in the brain –and, most of them may go off without showing up through any signs. However, in acute cases, you may have fits or convulsions. If such seizures become a chronic occurrence, it soon turns into epilepsy. Klonopin is administered for controlling fits / convulsions. But, can it be taken along with prednisone? It is a wise thing to know if these two drugs can be taken together.
During spells of seizures, your body may shake uncontrollably, you may be in a confused state of mind and you may also witness enhanced levels of sweating or falls. Though there is no basic cause identified for a sudden onset of fits, a few preconditions – such as injuries sustained on the head, tumors, strokes, etc. – are known to trigger them. Klonopin belongs to a class of meds known as antiepileptic meds or anticonvulsants – falling under a broader category called benzodiazepines. This drug calms your central nervous system as well as your brain and brings about needful relief from seizures.
Dosages of klonopin
No two people living with fits or epileptic seizures are prescribed with the same dosage plan. Your medication plan depends on your body weight, age and prior clinical ailments. The strength of your doses can also depend upon how well your system responds to the initial, low-strength dosages. In case of elderly people (who live with convulsions), the starting doses are always kept at a very low level. If no major side effects or discomforts show up, dosages are gradually increased among older patients. However, in case of children who have fits, their dosage plan depends on their body weight.
It is always advised to take this drug at the same time each day. However, long term intake of this drug may make it powerless; your body may get used to the active ingredients and may stop bringing about needful relief from seizures. Also, a longer term use of klonopin can make you addicted to it. Hence, it is always advised to use this drug as per the dosage instructions of your treating doctor.
Side effects of klonopin
This drug is likely to cause a few side effects. Most commonly experienced side effects include an enhanced production of saliva, feeling very drowsy or dizzy. In some cases, users have encountered a marked drop in coordination. Those who are experiencing mood shifts – including depression, nursing suicidal thoughts or making attempts to commit suicide are advised to consult with their caregiver without any further delay.
In some one-off cases, klonopin has caused a few allergic reactions. Acute allergic reactions can include itchiness, inflammation and rashes on skin, inflammation of facial or oral organs. In some instances, users have also experienced breathing difficulties – such as shallowing of respiratory cycles, wheezing or gasping for breath.
What is prednisone?
Prednisone is a med that forms part of a category of drugs called corticosteroids. It is administered for treating episodes of asthma as well as other breathing conditions (such as bronchitis or chronic obstructive pulmonary disorders – COPD), anemia or lack of sufficient amount of red cells, various types of allergies as well as autoimmune conditions like arthritis. This steroid works on your immune system to lower the defense levels. Thus, it serves as a remedy for allergic conditions such as skin problems, swelling or inflammation. Prednisone may trigger discomforts such as vomiting, acne or skin conditions and decrease in appetite level, insomnia or other sleep related problems. In a few instances, users experienced inflammation of facial muscles / puffing up of face, increase in weight, cramps, etc.
PrednisoneIntake of klonopin along with prednisone
You need to tell your caregiver about all the drugs you are currently taking, prior to commencing a treatment plan. Prednisone and klonopin – when taken together – may cause pain during menstrual cycles among women. In men, an acute spell of pain in abdomen and severe episodes of nausea have been reported. In some remote cases, such co-administration has led to increase in inner eye fluid pressure, drop in filtering efficiencies of your kidneys, breathing difficulties as well as hepatic problems. Those who have had prior conditions of mental problems – such a mood shifts / prior suicides in the family history, etc. must stay away from taking these drugs together.
Both these drugs can make you drowsy as well as dizzy. In elderly people, these drugs can lead to accidental falls or impairment of motor function. Owing to these risks, you are advised not to take alcohol along with klonopin and / or prednisone. Those who have had prior episodes of substance abuse or addiction to intoxicating substances such as alcohol, marijuana (cannabis), etc. need to keep their caregiving team informed of such experiences.
In some children, intake of these drugs is linked to a few developmental problems. However, these effects are not fully ascertained yet. So, it is considered a safe practice to talk to your child’s doctor or a pediatrician prior to administering these two drugs. Also, women who are pregnant and those who are nursing a newly born baby may need to exercise caution prior to taking either of these drugs. As the active chemicals used in these drugs can get into mother’s milk / breastmilk, you need to talk to your gynecologist prior to consuming any of these drugs. On the other hand, those who are planning to get pregnant must use a contraceptive such as vaginal ring, skin patches or use any other non-hormonal birth control techniques.
In sum, taking klonopin and prednisone together can cause a few adverse reactions. Chiefly, you may witness episodes of severe pain during periods (in women); while in men, this combination is likely to trigger pain and a few other abdominal discomforts such as acute spells of nausea. People with earlier experiences of substance abuse or mental conditions (such as depression, suicidal thinking, etc.) must keep themselves away from taking these drugs. The risks mentioned here do not form part of a complete list. Hence, a co-administration of klonopin and prednisone may trigger a few unknown side effects and / or discomforts. It is always recommended to talk to a qualified caregiver prior to starting your medication plan.
Education: Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) from the University of Florida. Experience: 5 years as a pharmacist and medical writer, creating content on medication management and pharmaceutical news for healthcare blogs and patient education sites.
