Doctors can prescribe a number of benzodiazepines (benzos) to people. While all benzos work on the central nervous system, each one has a specific use. Rivotril is just one example. However, are there any Rivotril side effects that people should worry about?
What Is Rivotril?
Before learning about the side effects, people should learn more about the drug in general. This brand is a version of the generic drug, clonazepam. It’s a benzo that doctors prescribe specifically for people who struggle with seizures and epilepsy.
Like most benzos, Rivotril is a short-term solution rather than a cure for these conditions. Doctors can’t prescribe it for long because of its habit-forming nature. People who use this drug for too long eventually develop an addiction. Once that happens, they must seek a Rivotril addiction treatment program.
How Does Rivotril Actually Work?
Sometimes it helps people understand a drug better when they know how it works. In the case of Rivotril, the drug increases the production of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). The body uses this chemical to send signals to the central nervous system.
If the body doesn’t make enough GABA, it goes into what doctors call an excited state. This excited state causes seizures, panic attacks, and anxiety. Normally, the body makes enough GABA so that this doesn’t occur. When people don’t make enough, though, Rivotril can temporarily increase GABA levels to prevent these problems.
Rivotril Side Effects
The most common side effect that occurs in people who take Rivotril is addiction. Like any other benzo, this drug is addictive and can cause dependency if people abuse it. In fact, this side effect is the reason why doctors have to limit how long that they prescribe Rivotril.
Even when people take this drug as prescribed, they can still experience many side effects. The most common ones include:
- Drowsiness
- Blurred vision
- Impaired coordination
- Dizziness
- Slurred speech
- Memory impairment
The higher the dose that people take, the more likely that they are to develop Rivotril side effects. Also, the longer that people take this drug, the more likely that they are to have these symptoms. Under normal conditions, however, they can still develop side effects.
Fight Back Against Benzo Addiction
Whether you have an addiction to Rivotril or some other benzo, you owe it to yourself to get help. At Crestview Recovery, we can help you overcome the addiction quickly and safely. We pride ourselves on offering a wide range of programs such as:
Don’t attempt to overcome Rivotril without professional help. Learn more about Rivotril side effects and the dangers of abusing this drug. Reach out to our friendly staff today at 866.262.0531 for more information.
Since 2016, Dr. Merle Williamson, a graduate of Oregon Health Sciences University, has been the Medical Director at Crestview Recovery, bringing a rich background in addiction medicine from his time at Hazelden Treatment Center. He oversees outpatient drug and alcohol treatments, providing medical care, setting policies, detox protocols, and quality assurance measures. Before specializing in addiction medicine, he spent 25 years in anesthesiology, serving as Chair of Hospital Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee and Chief of Anesthesia at Kaiser Permanente. This experience gives him a unique perspective on treating prescription drug addiction.
