Klonopin Addiction, Treatment & Side Effects

Klonopin Addiction Treatment and Side Effects

Klonopin (clonazepam) is a prescription benzodiazepine medication primarily used to treat panic disorders, seizures, and certain types of anxiety. As a central nervous system depressant, it works by enhancing the effects of GABA. This neurotransmitter reduces brain activity, which helps calm excessive neural stimulation and provides relief from anxiety and seizure symptoms.

Despite its medical benefits, Klonopin carries significant risks of abuse and addiction, with the risk increasing for those taking the medication long-term or in higher doses. Potential Klonopin addiction risks include physical dependence, withdrawal symptoms, tolerance development, and potential for substance abuse, particularly when combined with other central nervous system depressants like alcohol.

Chronic misuse can lead to severe prescription drug side effects, including health complications, including cognitive impairment, respiratory depression, and an increased risk of overdose.

Does Klonopin Get You High Like Xanax?

Both Klonopin and Xanax are benzodiazepines that can produce euphoric effects when misused, potentially creating a “high” characterized by relaxation, sedation, and reduced anxiety. However, this euphoria contributes to their high drug addiction potential.

Recreational use is dangerous and can lead to serious health risks, including respiratory depression, cognitive impairment, and overdose. Medical use should always be strictly under a healthcare professional’s guidance.

When taken as prescribed, it can effectively treat anxiety and seizure disorders by producing calming effects through its action on GABA receptors. Common therapeutic effects include reduced anxiety, muscle relaxation, and improved sleep. The medication typically starts working within an hour and can last six to 12 hours.

Physical dependence can develop even with proper medical use, which is why discontinuation should always be gradually tapered under medical supervision. Taking Klonopin without a prescription or in ways other than prescribed is dangerous, potentially leading to severe health consequences, including overdose, especially when combined with other substances.

Which Is Less Addictive, Xanax or Klonopin?

Both Klonopin and Xanax carry significant addiction risks with the potential to cause both physical and psychological dependence. For both medications, physical dependence can develop within two to four weeks of regular use, even at prescribed doses. Both medications can lead to tolerance, requiring increasing doses to achieve the same therapeutic effect, and both have severe withdrawal symptoms if stopped abruptly.

The main difference in their addictive nature relates to their duration of action. Xanax has a shorter half-life (6 to 12 hours), which can lead to more frequent dosing and potentially more intense cravings between doses. Klonopin’s longer half-life (30 to 40 hours) may result in less frequent dosing but can lead to more prolonged withdrawal symptoms. Both medications require careful medical supervision and gradual tapering when discontinuing use.

Signs of Klonopin Abuse and Addiction

Common signs of Klonopin abuse and addiction are:

• “Doctor shopping” or visiting several pharmacies to obtain more Klonopin and hide your abuse
• Using Klonopin when you do not need it or in higher doses than prescribed
• Experiencing cravings and obsessive thoughts about Klonopin
• Losing interest in social activities and hobbies and developing legal issues, work problems, or relationship problems due to Klonopin use

Experiencing these or other physical or psychological signs of addiction to Klonopin often requires professional intervention, with help from a doctor, to quit safely. If you are worried about a loved one’s Klonopin addiction or experiencing substance use disorder symptoms yourself, it may be time to look into drug rehab.

Klonopin Withdrawal Symptoms

Common Klonopin withdrawal symptoms include:

• Headache
• High blood pressure
• Memory loss
• Nightmares
• Anxiety
• Panic attacks
• Mood swings
• Nausea/vomiting
• Shaking
• Muscle spasms
• There are also psychological withdrawal symptoms that may occur, like:
• Intense nightmares
• Sadness
• Anger or rage
• Irritability

Long-Term Side Effects of Klonopin Abuse

Clonazepam (Klonopin) is usually prescribed as a short-term medication because of its potential for addiction, a serious issue if left untreated. If used long-term, you may develop:

• Vertigo
• Fainting
• Confusion
• Impaired cognition
• Inability to form new memories
• Reduced sex drive

Why Do Doctors Prefer Klonopin Over Xanax?

Some medical providers prefer prescribing Klonopin over Xanax because of its longer half-life, which means patients need less frequent dosing and experience more stable blood levels. This can result in fewer peaks and valleys in anxiety symptoms and potentially lower risks of psychological dependence since patients aren’t experiencing as many periods of breakthrough anxiety between doses.

Klonopin’s gradual onset and longer duration may also provide more consistent therapeutic effects compared to Xanax’s rapid onset and shorter action. This makes Klonopin potentially more suitable for treating chronic anxiety conditions rather than acute panic attacks, though both medications carry significant risks for dependence and require careful medical supervision.

Does Klonopin Have Withdrawals?

Klonopin withdrawal can be dangerous and potentially life-threatening due to severe symptoms, including seizures, severe anxiety, hallucinations, tremors, and extreme physical discomfort. The long half-life of Klonopin means withdrawal symptoms can last weeks to months, with peak intensity typically occurring 2-4 weeks after the last dose.

Medical detox is essential because withdrawal requires careful tapering under professional supervision. Attempting to quit cold turkey can trigger severe complications, including delirium, psychosis, and potentially fatal seizures.

Medical professionals can provide appropriate tapering schedules, monitor vital signs, manage complications, and prescribe supportive medications to help minimize dangerous withdrawal symptoms.

Find Klonopin Addiction Support at Muse Treatment in Los Angeles

Struggling with Klonopin addiction can be extremely challenging to overcome without proper treatment. Treatment for Klonopin addiction is crucial because this benzodiazepine medication can create both psychological and physical dependence, often within just a few weeks of regular use.

Abruptly stopping Klonopin can lead to severe withdrawal symptoms, including seizures, anxiety, and other dangerous health complications. Professional medical supervision during detox and prescription drug rehab is essential to safely manage these withdrawal symptoms.

Many people initially prescribed Klonopin for legitimate anxiety or seizure disorders need comprehensive support to address their underlying conditions while working toward recovery.

Muse Treatment has licensed medical professionals experienced in benzodiazepine withdrawal management and dual diagnosis treatment. We offer evidence-based programs that help patients identify triggers, develop healthy coping mechanisms, and address any co-occurring mental health conditions that may have contributed to the dependence.

Family therapy, support groups, and ongoing aftercare planning are also vital components of our programs, as they help prevent relapse and provide the emotional support needed for sustainable recovery.

With proper professional treatment, Muse Treatment patients can safely overcome Klonopin dependence while developing the skills needed to maintain their mental health and overall well-being. Please call Muse Treatment Los Angeles at 800-426-1818 for personalized help with benzo detox and recovery.

External Sources

• National Library of Medicine: The epidemiology of benzodiazepine misuse: A systematic review
• Cleveland Clinic: Benzodiazepines (Benzos)
• WebMD: Benzodiazepine Abuse