Klonopin (Clonazepam) Addiction | Effects, Abuse, Signs, & Treatment

Clonazepam (brand name Klonopin) is a benzodiazepine prescription drug used to treat those suffering from anxiety disorders such as panic disorder as well as seizure disorders. The medication helps treat panic attacks and is also considered an anticonvulsant.

Benzodiazepines (or benzos) such as Klonopin belong to the schedule IV drug class according to the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). This means Klonopin has potential for abuse. Other benzodiazepines include lorazepam (Ativan), diazepam (Valium), and alprazolam (Xanax).

Those who develop a Klonopin addiction may experience changes in behavior due to the changes taking place in the brain. Those with physical dependence may experience cravings for the drug.

Effects Of Klonopin Use

According to the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Klonopin enhances the neurotransmitter gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) which depresses the central nervous system (CNS).

It also blocks receptors in the brain to reduce anxiety. Klonopin use and abuse causes a number of side effects.

Short-Term Side Effects

Some of the short-term side effects of Klonopin use consist of:

• drowsiness
• sedation
• frequent urination
• unsteadiness
• lowered blood pressure
• lowered heart rate
• dizziness

Long-Term Side Effects

There are a number of side effects associated with long-term use of Klonopin. Physical dependence to Klonopin may develop after 2 or more weeks of daily use, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI).

Klonopin Abuse

Taking Klonopin in high doses is considered a form of drug abuse. Those with a drug addiction may partake in various types of benzodiazepine abuse.

Taking Klonopin Not As Prescribed

When someone uses Klonopin excessively, they may eventually turn to alternative methods of taking the drug such as snorting or injecting the benzodiazepine.

To snort Klonopin, the tablet must first be crushed. Those who inject the drug may crush the pill and mix it with water to form a solution.

This can lead to a person taking larger doses of Klonopin without realizing it. The effects of this type of misuse happen much more quickly than taking a regular pill. The side effects of snorting and injecting Klonopin are much more severe than common side effects.

Polysubstance Use

Those who enjoy the effects of Klonopin may begin to seek out other drugs to add to their system, increasing potential euphoria. However, the use of Klonopin with a number of medications is not recommended.

For instance, CNS depressants such as opioids, alcohol, or barbiturates should not be combined with Klonopin. This type of drug use can cause increased relaxation and sedation which may lead to respiratory depression or loss of consciousness.

In fact, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), Klonopin combined with opioids can lead to severe complications. Other medications such as certain antidepressants and antihistamines should also be avoided.

Signs Of Klonopin Addiction

In general, there are a number of warning signs that a person is living with benzodiazepine addiction, including:

• spending a lot of time searching for and using Klonopin
• favoring drug use over previous hobbies
• visiting multiple doctors for a Klonopin prescription (“doctor shopping”)
• neglecting personal hygiene and keeping up with relationships
• secretive behavior
• outbursts of paranoia, anger, or aggression
• continuing to use klonopin despite negative consequences at home, work, or school

If a person snorts this benzodiazepine drug, they may experience several lasting health problems. Snorting Klonopin can lead to a chronic runny nose, frequent nosebleeds, or bacterial infections within the nasal cavity.

Those who inject Klonopin into their veins may also exhibit outward signs of drug use. Those who use needles to inject drugs can develop abscesses, bacterial infections, and even collapsed veins. Discoloration of the skin can occur as well.

Klonopin Withdrawal

When taking benzodiazepines, it’s important to not stop your medication abruptly, as serious withdrawal symptoms may occur. Some of the withdrawal symptoms a person may experience when stopping Klonopin “cold turkey” include:

• memory problems
• muscle twitching
• seizures
• depression
• ringing in your ears
• sleep problems
• psychosis
• suicidal ideations
• shaking
• difficulty concentrating

Klonopin Overdose

Partaking in Klonopin drug use can increase the risk of overdose. When a person abuses the drug by taking it in a different manner than prescribed, they may accidentally experience a Klonopin overdose.

When a person has too much Klonopin in their system, they may exhibit signs of an overdose. Signs of a Klonopin overdose can include:

• confusion
• slow reflexes
• extreme drowsiness
• impaired coordination

If you suspect a Klonopin overdose has occurred, contact 911 as soon as possible.

When you arrive at the emergency room, medical professionals will quickly try to determine the amount of the drug in your system. It may be necessary to undergo the detoxification process, typically the first step in safely tapering off Klonopin.

Benzodiazepine Addiction Treatment

Your treatment provider may recommend further Klonopin addiction treatment services after you experience detox and withdrawal. Addiction treatment programs take place in inpatient or outpatient settings and include group therapy, one-on-one therapy, peer support, and more.

If you or a loved one are struggling with Klonopin addiction, consider Northeast Addictions Treatment Center. We provide a number of outpatient addiction treatment programs, including a day treatment program and an intensive outpatient program. To learn more, contact us today.

FAQs

What’s The Difference Between Clonazepam & Lorazepam?

The major differences between clonazepam and lorazepam include brand name (clonazepam is Klonopin and lorazepam is Ativan), how long the effects last (clonazepam lasts longer than lorazepam), and half-life (clonazepam’s half-life is 30-40 hours and lorazepam’s is 12 hours).

Learn more about Clonazepam Vs. Lorazepam

Can You Abuse Clonazepam Wafers?

Yes. Clonazepam orally disintegrating tablets (a generic name for the brand name medication Klonopin) can be abused, either alone or in potentially lethal combinations with alcohol, opioids, or other substances of abuse.

Learn more about Clonazepam Wafer Abuse

Is Clonazepam An Opioid Or Opiate?

No, clonazepam (brand name Klonopin) is neither an opioid or opiate. Clonazepam is a benzodiazepine prescription drug that can be dangerous when mixed with opioids and other central nervous system (CNS) depressants.

To learn more, read Is Clonazepam An Opioid Or Opiate?

Is It Safe To Take Clonazepam During Pregnancy?

There are a few potential risks that come with taking clonazepam during pregnancy, including hypotonia and withdrawal. It’s up to you and your doctor to decide if those risks outweigh your need to take the medication.

Learn more about Clonazepam & Pregnancy

How Much Does Klonopin Cost?

On the street, Klonopin typically costs between $1 and $10 per tablet, depending on the dosage.

In general, higher dosages are more expensive. Also, the drug often costs more in rural areas and less in big cities. That’s because cities tend to have more Klonopin, and higher supplies usually lead to lower prices.

When prescribed by a doctor, Klonopin typically costs between $90 and $130 per 30-day supply. Many insurance companies will cover some or all of these costs. You can also lower the drug’s price by using a discount card or switching to the generic version.

Learn more about Klonopin Street Price & Prescription Cost

What Are Some Slang Terms For Klonopin?

The most common slang terms for Klonopin include K, K-Pin, Pin, and Super Valium.

Some people also refer to Klonopin using slang terms for benzodiazepines, including benzos, candy, chill pills, and tranks.

Learn more about Klonopin (Clonazepam) Street Names

What Are Some Natural Alternatives To Klonopin?

Natural alternatives to Clonazepam (Klonopin) for managing anxiety and improving your overall physical and mental health include counseling, exercise, maintaining a healthy diet and nutrition, spending regular time in nature, and (potentially) using certain natural supplements with mood-stabilizing properties.

Learn more about Natural Alternatives To Clonazepam

What’s The Difference Between Xanax & Klonopin?

The effects of Klonopin may be felt for longer than the effects of Xanax on average. Klonopin is approved to treat seizure disorders, while Xanax may be prescribed off-label for this purpose.

Learn more about Klonopin Vs. Xanax