Discontinuation of clonazepam in patients with active epilepsy.
We report the effects of withdrawal of clonazepam (CZP) at a rate of 1 mg/week in 23 patients with chronic active epilepsy. Seventeen (74%) discontinued CZP successfully. No clinical features were identified that were associated with an increased risk of failure of CZP withdrawal. In the six patients in whom seizures increased, reintroduction of CZP rapidly resulted in control. No significant change in cognitive function, mood or behaviour was noted in the patients who discontinued CZP.
Chataway
J
J
University Department of Clinical Neurology, Institute of Neurology, London, UK.
Fowler
A
A
Thompson
P J
PJ
Duncan
J S
JS
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002998:Clonazepam / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D004569:Electroencephalography / Q000187:drug effects; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009460:Neurologic Examination / Q000187:drug effects; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D013375:Substance Withdrawal Syndrome / Q000209:etiology*
D002998:Clonazepam