Clonotril Plus Tablet ( 15 Tab )

CLONOTRIL PLUS TABLET (15 TAB) by TORRENT PHARMACEUTICALS LTD.

CLONOTRIL PLUS TABLET is a prescription medicine manufactured by Torrent Pharmaceuticals Ltd., primarily used to manage anxiety disorders. It is a combination medication that helps to improve mood and reduce anxiety symptoms.

• Name:

  • Brand Name: Clonotril Plus Tablet
  • Common Name: Clonazepam + Escitalopram

• Composition:

  • CLONOTRIL PLUS TABLET contains a combination of two active ingredients: Clonazepam and Escitalopram.
  • Typically, it contains Clonazepam 0.5 mg and Escitalopram 10 mg.
  • Clonazepam is a benzodiazepine that works by enhancing the effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a natural chemical in the brain, producing a calming and relaxing effect by suppressing abnormal nerve cell activity.
  • Escitalopram is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) that increases serotonin levels in the brain, thereby improving mood, behavior, and cognition.

• Uses: CLONOTRIL PLUS TABLET is prescribed for the treatment of various mental health conditions, including:

  • Anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and social anxiety disorder (SAD).
  • Panic disorder, helping to reduce the frequency and intensity of panic attacks.
  • Comorbid depression and anxiety disorder.
  • May also aid in improving sleep quality.

• Dosage and Administration:

  • CLONOTRIL PLUS TABLET should be taken orally as prescribed by a doctor.
  • It can be taken with or without food, but it is advisable to take it at the same time each day for consistent medicine levels in the body.
  • Swallow the tablet whole; do not crush, chew, or break it.
  • Do not stop taking the medicine abruptly, as it can cause withdrawal symptoms.

• Side Effects:

  • Common Side Effects: Nausea, headache, dizziness, confusion, drowsiness, fatigue, sleeping problems, breathlessness, poor coordination of movements, stomach upset, decreased libido (low sexual desire), memory problems, dry mouth, increased sweating, diarrhea, constipation, and delayed ejaculation.
  • Serious Side Effects (Consult doctor immediately if experienced): Suicidal thoughts, allergic reactions (skin rash, swelling of face, wheezing), signs of heart-related problems (breathlessness, chest pain, swelling of ankles).

• Precautions:

  • Avoid consuming alcohol during treatment due to the increased risk of serious adverse effects like dizziness and drowsiness.
  • CLONOTRIL PLUS TABLET may cause dizziness and drowsiness, so avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how it affects you.
  • Use with caution in patients with severe liver impairment, kidney failure, diabetes, and heart disease.
  • Not recommended for use in children under 18 years unless prescribed by a specialist.
  • Inform your doctor about any history of seizures, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or if you are taking other antidepressants, antipsychotics, antihypertensives, or antibiotics.
  • Pregnant and breastfeeding women should use this medicine only if clearly advised by a doctor.

• Storage:

  • Store in a cool and dry place away from sunlight.
  • Keep it in a tightly closed container and out of the sight and reach of children.
  • Store at room temperature (10ºC to 25ºC or below 30ºC) and protect from moisture and light.

What is Clonotril Plus Tablet used for?

Clonotril Plus Tablet is primarily used to treat anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and anxiety associated with depression. It can also be used to manage depression, panic attacks, social anxiety disorder, insomnia, and sometimes obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

How does Clonotril Plus Tablet work?

Clonotril Plus Tablet is a combination of two medicines: Clonazepam and Escitalopram. Clonazepam is a benzodiazepine that works by increasing the action of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a natural chemical messenger in the brain that helps suppress abnormal nerve cell activity, producing a calming effect. Escitalopram is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) that increases the levels of serotonin, another chemical messenger in the brain, which helps improve mood, behavior, and cognition. This dual action helps maintain chemical equilibrium in the brain, leading to calming, anxiolytic, muscle relaxing, and mood-enhancing effects.

What is the usual dosage of Clonotril Plus Tablet?

Clonotril Plus Tablet should be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor. It can be taken orally with or without food, typically once daily. It's advised to take it at the same time each day to maintain a consistent level of medicine in the body. Do not crush, chew, or break the tablet; swallow it whole with a glass of water. The dosage and duration of treatment are determined by your doctor based on your condition and it's important not to exceed the prescribed dose.

What are the possible side effects of Clonotril Plus Tablet?

Common side effects of Clonotril Plus Tablet include nausea, headache, dizziness, confusion, drowsiness, fatigue, sleeping problems (insomnia), stomach upset, decreased libido (low sexual desire), and memory problems. Other possible side effects may include dry mouth, constipation, diarrhea, increased or decreased appetite, restlessness, anxiety, abnormal dreams, tremors, yawning, muscle and joint pain, and weight changes (gain or loss). If any of these side effects persist or worsen, consult your doctor.

Is Clonotril Plus Tablet safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

Clonotril Plus Tablet is generally not recommended for use during pregnancy as there is definite evidence of risk to the developing baby, and it may lead to withdrawal symptoms and birth defects. It should only be used if the potential benefits clearly outweigh the risks, and under strict medical advice.

For breastfeeding mothers, Clonotril Plus Tablet is probably unsafe as it may be secreted in breast milk and cause side effects in the infant such as restlessness, agitation, poor feeding, or drowsiness. Consult your doctor before taking this medicine if you are breastfeeding; your doctor may advise you to stop breastfeeding.

Can it be taken with other medications?

It is crucial to inform your doctor about all other medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking, as Clonotril Plus Tablet can interact with various drugs. Significant interactions can occur with certain antidepressants (like MAOIs, SSRIs, and tricyclic antidepressants), antipsychotic medications, anticonvulsants (e.g., Carbamazepine), and antihypertensives. Concomitant use with some antidepressants can lead to serotonin syndrome. Discuss any current medications with your doctor to avoid potential drug interactions.

What precautions should be taken?

• Alcohol: Avoid consuming alcohol while taking Clonotril Plus Tablet, as it can increase the risk of severe side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, breathing difficulties, confusion, agitation, and seizures.
• Driving and Operating Machinery: This medicine can cause dizziness, drowsiness, confusion, and lethargy. Therefore, avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how the medication affects you and you are alert.
• Sudden Discontinuation: Do not stop taking Clonotril Plus Tablet abruptly, even if you feel better. Sudden withdrawal can cause severe symptoms such as rebound anxiety, insomnia, confusion, rebound depression, and even seizures. Your doctor will advise a gradual reduction in dosage.
• Under 18 years: Clonotril Plus Tablet is generally not recommended for patients under 18 years of age.
• Other conditions: Use with caution if you have a history of liver disease, kidney disease, heart problems, glaucoma, diabetes, epilepsy, bleeding disorders, or respiratory disorders. Inform your doctor about any pre-existing medical conditions.

What happens if a dose is missed?

If you miss a dose of Clonotril Plus Tablet, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

How should it be stored?

Clonotril Plus Tablet should be stored in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight and moisture. Keep the medicine tightly wrapped in its original container and out of sight and reach of children. Ensure it is stored at room temperature, typically between 10ºC to 25ºC or below 30ºC. Dispose of any unused medication properly according to local guidelines.