Description
Rivotril tablets contain the active ingredient clonazepam, which a type of medicine called a benzodiazepine. (Clonazepam is also available without a brand name, ie as the generic medicine.) Clonazepam acts on nerve cells in the brain.
The brain and nerves are made up of many nerve cells that communicate with each other through electrical signals. These signals must be carefully regulated for the brain and nerves to function properly.
When abnormally rapid and repetitive electrical signals are released in the brain, it becomes over-stimulated and normal function is disturbed. This results in fits or seizures.
Clonazepam works by acting on receptors in the brain called GABA receptors. This causes the release of a neurotransmitter called GABA in the brain. GABA is involved in transmitting messages between the nerve cells and acts as a natural ‘nerve-calming’ agent. It helps keep the nerve activity in the brain in balance.
By increasing the release of GABA, clonazepam helps to calm the excessive electrical nerve activity that is responsible for causing seizures
Clonazepam is used to help to reduce the frequency and severity of fits in people with epilepsy.
What is it used for?
Rivotril tablets are used to treat various different forms of epilepsy, including absence seizures (petit mal epilepsy), generalised tonic-clonic seizures (grand mal epilepsy), partial seizures and myoclonic seizures.
