Zapiz 1mg Tablet

Zapiz tablet belongs to the class of benzodiazepines. The active ingredient in the Zapiz tablet is clonazepam. It is thought that benzodiazepines work by enhancing the activity of certain neurotransmitters in the brain.

Zapiz tablet treats certain seizure disorders (including absence seizures or Lennox-Gastaut syndrome) in adults and children. Zapiz is used to treat panic disorder (including agoraphobia) in adults. It calms and sedates and may be used to treat anxiety, as an anticonvulsant, or for its sedative effects.

The medicine should be used with caution and under medical supervision and guidance as misuse of clonazepam can cause addiction, overdose, or death. Zapiz tablet can slow or stop your breathing, primarily in case of recent use of alcohol, any opioid medicine or other medication that may cause slowing of breath.

Dosage

Overdose

Symptoms of overdose may include sleepiness, mental confusion, weakness, or even coma. An overdose can be fatal if you take it with alcohol, opioid medicine, or other drugs that cause drowsiness or slow your breathing. Contact your doctor immediately if you suspect an overdose.

Missed a Dose

In case you have missed a dose, take medicine as soon as you can; however, if it is almost near the time for the next dose, then skip the missed dose and continue as usual. Never take a double dose to compensate for the missed one.

Mode of Action

How Does It Work?

Zapiz tablet acts on nerve cells to calm abnormal electrical activity within the brain. It is unknown how clonazepam works, but its effects are believed to be due to its ability to bind and enhance gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) affinity strongly. This neurotransmitter blocks the impulses between the nerve cells in the brain. Low gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) levels have been linked to anxiety, mood disorders, seizure disorders, and pain.

Directions for Use

• Take Zapiz tablet exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
• The regular Zapiz tablet should be swallowed whole with water.
• For orally disintegrating tablets, dry your hands and then peel open the packaging. Take Zapiz tablet and place it in your mouth immediately. The tablet dissolves quickly and can be swallowed with or without any water.
• Zapiz tablet may be taken with or without food. It is recommended to take it with food if you experience an upset stomach.
• It may be taken every day at the same time or as per the regular dosing schedule.
• This medication should not be used more than prescribed and not for a period longer than prescribed.

Precautions and Warnings

Pregnancy

Can I take a Zapiz tablet during pregnancy?

Don’t start or discontinue Zapiz tablet during pregnancy without speaking to your doctor first. Use is recommended during pregnancy only after a medical consultation.

Breast Feeding

Can I take a Zapiz tablet while breastfeeding?

Discuss with your doctor and then decide whether to discontinue the medication or discontinue breastfeeding depending on the mother’s condition. Zapiz tablet should be used only if needed.

Driving

Can I drive if I have taken a Zapiz tablet?

No, it is better to avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know the effects of the medicine, as dizziness or drowsiness can result in accidents.

Alcohol

Can I consume alcohol with a Zapiz tablet?

No, do not drink alcohol. Alcohol may potentiate the effects of dizziness and drowsiness; it should be avoided as dangerous side effects or death could occur.

Other General Warnings

Talk to your doctor if

• You have kidney or liver disease.
• You have breathing problems.
• You have or had depression, mood problems, suicidal thoughts or behaviour.
• You have Porphyria (a genetic enzyme disorder that causes symptoms affecting the skin or nervous system).
• You are on other medications, vitamins, supplements, herbal supplements, which could cause medicine interactions and other side effects with Zapiz tablet.

Contraindications

• Eye problems (narrow-angle glaucoma).
• Severe liver disease.
• If you have had an allergic reaction to the benzodiazepine group of medications, including alprazolam, diazepam, lorazepam, and others.

Side effects

• Rash
• Breathing problems.
• Drowsiness, dizziness.
• Feeling tired or depressed.
• Memory problems.
• Body aches or pain.
• Fever and chills.
• Cough.
• Ear congestion.

Interactions

Interactions with other medicines

• Medications used to treat anxiety such as other benzodiazepines (diazepam and oxazepam).
• Medications used to treat seizures (anticonvulsants) such as phenytoin.
• Medications used to treat depression (antidepressants) like nortriptyline, amitriptyline, and imipramine.
• Medications used to treat allergies (antihistamines) that cause sleepiness like diphenhydramine.
• Duloxetine.
• Other antidepressants include selegiline, isocarboxazid, or phenelzine (Monoamine oxidase inhibitors).
• Medications used for pain relief include oxycodone and morphine (Opioid analgesics).
• Medications are used to relieve and relax muscle spasms (cyclobenzaprine).
• Medications used for aiding sleep, such as zolpidem.
• Some medications are used in the treatment of cancer (chemotherapy).
• Medications used to treat mental health conditions (clozapine and thioridazine).

Interactions with food items

• No specific food interactions have been observed; however, discuss any change that may be needed in your diet with your doctor.

Storage and disposal

It should be stored in the container it came in. Store at room temperature and away from moisture, heat, and light. Keep out of children and pets reach. Expired or unused medication should be appropriately disposed of. Do not flush the medication down the toilet or pour them into the drain unless instructed to do so. Properly dispose of when it is expired or no longer needed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I stop Zapiz tablet once I start feeling better?

Do not stop using the medicine suddenly, even if you feel fine. Sudden discontinuation of the medication can cause an increase in seizures or other withdrawal symptoms. Consult your doctor prior to discontinuation. Your doctor may recommend a tapering dosing schedule before completely discontinuing.

Can Zapiz tablet be used in elderly patients?

It should be used with caution and under medical supervision in this group of patients, as older patients may be more sensitive to the effects of the medicine. All precautions must be taken to prevent falls and accidents due to the side effects of dizziness and drowsiness.

Can Zapiz tablet cause drug dependence?

Zapiz tablet is potentially addictive and may cause emotional and physical dependence. Use of the lowest dose for the shortest time is recommended to reduce the chances of dependency.