What is the drug Xetril used for? A Guide to Clonazepam

October 7, 2025 •

3 min read

Xetril, which contains the active ingredient clonazepam, is a long-acting benzodiazepine with anticonvulsive and anxiolytic properties. It is prescribed to manage panic disorder and specific seizure conditions. A physician should periodically re-evaluate the long-term usefulness of the drug for each patient.

Quick Summary

Xetril (clonazepam) is a prescription medication primarily used for managing panic disorder and certain types of seizures. It is a long-acting benzodiazepine that works by enhancing the calming effects of the neurotransmitter GABA in the brain. Due to its potential for dependence and serious side effects, its use requires careful medical supervision and is often reserved for short-term treatment.

Key Points

Drug Class: Xetril contains clonazepam, a long-acting benzodiazepine that acts as a central nervous system depressant.
Primary Uses: It is prescribed for panic disorder (with or without agoraphobia) and various seizure disorders, including Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome.
Mechanism of Action: Clonazepam works by enhancing the calming effect of the neurotransmitter GABA in the brain to reduce overactive nerve activity.
Common Side Effects: Drowsiness, ataxia, depression, confusion, and behavioral problems are commonly reported side effects.
Dependence and Withdrawal: Xetril has a high potential for dependence, and abrupt discontinuation can cause severe withdrawal symptoms.
Important Safety Precautions: Avoid alcohol and other CNS depressants, as this can increase the risk of dangerous respiratory depression.
Long-term Use: The long-term effectiveness of Xetril has not been extensively studied in clinical trials, so its necessity should be regularly reassessed by a physician.

What is Xetril (Clonazepam)?

Xetril is a brand name for the generic drug clonazepam, a long-acting benzodiazepine that acts as a central nervous system depressant. Benzodiazepines increase the effects of a neurotransmitter in the brain called GABA, which helps calm nervous activity. This calming effect makes Xetril useful for conditions involving excessive nerve firing, such as seizures, and heightened anxiety, like panic disorder.

Primary Uses of Xetril (Clonazepam)

Xetril is primarily indicated for two main classes of conditions:

Panic Disorder: This medication is used to treat panic disorder, whether or not it is accompanied by agoraphobia. It helps control unexpected panic attacks and reduces the associated fear and worry about having future attacks.
Seizure Disorders (Epilepsy): Xetril is used alone or as an adjunct therapy for a variety of seizures in both adults and children. These include:
- Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome (a severe form of childhood epilepsy)
- Akinetic and myoclonic seizures
- Absence seizures (petit mal) that have not responded to other medications

In addition to these on-label uses, clonazepam also has several off-label indications that may be considered by a healthcare provider, such as restless leg syndrome, acute mania, and insomnia. However, the use of Xetril for extended periods (more than 9 weeks) has not been extensively studied in controlled clinical trials, so its long-term effectiveness should be periodically re-evaluated by a doctor.

Potential Side Effects of Xetril

As with any medication, Xetril can cause side effects. The most common adverse effects are related to central nervous system (CNS) depression. Common side effects include:

Drowsiness
Ataxia (impaired coordination)
Dizziness and unsteadiness
Behavioral changes
Depression
Confusion
Memory problems
Increased saliva or bronchial secretions (especially in infants and small children)

More serious side effects can occur, and if you experience them, you should seek immediate medical attention. These include:

Signs of a serious allergic reaction, such as swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, or difficulty breathing
Worsening anxiety, agitation, aggression, or new or worsening depression and suicidal thoughts
Severe respiratory depression, especially when combined with other CNS depressants like alcohol or opioids

Risks and Precautions

Xetril carries significant risks, including the potential for dependence and abuse. Because of this, it is considered a controlled substance. It is crucial to follow your doctor's instructions precisely and never adjust the dosage or stop the medication abruptly without medical guidance. Abrupt discontinuation can lead to severe withdrawal symptoms, including:

Rebound seizures
Insomnia
Anxiety and agitation
Tremors
Muscle cramps
Hallucinations

Additionally, combining Xetril with other CNS depressants, particularly alcohol and opioids, can increase the risk of serious breathing problems, profound sedation, coma, or even death.

How Xetril Compares to Other Benzodiazepines

Xetril (clonazepam) is a long-acting benzodiazepine, which gives it certain characteristics compared to shorter-acting alternatives. The longer half-life means it stays in the body longer, leading to more sustained effects.


Feature	Xetril (Clonazepam)	Xanax (Alprazolam)	Valium (Diazepam)
Drug Class	Long-acting Benzodiazepine	Short-acting Benzodiazepine	Long-acting Benzodiazepine
Half-life	22–54 hours	6–25 hours	20-100 hours (for active metabolite)
Onset of Action	Intermediate	Rapid	Rapid
Primary Uses	Panic disorder, seizure disorders	Generalized anxiety, panic disorder	Anxiety disorders, alcohol withdrawal, seizures
Withdrawal Risk	Less likely to have rebound anxiety than short-acting benzos due to longer half-life	Higher risk of withdrawal symptoms due to shorter half-life	High risk of withdrawal

Conclusion

Xetril (clonazepam) is a powerful and effective medication for managing panic disorder and various seizure conditions. Its action as a CNS depressant provides significant relief for patients experiencing these challenging health issues. However, its use is not without risk, primarily due to its potential for dependence and serious side effects, especially when combined with other substances. It is essential for patients to use Xetril only under the close supervision of a healthcare provider and to follow all dosing instructions carefully to minimize risks and ensure safe and effective treatment. Always consult a doctor before starting or stopping this medication to avoid dangerous withdrawal symptoms or other adverse reactions.

For more detailed information on clonazepam, refer to resources such as the MedlinePlus drug information page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Xetril is a brand name for the generic drug clonazepam. They contain the same active ingredient and are used to treat the same conditions, but Xetril may be marketed by a different pharmaceutical company.

Yes, clonazepam has a high potential for causing physical and psychological dependence. It is a controlled substance, and long-term use, especially at high doses, increases the risk of addiction.

No, you should not stop taking Xetril suddenly. Abruptly stopping the medication, particularly after long-term use, can cause serious and potentially life-threatening withdrawal symptoms, including seizures and extreme anxiety.

Combining Xetril with alcohol significantly increases the risk of serious side effects, including profound drowsiness, respiratory depression, coma, or even death.

Yes, in addition to its primary indications, clonazepam has been used off-label for other conditions such as restless leg syndrome, acute mania, insomnia, and tardive dyskinesia.

Xetril (clonazepam) is a long-acting benzodiazepine with a longer half-life (22–54 hours) compared to Xanax (alprazolam), which is shorter-acting (6–25 hours).

The use of clonazepam during pregnancy should be carefully considered, as there is evidence that some anticonvulsant drugs can be teratogenic. It should only be administered if the potential benefits outweigh the risks to the fetus.