Clonazepam Use in Pediatric Patients

Monitoring and Dose Considerations

• The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry notes that benzodiazepines are not generally recommended for chronic anxiety in children with intellectual disability due to heightened sensitivity to behavioral side effects such as disinhibition 3
• Monitor for cognitive decline, behavioral changes, and motor coordination problems throughout treatment 1
• Watch for signs of tolerance requiring dose adjustments 2

Special Considerations

• Patients typically cannot substantially reduce doses despite periodic tapering attempts, and physical dependence develops with prolonged use 1, 2