How it works

Clonazepam works on nerve cells to help calm abnormal electrical activity in the brain, and it can be used to treat anxiety, as an anticonvulsant, or for sedative effects.

Clonazepam's effects are thought to be due to its ability to strongly bind to the GABA-benzodiazepine receptor complex, which increases the affinity for GABA (a neurotransmitter that blocks impulses between nerve cells in the brain). Anxiety, mood disorders, seizure disorders, and pain have all been linked to low GABA levels.

Clonazepam belongs to the benzodiazepine class of medications.