Clonazepam Addiction, Uses, Side Effects & Treatment

Clonazepam Addiction Treatment and Side Effects

Clonazepam, more widely recognized by its brand name, Klonopin, is a prescription drug commonly used to treat conditions that cause anxiety, panic, or seizures. While the drug has proven effective as a treatment for these symptoms, this substance can often lead to clonazepam addiction when used outside of doctor’s orders. Understanding the side effect risks of prescription medications like Clonazepam is crucial for avoiding substance abuse, and knowing the dangers can potentially save someone’s life.

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 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

Is It Okay to Take Clonazepam Every Night?

The short answer is no, it’s not okay to take clonazepam every night for an extended period. While benzodiazepines like this are effective for managing short-term sleep issues, prolonged use comes with many associated risks. To understand why, it’s important to explore how clonazepam works.

Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is a neurotransmitter in the brain whose primary function is producing calm feelings throughout the body by slowing down brain activity. Clonazepam enhances the effects of GABA, making it easier to quiet the mind and prepare for rest or relaxation. When used extensively, the brain can develop a dependence on this potent medication, which can cause extreme cravings or even intense withdrawal symptoms, including increased anxiety, restlessness, tremors, and seizures. Eventually, with prolonged exposure, the body may become incapable of calming down without benzodiazepines, and a high tolerance can form, meaning individuals will need more of this prescription to feel the effects.

Regular use of clonazepam, especially every night, can increase the chances of forming a clonazepam addiction. This dependence to clonazepam can lead to an emotional blunting effect, which is a state of being wherein the individual feels less connected to their emotions and surroundings, causing rifts within relationships and executive functioning issues. Additionally, a study published in the National Library of Medicine suggests that regular benzodiazepine use is associated with cognitive impairment and an increased risk of falls and fractures, particularly in older adults.

To mitigate these risks, healthcare providers typically only prescribe clonazepam for short periods. However, it’s important to note that patients who have been using this medication for an extended time should not stop using it suddenly or abruptly as withdrawal symptoms can be potentially lethal and should instead seek to taper off under medical supervision.

Which Is More Addictive, Xanax or Clonazepam?

Both Xanax, also known as alprazolam and clonazepam, are similar drugs as they are from the same family of medications known as benzodiazepines. However, there are some key differences between them, particularly in how quickly they take effect, how long they last, and how addictive they can be.

The first thing to understand when looking at these differences is the concept of a “half-life.” That’s how long it takes a substance to decrease by half within the body. For Xanax, the half-life is shorter compared to clonazepam, which means it’s absorbed more quickly. Why is this important? The rapid metabolization of Xanax leads to a quicker onset of effects, but that can also mean a higher potential for addiction. Patients taking this medication can often feel withdrawal effects quickly between doses, which exacerbates a cycle of increased use and dependence.

On the other hand, clonazepam has a longer half-life, which means the effects take longer to manifest but are also more sustained. These long-lasting effects reduce the frequency of use, but that does not imply that clonazepam addiction is impossible or even unlikely. The research found on PubMed shows that clonazepam users can often exhibit drug-seeking behaviors to obtain more of this powerful medication. Both of these substances come with an increased risk of dependence and addiction, so healthcare professionals typically stay mindful of that fact when prescribing benzodiazepines to patients.

What Organ Does Clonazepam Affect?

As previously mentioned, clonazepam enhances GABA receptors in the brain, creating relaxed sensations throughout the body. Thus, the brain and central nervous system are affected. However, it’s important to note that this drug can also damage other organs.

One of the liver’s primary functions is to filter out and break down toxins in the bloodstream. These toxins include medications like clonazepam. According to a study from MedlinePlus, drug-induced liver injuries (DILI) can occur when certain medications build up in the body at a rate too high for the liver to do its job. This means that patients with existing liver conditions, like fatty liver, for example, may have a hard time processing these kinds of substances, which can lead to prolonged effects and an increased risk of toxicity or even death.

In addition to the liver, the digestive system can be negatively impacted by clonazepam addiction. Some side effects of benzodiazepines include nausea and constipation. Also, due to the decreased brain activity associated with this medication, the body is less likely to supply hunger cues, which can limit an individual’s appetite. This can lead to malnutrition and even metabolic changes, affecting weight regulation.

Patients who have been prescribed clonazepam are wise to make regular appointments with their doctor so they can be evaluated for how this drug is affecting their body and what the repercussions of long-term use and addiction can be without professional RX drug rehab in Los Angeles.

Is Clonazepam Hard on the Heart?

While clonazepam is notorious for affecting the brain, liver, digestive, and central nervous systems, it’s also known to create changes in the cardiovascular system as well. While this drug isn’t directly toxic to the heart, it can often cause side effects that disrupt the natural rhythms of this crucial muscle.

An increased sense of relaxation can lead to lowered blood pressure, as this metric is most often associated with stress levels. However, some individuals who already have normal or low blood pressure readings may have these numbers drop so low that they experience dizziness or fainting episodes.

On the other hand, withdrawal symptoms pose a different kind of heart risk. As the body begins to crave more of this strong medication, heart rates often increase as anxiety levels rise in the body. As such, prolonged use of this drug can sometimes lead to irregular heartbeats, known as arrhythmias, especially in patients with preexisting heart problems or a family history of them.

Furthermore, clonazepam addiction can lead to lifestyle changes that may negatively affect the cardiovascular system. Extreme levels of relaxation can keep an individual in a sedentary state, which decreases their motivation for heart-strengthening exercise. Poor eating habits can also cause physical stress and malnutrition. Even stress from the preoccupation with finding more of this drug can be taxing on the heart. For these reasons, people with weak hearts should consult with a doctor before beginning treatment involving clonazepam and use it under close medical supervision.

Break Free From Clonazepam Addiction With Help From Muse Treatment

Clonazepam addiction is a serious concern, particularly for those who take the medication regularly over long periods. While clonazepam is effective for treating anxiety and seizures, its potential for dependence and withdrawal symptoms cannot be overlooked. Long-term use can lead to cognitive impairment, emotional blunting, and physical health issues, making it essential to seek help if dependence develops.

Muse Treatment offers comprehensive addiction treatment services, including medical detox, inpatient rehab, outpatient programs, and aftercare support. Our team of experienced professionals understands the challenges of benzodiazepine dependence and provides personalized treatment to help individuals regain control of their lives.

If you or a loved one is struggling with clonazepam addiction, don’t wait to seek help. Call Muse Treatment today at 800-426-1818 to speak with a specialist and take the first step toward lasting recovery.

External Sources

• National Library of Medicine: Benzodiazepines: Uses, Dangers, and Clinical Considerations
• National Library of Medicine: Evidence of clonazepam abuse liability
• Medline Plus: Drug-induced liver injury