Many people have become addicted to using Klonopin while carrying out their normal activities like sleeping, relaxing, and simply being in a good mood. However, these individuals may begin to feel adverse symptoms when they try to stop using Klonopin all at once. Find out about the dangers of Klonopin withdrawal and how you can treat symptoms associated with it.
Klonopin1 is a medication used for treating insomnia and anxiety. It is sometimes used as an off-label second-line treatment for people with social anxiety disorder. Klonopin comes in the form of a tablet that you can take with water. It is produced in varying weights of 2 mg, 1 mg, and 0.5 mg.
Klonopin can be addictive if used for an extended period. It may cause one to develop a physical dependence on the drug and lead to withdrawal symptoms if someone decides to quit taking the drug or reduce the dosage. Symptoms of Klonopin withdrawal occur after several weeks of regular use. The symptoms may last for several days to several weeks or longer in some cases. You may begin to feel the symptoms a few hours after taking the drugs.
Klonopin, or clonazepam as it is also called, has several street names which are used to make the drug inconspicuous. They are secret names that some Clonazepam abusers used to conceal the identity of the drug during discussions. Some of the street names3 of Klonopin include benzos, a short form of benzodiazepine. Other street names include:
Klonopin, as we have earlier mentioned, can be used as a medication for the following health issues including:
The safety of Klonopin use in treating patients with panic attacks, sleep disorders, seizures, anxiety, and alcohol withdrawal has been outlined in the FDA regulations and warnings for its use. According to the FDA7, concomitant usage of Klonopin with opioids may cause respiratory depression, profound sedation, coma, or in some cases, death. It may also cause psychological and physical dependence after a dosage change.
People with suicidal thoughts and behaviors should be counseled because clonazepam may increase suicidal thoughts. Pregnant patients or nursing mothers should inform their physicians about their state before taking Klonopin. The FDA also provided precautions for the use of clonazepam. Patients who take clonazepam should avoid engaging in any form of hazardous occupation which may require mental alertness like driving or operating machinery.
One of the United States’ most prescribed drugs is Klonopin. It is also one of the most abused drugs in the US. Clonazepam is very addictive when taken consistently in high doses over a period. Your body gradually becomes used to its presence and its interaction with your brain. Most people rely on Klonopin to stay relaxed and attain certain feelings.
An understanding of the statistics on Klonopin addiction can give you a view of the drug’s potency. The high feeling that Klonopin causes can become addictive if not controlled. Here are some statistics on Klonopin addiction8 :
Klonopin side effects can be categorized into short-term, long-term, and overdose symptoms.
The short-term side effects10 of clonazepam include the following:
The long-term Klonopin11 side effects include the following:
Klonopin’s overdose symptoms12 can include the following:
If you or someone you know are exhibiting these effects after using Klonopin, seek medical help right away.
It is not advisable to stop taking Klonopin all at once without being supervised or guided by a medical professional. Sudden Klonopin13 cessation may lead to fatal coma or seizures.
Tremors
Insomnia
Stomach pain
Headache
Sweating
Vomiting and nausea
Short-term memory loss
Increased blood pressure
Fatigue
Dizziness
Impaired respiration
Seizures
Diarrhea
Blurred vision
Irregular palpitations and heart rate
Muscle spasms and cramps
Feeling lightheaded
Nightmares
Mental confusion
Irritability
Anxiety
Depression
Panic
Difficulty feeling pleasure
Hallucinations
Drastic mood swing
Drug cravings
Short term memory lapses
Difficulty concentrating
Lack of motivation
Hostility and anger
Feeling disconnected from reality
Klonopin’s half-life is long, but it also depends on the substance that was used, how long it was used, and the dosage that was consumed. Due to Klonopin’s long half-life14, the acute symptoms of Klonopin withdrawal are at the peak around 14 days before they fade. However, some symptoms such as depression, insomnia, and anxiety may last for some months. Here is a general timeline for Klonopin withdrawal:
Aside from Klonopin, there are other drugs in the benzodiazepines class that can be used to treat panic attacks, sleep disorders, anxiety, and seizures. Let us compare Klonopin with some of these drugs.
Klonopin vs. Xanax explains the similarities and differences between both drugs. Both Xanax and Klonopin belong to the benzodiazepines class of drugs, which can lead to psychological and physical dependence when overdosed15.
However, Xanax withdrawal symptoms are more severe than the withdrawal symptoms associated with Klonopin. Klonopin has a more prolonged effect than Xanax, hence the need for it to be taken less frequently. You may require regular Xanax dosing to maintain a constant blood level.
Klonopin vs. Ativan highlights the similarity and differences between both drugs in terms of class, purpose, and side effects. They are both16 in the class of benzodiazepine and are used in treating panic attacks, anxiety, and sometimes seizures.
They also share similar side effects such as memory problems, dizziness, weakness, depression, and more. However, Klonopin lasts longer and has less severe withdrawal symptoms than Ativan. Using Ativan with other drugs may provide fewer drug interactions in comparison to Klonopin.
Klonopin vs. Valium highlights the differences and similarities between both drugs. Klonopin17 is known as clonazepam, while Valium is also known as diazepam. However, both substances belong to the benzodiazepine class. They are both used in treating seizure disorders and anxiety. Klonopin also has less severe withdrawal symptoms than Valium, although they do share similar side effects.
The following can be used in treating Klonopin addiction:
If you or a loved one needs help, please call us at
623-523-4748 and our team at Blueprints For Recovery in Arizona will help.
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