FDA Recall Clonazepam (Klonopin) Anxiety Medication

In November 2024, Endo, Inc.—the maker of orally disintegrating clonazepam (Klonopin) tablets—announced a recall of this medication due to a mislabeling issue.  The FDA recall of Clonazepam (Klonopin) was due to a discrepancy between the outer carton’s lower dose and the blister packs’ significantly higher dosage (see the example photo below).

This means some patients may have unknowingly taken a stronger dose than their doctor intended.

If you or a loved one has suffered severe adverse reactions after taking the recalled Clonazepam Orally Disintegrating Tablets, you may have a Clonazepam claim and be entitled to compensation.

The experienced product liability lawyers at The Yost Legal Group are here to help you. Please contact us today to schedule a complimentary consultation.

Where to find a list of the recalled Clonazepam Orally Disintegrating Tablets

A list of affected lots is available on the FDA’s website: https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/endo-expands-voluntary-recall-clonazepam-orally-disintegrating-tablets-usp-c-iv-due-potential#recall-photos

Why is Clonazepam prescribed?

Clonazepam, more commonly known by its brand name, Klonopin, is a benzodiazepine medication used to treat various conditions related to its ability to calm the central nervous system.

The most common conditions for which clonazepam is used are seizures, panic disorder, and panic attacks. Other conditions for which clonazepam may be prescribed include:

• akathisia (restlessness and need for constant movement)
• restless leg syndrome
• insomnia
• acute mania
• tardive dyskinesia
• REM sleep behavior disorder
• acute catatonic reactions.

How does Clonazepam work?

There is a naturally occurring chemical in the brain called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) that slows down nerve signals.

Clonazepam binds to specific receptors in the brain, enhancing the inhibitory effects of GABA, in turn producing calming effects, relaxing muscles, and reducing anxiety and seizures.

The most common side effects associated with clonazepam use include:

• drowsiness
• dizziness
• unsteadiness
• problems with coordination
• changes in mood
• suicidal thoughts
• respiratory depression.

As such, too much clonazepam can be a very bad thing.

How a Wrong Dosage of Clonazepam Can Lead to Injury?

Accidentally taking a higher dose of Clonazepam than prescribed can have serious—and sometimes tragic—consequences. Here are some ways people can be injured as a result:

Motor Vehicle Accidents: Clonazepam can cause significant drowsiness, confusion, and slowed reflexes. If someone unknowingly takes too much and then drives, they’re at high risk for car crashes, putting themselves and others in danger.

Falls and Physical Injuries: Dizziness, loss of coordination (ataxia), and muscle weakness are common side effects associated with high doses. This dramatically increases the risk of falls, especially in older adults, which can lead to broken bones, head injuries, or other serious harm.

Workplace Accidents: Operating machinery or performing tasks that require focus, and quick reactions can become extremely dangerous when someone is overly sedated or confused due to excess Clonazepam.

Respiratory Emergencies: High doses can slow breathing to dangerous levels, especially in people with existing lung problems or those taking other sedating medications. In severe cases, this can become life-threatening and require emergency medical attention.

 Mental Health Risks, Including Suicide: Too much Clonazepam can worsen depression, increase confusion, or cause mood changes. In some cases, this can lead to suicidal thoughts or actions, especially if the person has a history of mental health issues.

Overdose and Hospitalization: Taking more than the prescribed amount can result in overdose, which may require hospitalization. Symptoms can include extreme sleepiness, unresponsiveness, or even coma.

Clonazepam and BIND: Symptoms Can Last Long After You Stop the Medication

After reducing or stopping high doses of clonazepam, some patients may develop a lasting and challenging condition known as BIND (benzodiazepine-induced neurologic dysfunction).

BIND is a collection of neurologic symptoms that can appear during benzodiazepine use or withdrawal and may persist for months or even years after stopping the medication.

Common symptoms of BIND include:

• Anxiety or panic attacks
• Trouble sleeping or ongoing insomnia
• Problems with memory, focus, or other cognitive functions
• Persistent fatigue and low energy
• Muscle weakness or tremors
• Digestive problems, such as nausea or stomach pain

Unfortunately, BIND can be both physically and mentally exhausting. Many patients find that these symptoms interfere with daily life long after they’ve stopped taking clonazepam.

If you or a loved one is experiencing these effects, it’s important to seek medical advice and support.

Clonazepam Wrongful Death Claims: What You Need to Know

Wrongful death claims related to Clonazepam typically arise when a person dies as a direct result of taking a medication that was mislabeled, defective, or negligently manufactured.

In the case of the recent Clonazepam recall, the risk centers around blister packs containing a much higher dosage than what was indicated on the outer packaging.

This dangerous discrepancy can lead to accidental overdose, which, in some cases, can be fatal.

How Can Taking Mislabeled Clonazepam Cause Wrongful Death?

Clonazepam is a powerful medication used to treat seizures, panic disorders, and other neurological conditions. Taking more than the prescribed dose can have severe, life-threatening consequences.

When patients unknowingly consume a higher dosage due to mislabeled packaging, they are at increased risk for:

• Severe respiratory depression: High doses of Clonazepam can significantly slow breathing, especially in individuals with underlying lung conditions or those taking other sedating medications. In extreme cases, this can lead to respiratory arrest and death.
• Profound sedation and loss of consciousness: Excessive sedation can cause a person to lose consciousness, making them vulnerable to accidents, choking, or other fatal complications.
• Fatal accidents: Over-sedation and impaired cognitive function can result in deadly falls, motor vehicle accidents, or other traumatic injuries.
• Complications in vulnerable populations: Elderly patients, those with existing health conditions, or individuals on multiple medications are especially susceptible to life-threatening side effects from an overdose.

Can You File a Claim for Clonazepam Injuries?

If you or someone you care about was harmed after taking the recalled Clonazepam Orally Disintegrating Tablets, you might be eligible to file a claim. Our lawyers for personal injury will file a Clonazepam lawsuit on your behalf.

Our drug recall lawyers have experience in product liability cases, including “failure to warn” claims involving dangerous drugs, such as Clonazepam.

The dedicated Clonazepam recall lawyers at The Yost Legal Group have extensive experience helping victims of dangerous and defective drugs. We’re committed to holding manufacturers accountable and fighting for the compensation you deserve.

Free Case Evaluation: Call or text us at (410-659-6800) for a no-cost, no-obligation consultation.

No Fees Unless You Win: You pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. All cases are handled on a contingency fee basis.

Here to Help: Let us review your situation and explain your legal options. We’re here to help you get the justice you deserve.

Reach out today for guidance.

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