Klonopin (generic name: Clonazepam) is a Schedule IV drug in the family of benzodiazepines. Giving a feeling of profound relaxation, high rates of substance abuse and physical dependence are common, even when taken as prescribed. Known as k-pins, tranks, downers, or benzos on the street, these central nervous system (CNS) depressants carry a high risk of overdose, especially when paired with prescription opioids.
What is Klonopin?
Taken sublingually, or in blue tablet form, klonopin is primarily used in preventing seizures and treating panic disorders. Because it increases the effectiveness of certain drugs, it’s often just one component of a patient’s overall regimen. As a CNS depressant, finding the correct dosage is a challenge, but its effects on breathing and heart rate mean taking klonopin as prescribed is vital.
Klonopin Effects
Common side effects are similar to those of barbiturates, chief among them being to slow down a person’s brain activity. Other effects include:
- Feeling relaxed
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Unsteadiness
- Difficulty thinking
- Increased saliva
- Muscle or joint pain
- Frequent urination
- Blurred vision
- Changes in sex drive or ability
Report more serious side effects to the prescribing doctor as soon as possible. Depending on their severity, emergency treatment may be required. Having someone check in regularly, particularly if taking klonopin for the first time, boosts the chances of any adverse reaction being dealt with swiftly, should the patient become incapacitated. Seek help immediately for the following:
- Suicidal ideation
- New or worsening depression or anxiety
- Memory loss
- Insomnia
- Changes in emotions, mood, or behavior
- Excessive sleepiness
- Extreme confusion
- Reduced reflexes
- Low blood pressure
- Allergic reaction – skin rash, swelling, etc.
Signs of Klonopin Abuse and Addiction
Prescription and casual users alike face an equal danger of drug addiction. Symptoms of klonopin abuse include:
- Dizziness
- Vertigo
- Fainting
- Numbness
- Impaired cognition
- Confusion
- Delayed reflex response
- Irritability
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Panic attacks
- Reduced libido
- Delirium
- Paranoia
- Suicidal ideation
- Seizures
- Tolerance
- Overdose
Symptoms of klonopin overdose can lead to death. Reckless behavior, namely, altering the dosage, taking the drug illegally or in combination with other substances, increases the risk considerably. Addicts and alcoholics are especially vulnerable, although everyone taking it with a popular mixer like alcohol, cocaine, or prescription opioids risks overdosing. Ironically, other benzodiazepine products are prescribed to facilitate withdrawal from alcohol addiction. Not so much with klonopin.
The following danger signs are in no way exhaustive, but any person exhibiting one or more requires urgent medical attention:
- Slow or shallow breathing
- Reduced heart rate
- Hallucinations
- Slurred speech
- Extreme drowsiness
- Reduced attention span
- Memory impairment
- Loss of coordination
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Seizures
- Coma
Klonopin Withdrawal Symptoms
Letting go of the addiction is a long and stressful process. It requires levels of care typically found in recovery centers all across the world. Every experience being different, the intensity of klonopin withdrawal symptoms varies from addict to addict. Checking into a residential treatment center is highly advisable. This ensures regular access to addiction therapy resources and provides qualified medical personnel to supervise the drug detox journey.
Doctors generally recommend tapering off of klonopin as the safest, most successful method of withdrawal. Serious complications or death can occur if attempting to stop cold turkey. Examples of klonopin withdrawal symptoms include:
- Headaches
- Restlessness
- Hallucinations
- Depression and anxiety
- Insomnia
- Tremors
- Drastic mood swings
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Digestive issues–nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, reduced appetite
- Sensitivity to light and loud noises
- Increased blood pressure or heart rate
- Body aches
- Panic attacks
- Seizures–potentially life threatening
Long Term Side Effects of Klonopin Abuse
Some symptoms linger months or even years after recovering from addiction to klonopin. These include:
- Anxiety disorder
- Panic disorder
- Memory loss
- Impaired cognition
- Depression
- Insomnia
- Tingling sensations of the skin
- Involuntary twitching
- Tinnitus–ringing in the ear
Klonopin Addiction Treatment
Addiction to klonopin is as unsafe as its withdrawal and detox are dangerous. Medically supervised treatment programs provide a safe and stable environment while minimizing any chance for relapse. Combining behavioral therapy with individual therapy, the addict finds relief from their psychological and physical dependence issues.
If you or your loved ones are struggling with drug addiction, please contact a recovery center near you to discuss the many types of treatment programs available. Recovery from substance abuse disorders is available to all.
