What are Klonopin Withdrawal Symptoms?
Benzodiazepines are a class of drugs that impact the central nervous system. They are commonly referred to as sedatives, depressants, or tranquilizers. Klonopin, like other benzodiazepines, is a highly effective drug as part of a comprehensive treatment plan; however, the potential for developing an addiction to Klonopin is high.
What is Klonopin?
Klonopin is the brand name for the drug clonazepam. Klonopin is listed as a Schedule IV drug by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This classification means that while the drug is highly beneficial for medical uses, it has a high potential for misuse or addiction. Like other benzodiazepines, Klonopin acts on the central nervous system (CNS) to cause feelings of relaxation and sedation. The level of sedation Klonopin provides can significantly reduce or even eliminate feelings of anxiety and panic. Klonopin is more effective than valium in reducing panic symptoms and, therefore, is prescribed more frequently.
What is Klonopin Used to Treat?
Klonopin is a benzodiazepine prescribed by medical and mental health providers to manage panic disorders and seizure disorders. Depending on the individual and their unique symptoms, Klonopin might be used to treat sleeping disorders and symptoms linked to alcohol withdrawal.
Is Klonopin Addictive?
Klonopin is a benzodiazepine and acts within the body similarly to other benzodiazepines. When used as directed by your provider, Klonopin is a highly effective medication; however, its highly desirable effects (rapid onset and long half-life) often lead to illicit or “non-medical” uses. All benzodiazepines have a high potential for addiction; however, some research indicates Klonopin might be one of the most addictive drugs in its class.
Klonopin produces feelings of happiness and relaxation for those who take to manage panic disorders or problems with sleep. Unfortunately, the effects of Klonopin, although longer-lasting than other sedative drugs, do not last long enough to eliminate challenging symptoms. Once the drug’s effects begin to fade, symptoms return, leading the user to use higher doses at more frequent intervals to maintain their “high.”
Addiction to the effects of Klonopin typically develops rapidly. In some cases, Klonopin addiction can occur after only three to four weeks of regular (prescribed or unprescribed) use. Once addiction develops, withdrawal symptoms will occur if you try to stop using or reduce the amount of Klonopin you take each day. Because of its high potential for addiction, treatment plans including Klonopin are generally limited to a maximum of 60 days. When you struggle with Klonopin addiction, seeking detox and treatment help in a professional addiction treatment setting where medical support is available is essential.
Signs of Klonopin Abuse
Klonopin is a highly effective drug, yet unfortunately, it has a high risk for abuse and addiction. When someone abuses Klonopin by taking doses that are too high or taking the drug for too long, they may experience a range of symptoms. These may include vertigo, fainting, confusion, memory problems, dizziness, numbness, impaired judgment, slowed reaction time, and reduced libido. Because Klonopin acts as a central nervous system (CNS) depressant, it also slows activities of systems connected to the CNS, including heart rate and breathing. Severely depressing these systems can lead to coma or even death.
Klonopin is also frequently abused with alcohol. Combining these substances enhances the effects of both drugs but can lead to potentially dangerous consequences. Both alcohol and Klonopin are depressants meaning when combined, alcohol and Klonopin can severely depress the respiratory system leading to blackouts and respiratory failure.
What are Klonopin Withdrawal Symptoms?
Klonopin should not be stopped suddenly or without medical supervision. When you stop using Klonopin, withdrawal symptoms will occur, and for some, these symptoms can be intense and overwhelming. Suddenly stopping Klonopin can lead to seizures, coma, and even death. In addition to more severe symptoms, Klonopin detox may also lead to withdrawal symptoms such as nausea, tremors, headaches, hallucinations, sweating, fatigue, dizziness, confusion, stomach problems, anxiety, seizures, depression, and thoughts of suicide or self-harm.
Withdrawing from Klonopin at a skilled addiction treatment center is the safest and most effective way to cleanse your system of the drug and begin your journey to lasting freedom from addiction. During detox at a treatment center like Creo Spero Recovery, caring and compassionate team members will provide support and guidance during the most challenging stages of detox. Skilled medical professionals will monitor your vital signs and mental health to limit struggles with complex symptoms.
Once detox is complete, you will transition to a therapeutic addiction treatment program to learn about relapse prevention and managing relapse triggers after treatment ends. Let us help you start on your path to lasting sobriety and wellness. Contact the admissions team at Creo Spero Recovery today to learn more about our programs and how we can help you.
