How Long Does Klonopin Stay in Your System?

Klonopin is a brand name for clonazepam. The latter belongs to a class of drugs called benzodiazepines, or ‘benzos’ for short. Benzos are not included in standard 5-panel drug tests.

But they are detectable in 10-panel drug tests. Professional athletes, government employees and members of the military are some of the people who may have to do this test. 

If you’re new to taking Klonopin or you’re concerned about an upcoming test, here’s what you need to know about how long Klonopin stays in your system. 

How Long Does Klonopin Stay in Lab Tests?

According to the FDA, the elimination half-life of clonazepam is about 30 to 40 hours. It takes at least five half-lives for a substance to leave the body. That means that Klonopin is detectable in lab tests for about a week.

Some studies report a shorter half-life of 18 hours and a longer half-life of 60 hours for the drug. That extends the window of detection to about 2 weeks in cases of heavy use.

How long the drug is detectable in lab test results also depends on the type of test done. Different biological samples work with different time-frames. Hair gives testing authorities at least a month to work with. And blood and saliva tests are only practical for establishing recent drug use.

The primary active metabolite of Klonopin is 7-aminoclonazepam. It is detectable even after the parent drug can no longer be found and its detectability is worked into the estimates below.

How Long Does Klonopin Stay in Your Urine?

Urine screenings are the most common method of drug testing. Among benzos, Klonopin falls somewhere in the middle when it comes to how long it can be found in urine. In cases of heavy use, the drug is detectable in urine up to a week, and even a month after consumption.

How Long Does Klonopin Stay in Your Saliva?

Saliva tests are relatively expensive but police often use them, as do rehab clinics. Klonopin is detectable in saliva for up to five days in cases of regular use. And its metabolite lingers for longer, around six days.

How Long Does Klonopin Stay in Your Blood?

Blood tests are useful in the wake of an overdose. Klonopin is detectable in blood plasma within half an hour of ingestion. It reaches peak levels in the blood between one and four hours after it’s taken. 

Brain effects tend to occur within an hour of ingestion and can last for up to twelve hours. Drug tests can find the substance during this time and up to three or more days after use. 

How Long Does Klonopin Stay in Your Hair?

As with other drugs, Klonopin should be detectable as soon as there’s new hair growth after ingestion. Klonopin is detectable in hair up to around three months after it is taken.

Hair tests are a reliable method to check for patterns of consumption and long term use of Klonopin. They are non-invasive and can be done with small hair samples.

To summarize, Klonopin is typically detectable within these periods of time:

  • blood –  up to 3 or more days
  • saliva – up to 6 days
  • urine –  up to a week or more
  • hair – up to 90 days

Many tests for benzos can detect the substance but not how much of it is in the body.

The important thing to remember is that even though the effects of Klonopin may wear off, the substance takes much longer to actually leave your body. 

Also, make sure that you let the testing authority know about any prescriptions you have. This provides necessary context for your results. 

Can You Detox From Klonopin Faster?

The speed at which the body processes clonazepam is not the same for everyone. How long it lasts in the body depends on unique factors. These include but are not limited to:

  • Frequency of use
  • Duration of use
  • Dosage
  • Presence of other substances
  • Metabolism
  • General health
  • Hydration levels
  • Age
  • Weight
  • Genetics

Let’s have a look at some of these factors. 

Regular use of Klonopin can cause the substance to accumulate in the body. As a result, it will take longer for the body to detox from the substance.

In general, the elderly take longer to metabolize substances than younger people do. 

The liver processes many substances. Liver disease will, thus, impair the body’s ability to rid itself of Klonopin. 

Some people have genes which regulate liver enzymes. This can help to process substances faster. Also, some drugs such as phenytoin, carbamazepine and phenobarbital have a similar effect on the liver. They can lower Klonopin levels in blood plasma by about 30%. 

Grapefruit juice and various antibiotics and medications inhibit the relevant liver enzymes. This slows down the processing of Klonopin slightly.  

An optimal lifestyle with healthy food, sleep and exercise habits allows the body to work at its best. But, ultimately, there’s not much you can do to change how fast your system expels substances.

If you’re worried about excessive Klonopin use, it may be time to seek treatment. 

Treatment for Substance Use Disorders

Klonopin is a Schedule IV controlled substance because it is habit-forming. It causes dependence even when taken as directed by a doctor. Stopping use without lowering the dosage over time can bring about serious withdrawal symptoms. These include seizures, hallucinations, muscle cramps and shaking.

If you or someone you know is struggling with substance use issues, help is available. Treatment includes a safe and optimal detox supervised by health professionals. 

Outpatient treatment is possible as is full-time care in a residential facility. It depends on the severity of substance use and any co-occurring disorders. 

Rehab also includes various types of counseling. Therapists are familiar with the psychology of addiction. They equip patients with the tools to prevent relapse and they also address any underlying issues that lead to using drugs. Treatment centers also provide links to third-party support groups and resources.

Sobriety is necessary and possible. Call Northeast Addictions Treatment today to discuss the best options for you. It’s the first step on the journey towards a happier and more stable life.

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Written by
Northeast Addition Editorial Team

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