So, you’re looking at a small, round tablet and wondering if it’s actually what the bottle says it is. Maybe you’re a caregiver double-checking a loved one’s meds, or perhaps your pharmacy switched brands and suddenly your "normal" pill looks totally different. It happens. Honestly, identifying what clonazepam pills look like can be a bit of a headache because there are so many manufacturers out there.
While the brand-name version—Klonopin—is pretty famous for its unique look, the generic versions come in a rainbow of colors including yellow, blue, orange, green, and white.
The Iconic Look of Brand-Name Klonopin
If you have the brand-name version made by Roche, it’s actually one of the easiest pills in the world to identify. Why? Because they literally punched a hole in it.
Roche Klonopin tablets feature a K-shaped perforation (a cutout) right in the center of the pill. It’s not just an imprint; it’s a hole you can see through.
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- 0.5 mg: These are orange, round, and have "ROCHE" and "1/2" imprinted on them along with that K-cutout.
- 1 mg: These are blue, round, and marked with "ROCHE" and "1" plus the K-cutout.
- 2 mg: These are white, round, and marked with "ROCHE" and "2" with the K-cutout.
If your pill doesn't have that "K" hole, you’re almost certainly holding a generic version. Don't worry—generic clonazepam is FDA-approved and chemically the same, but the aesthetics vary wildly.
What Do Clonazepam Pills Look Like in Generic Forms?
Generic clonazepam is where things get confusing. Since different companies like Teva, Solco, Accord, and Mylan all make their own versions, they use different dyes and imprints. Generally, the color is the first clue, but the imprint code is the only way to be 100% sure.
The 0.5 mg Tablets (Usually Yellow or Orange)
The 0.5 mg dose is often the starting point for anxiety or seizure disorders. Most manufacturers stick to a warm color palette for this strength.
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- Teva Pharmaceuticals: These are famous. They are a pale yellow, round, and have "TEVA" on one side and "832" on the other.
- Accord Healthcare: These are orange and round. You’ll see a "1" above a "2" on one side (representing 0.5) and a "C" on the other.
- Solco Healthcare: These are yellow and round with a "V" on one side and "2530" on the back.
- Actavis (now Teva/Northstar): You might find a pink version here! It’s round and marked with "R 33."
The 1 mg Tablets (Blue or Green)
The mid-range dose usually moves into the cooler side of the color wheel.
- Teva: Their 1 mg tablets are a distinct light green color, round, and marked with "TEVA" and "833."
- Accord: These are light blue, round, and imprinted with "C 1."
- Solco: Another blue one, round, with a "V" on one side and "2531" on the other.
- Mylan: These are often green and round, marked with "M" and "C 14."
The 2 mg Tablets (Almost Always White)
For whatever reason, the highest standard dose is almost universally white. Because so many medications are white and round, you have to look really closely at the numbers here.
- Teva: White, round, and marked "TEVA 834."
- Accord: White, round, and marked "C 2."
- Solco: White, round, and marked "V 2532."
- Mylan: White, round, and marked "M C 15."
Orally Disintegrating Tablets (Wafers)
There’s also a version of clonazepam that dissolves on your tongue. These are often called "wafers." They are almost always white, small, and come in blister packs because they are fragile. They don’t usually have the deep engravings of the hard tablets because they are designed to break down quickly.
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How to Tell if a Pill is Fake
I can't stress this enough: if you didn't get the pill directly from a licensed pharmacy, you are taking a massive risk. In the last few years, the market has been flooded with counterfeit benzodiazepines. Often, these "pressies" look incredibly similar to the real thing but contain fentanyl or other dangerous research chemicals.
Red flags to watch for:
- Crumbly edges: Real pharmaceutical pills are made with high-pressure presses. They should have sharp, clean edges. If the pill looks "soft" or leaves a lot of powder in the bottle, be suspicious.
- Color bleeding: If you touch the pill with a damp finger and the dye comes off easily, it’s likely a fake.
- Inconsistent imprints: If the numbers look crooked, shallow, or unevenly spaced, it’s a bad sign.
- Strange taste: While clonazepam is known for having a slightly sweet or minty taste (unlike many other bitter benzos), you should never rely on a "taste test" to identify a drug.
Why Did My Pills Change Appearance?
If you've been taking a round yellow pill for a year and suddenly your refill is orange, don't panic. Pharmacies often buy from whichever manufacturer has the best price or availability that month.
However, you should always verify this with the pharmacist before you leave the counter. They can confirm, "Yes, we switched from Teva to Accord this month," which gives you peace of mind. Every prescription bottle is required by law to have a physical description of the pill printed on the label (e.g., "Yellow, Round, Imprint TEVA 832"). Read that description. If it doesn't match what's inside, talk to the pharmacist immediately.
Actionable Steps for Safe Identification
- Use a Pill Identifier Tool: Sites like Drugs.com or WebMD have databases where you can plug in the color, shape, and imprint to see a high-res photo.
- Check the Label: Look for the "Physical Description" section on your pharmacy bottle.
- Save an Old Pill: If you know your last batch was legitimate, keep one (in a safe place) to compare against your next refill if the brand changes.
- Consult the Pharmacist: They are the literal experts. If something feels off—even if the pill looks right but feels different—ask them to double-check the NDC (National Drug Code) number.
If you suspect you have a counterfeit pill, do not ingest it. Dispose of it at a drug take-back location or a local pharmacy that accepts old medications. Better safe than sorry.