Understanding Klonopin Addiction and How Can It Be Treated
In This Article
Klonopin Addiction
An addiction to Klonopin can be very dangerous. People who take this medication have a higher risk of:4
- Suicidal thoughts and behaviors
- Extreme mood changes
- Increased aggression, hostility, and irritability
- Poor sleep
Lastly, misusing Klonopin may lead to allergic reactions and fatal overdoses. This is because Klonopin can slow down your heart rate and breathing. When taken in large doses, coma or death can occur.
Signs of Klonopin Addiction
Common signs of a Klonopin addiction include:4
- Persistent cravings for the drug
- Inability to stop using the drug
- Tried to stop using the drug but failed
- Continuing to use it despite negative health consequences
- Neglecting social responsibilities and obligations
- Neglecting school or work
- Financial, social, or legal issues
- Losing interest in favorite activities
Klonopin Withdrawal
If you suddenly stop taking the medication after using it long-term, you may also experience withdrawal symptoms.
These include:
- Seizures
- Tremors
- Muscle cramping
- Nausea and vomiting
- Intense anxiety
- Psychosis
- Profuse sweating
- Irritability
- Mood swings
- Heart palpitations
- Insomnia
- Increased blood pressure
Side effects of Klonopin withdrawal can be deadly (due to the risk for seizures), so you should not quit without professional medical supervision.
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How is Klonopin Addiction Treated?
If you or a loved one is addicted to this medication, you should seek treatment immediately to prevent overdose and death. Medical detox, medications, and behavioral therapy are all necessary to withdraw from Klonopin safely and effectively.
Common medications that aid in the Klonopin withdrawal process include:
- Serotonin reuptake inhibitors: Prozac and Paxil, which help manage the symptoms of withdrawal
- Anticonvulsant medications: Carbamazepine and Tegretol, which help control seizures during withdrawal
- Melatonin: A naturally-occurring hormone that assists in regulating the sleep-wake cycle
Treatment Options for Klonopin Addiction
Beyond detox and medications, there are other forms of treatment for drug abuse. These include:
- Inpatient treatment: Involves checking yourself into a rehab facility for 24-hour medical supervision
- Outpatient treatment: A treatment program where you are freely allowed to leave the rehab facility
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): A short-term therapy technique that explores the link between thought patterns and addiction
- Counseling: Counselors provide support and guidance for people dealing with addiction or behavioral disorders
- Support groups and aftercare programs: Provide a much-needed community to help maintain sobriety after treatment
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What is Klonopin?
Klonopin or Clonazepam is a prescription benzodiazepine (benzo) that affects the central nervous system (CNS). It is a long-acting benzo that can stay in the body for up to 50 hours.1
Klonopin enhances the GABA-A receptors in the brain, producing a calming effect. Because of this, it is typically used to treat:1
- Panic disorders, with or without agoraphobia
- Seizures, especially those with epilepsy
- Insomnia
- Alcohol withdrawal
The medication is a yellow crystalline powder that comes in tablet form. It is usually taken orally in multiple doses throughout the day.
How Long Do Klonopin Effects Last?
Klonopin's onset of action occurs within an hour of taking the drug. This means that a person will start feeling the desired effects of Klonopin within this period of time.
These effects will be felt for approximately 6 to 24 hours. During this time, Klonopin produces feelings of pleasure, which may include:
- Euphoria
- Relaxation of mind and body
- Slowing of thoughts
- Calmness
- Reduced tension in the muscles
- Absence of agitation
- Drowsiness, stimulating a person to fall asleep faster and longer
Klonopin Dosage
Depending on your age and reason for the prescription, standard doses of Klonopin vary. For example, typical doses for seizure disorders and panic disorders are as follows:2
- Adults with seizure disorders: the dose should not exceed 1.5 mg a day and is typically separated into three doses; the maximum daily dose is 20 mg
- Pediatric patients with seizure disorders: for infants and children, the usual dose is between .01 and .02 mg a day and separated into two or three doses
- First dose for adults with panic disorders: .25 mg a day and increase to 1 mg a day after 3 days
- Elderly patients: begin with very low doses of Klonopin and monitored by a medical professional
- Children under 18 years of age: typically, they do not take this medication for panic disorder
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Klonopin Abuse and Side Effects
Common side effects of this medication include but are not limited to:4
- Poor coordination
- Confusion
- Dizziness
- Fainting
- Depression
- Drowsiness
- Numbness
- Memory issues
- Speech issues
- Impaired cognition
- Slowed reaction time
- Low libido
- Vertigo
- Poor judgment
Taking high doses or using Klonopin for an extended period of time can result in substance misuse symptoms. Signs and symptoms of Klonopin misuse may include:4
- Clumsiness
- Profound sleepiness, even during daytime
- Constant Klonopin cravings
- Tolerance
- Dependence
- Exhibiting withdrawal symptoms
Drowsiness occurs in about 50 percent of patients who take Klonopin for seizure disorders, while poor coordination occurs in 30 percent.
Klonopin Drug Interactions
Combining Klonopin with other drugs, such as opioids, can result in serious health complications because extreme sedation can happen.
Possible complications include:1
- Respiratory depression
- Coma
- Death
In addition, some people snort cocaine or take other stimulants to counteract Klonopin’s sedative effects. Others drink alcohol to enhance the calming effects of the medication.1
All of these drug combinations are extremely dangerous and can result in fatal outcomes. In particular, drinking alcohol while taking Klonopin can slow down your CNS to the point where you stop breathing altogether.1
Is Klonopin Addictive?
Benzos are highly addictive and have a significant risk of tolerance and dependence. However, Klonopin is one of the most addictive benzos that is commonly misused for its sedative effects.3
Summary
Klonopin is a CNS depressant that produces a calming effect. It is a type of benzodiazepine used to treat panic disorders and anxiety.
Klonopin has a high potential for addiction and dependence. It is also the most addictive and commonly misused benzo for its sedative effects.
The drug can also interact with other substances and cause harmful side effects. If you or someone you know is addicted to Klonopin, seek professional help.
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- “Clonazepam: MedlinePlus Drug Information,” MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
- “Clonazepam (Oral Route) Description and Brand Names,” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 2020.
- “KLONOPIN TABLETS,” FDA Approved Labeling Text, 2013.
- “Side Effects of Klonopin (Clonazepam), Warnings, Uses.” RxList, 2017.
- Wang et al. "The Efficacy and Safety of Clonazepam in Patients with Anxiety Disorder Taking Newer Antidepressants: A Multicenter Naturalistic Study," Clinical Psychopharmacology and Neuroscience, 2016.
- Johnson, B., and Streltzer J. “Risks associated with long-term benzodiazepine use,” American family physician, 2013.
