Clonazepam (Rivotril)
What to know about Clonazepam — also sold as Rivotril, Paxam 0.5, Paxam 2: uses, side effects, interactions, and safety considerations for people taking it or caring for someone who is.
Clonazepam (brand names: Rivotril, Paxam 0.5, Paxam 2) is classified as Moderate risk (3 risk points) by AllMeds. It is a S4 medication under the TGA in Australia. Long-acting benzodiazepine with high dependency potential and respiratory depression risk.
Key Takeaways
- TGA Schedule: S4 in Australia
- Risk level: Moderate (3 points)
- CNS depressant: May cause sedation, impair driving, and affect work capacity
- Respiratory depression risk: Requires monitoring, especially with other CNS depressants
- Recommended maximum duration: 28 days
- SIRA reportable: Flagged for NSW workers compensation reporting
- PBS listed: Subsidised under the Australian Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme
Scheduling and Classification
| Jurisdiction | Classification | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Australia (TGA) | S4 | PBS listed |
Risk Profile
Long-acting benzodiazepine with high dependency potential and respiratory depression risk.
How Clonazepam is regulated
Clonazepam is overseen by medicines regulators in each country. The rules below explain how it's scheduled, what oversight applies, and what to discuss with your doctor or pharmacist before starting, changing, or stopping this medication.
Work capacity impact: As a CNS depressant, Clonazepam may impair driving, operating machinery, and cognitive function. Work capacity certificates should reflect any medication-related restrictions.
Australia TGA / PBS / State Schemes
Classified as S4 under the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA).
Listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) for subsidised prescribing.
Flagged as reportable under SIRA guidelines in NSW. Claims involving this medication may require additional reporting and clinical justification.
All Australian workers compensation schemes flag benzodiazepine use as high-risk, particularly when combined with opioids. Duration should be limited and tapering plans documented.
United States FDA / CDC / State WC
The CDC and FDA have issued joint warnings about the risks of concurrent benzodiazepine and opioid use. Workers compensation adjusters should flag this combination for clinical review.
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Important: This page is general health information, not personal medical advice. If you have questions about your medication — including starting it, stopping it, changing the dose, or combining it with something else — speak with your doctor or pharmacist. For an emergency or suspected overdose, call your local emergency number or poison information service immediately. Information is drawn from regulator and clinical guideline sources (TGA, FDA, MHRA, NICE, PBS, CDC); see our methodology for details.