Clonazepam Addiction, Uses, Side Effects & Treatment

What is Clonazepam?

Clonazepam is part of the Benzodiazepine and anticonvulsant or antiepileptic drug class. Most commonly used to prevent and control seizures, Clonazepam is also used to treat panic disorders, panic attacks, social anxiety disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder. Clonazepam works by calming the brain and nerves, as other Benzos do. 

Typically, Klonopin Clonazepam comes in pill tablet form and is taken by mouth. These Benzo pills are blue, pink, yellow, white, and green in color. Another brand name for Clonazepam is Klonopin. 

Only take this Benzo drug medication as directed and prescribed by a medical professional. Do not use Clonazepam in combination with Sodium Oxybate, Hydrocodone, Idelalisib, Ivacaftor, or Valerian. Tell your doctor if you have a history of narrow-angle glaucoma, severe liver disease, breathing problems, or allergic reactions to Benzodiazepines. 

Clonazepam Side Effects

Benzodiazepines like Klonopin addiction can have depressant effects on the body, resulting in slowed mental and physical processes, sedative, anti-anxiety, muscle relaxant, and hypnotic effects. Even when taken as prescribed by a medical professional, Klonopin can still have potential side effects. Call your doctor and seek medical attention if you experience substance abuse and any of the following Klonopin Clonazepam side effects: 

• New or worsening seizures
• Severe drowsiness
• Weak or shallow breathing
• Unusual changes in mood or behavior
• Confusion
• Paranoia
• Nightmares
• Hallucinations seeing
• Suicidal ideation
• Mental illnesses like depression
• Memory problems
• Loss of coordination

Signs of Clonazepam Abuse and Addiction

One major sign of Klonopin abuse and substance abuse drug addiction is the user’s tolerance to the drug has increased, resulting in chemical dependency or physical dependency. The development of tolerance may trigger an individual to use the drug more frequently and in higher doses. Signs of Klonopin addiction include: 

• Feeling as though you need to take the drug to get through the day
• Moving slower than usual
• Having difficulty concentrating or remembering things
• Inability to curtail compulsive use of the drug
• Reduced performance at work or school
• Abandonment of previously enjoyed activities
• Illegal purchases of the drug
• Numerous doctor’s visits to get more of the drug
• Lack of motivation
• Fatigue
• Constipation
• Feelings of depression
• Poor nutritional status

If you or a loved one experiences signs of addiction, or drug or alcohol dependency, seek medical attention from a drug rehab treatment center. Benzodiazepine addiction treatment is out there and there are many treatment programs out there to choose from. Addiction affects more than the drug user. 

Clonazepam Withdrawal Symptoms and Side Effects

Another major sign of Klonopin addiction and prescription drug addiction treatment is the side effects of withdrawal when an individual stops using their drug of choice. With a Klonopin addiction, a user may experience symptoms of withdrawal when no longer taking the drug. Withdrawal occurs in a person because the body is no longer getting the effects it’s used to from the Benzo. Symptoms of Clonazepam (Klonopin) addiction withdrawal include: 

• Gastrointestinal disturbances like an upset stomach or constipation
• Increased sweating
• Tingling or numbness
• Dizziness
• Loss of memory
• Hallucinations seeing
• Sensitivity to light or sound
• Rapid heartbeat
• Palpitations
• Mental health disorders like anxiety and depression
• Panic disorder and panic attacks
• Agitation
• Seizure

Some Klonopin withdrawal symptoms present as a rebound effect, which means symptoms managed by the medication return with increased intensity. Studies show that more than 70% of those who abuse prescription medication get them from loved ones or family members. 

Long-Term Side Effects of Clonazepam Abuse

According to the American Addiction Centers, long-term taking Klonopin use has been linked to:

• Overdose
• Poly-drug abuse
• Drowsiness
• Co-occurring disorder
• Poor concentration
• Muscle weakness
• Mental confusion
• Vertigo
• Episodic memory loss
• Aggression
• Hostility
• Antisocial behavior
• Depression
• Emotional blunting
• Birth defects in unborn babies
• Short-term withdrawal symptoms like seizures
• Protracted withdrawal symptoms
• Infection
• Insomnia

Clonazepam Addiction Treatment

As with any drug abuse or substance abuse, opioid addiction treatment and Klonopin addiction treatment requires professional help from addiction professionals from an addiction treatment center. At Muse Treatment Center, you’ll receive customized care for an addiction to Klonopin with drugs detox and medication-assisted treatment through your choice of an inpatient program, residential treatment, partial hospitalization, outpatient treatment, or an intensive outpatient program and receive a variety of addiction therapy programs treatment options, such as individual therapy, group therapy, behavioral therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, family therapy, art therapy, music therapy, and more. Enjoy the road to recovery and achieve sober living through the Muse Treatment rehab program. For questions about rehab, treatment, or what insurance we accept, visit the Muse Treatment website.