Klonopin Addiction | Abuse, Warning Signs, Risks, & Treatment

Klonopin is the brand name for the long-acting benzodiazepine prescription drug clonazepam. 

It’s used in the treatment of anxiety, panic disorder, seizures, and insomnia. It works by increasing the amounts of the neurotransmitter GABA in the central nervous system (CNS) and slowing down brain activity to create a calming effect.

The FDA classifies the drug as a Schedule IV controlled substance. This means it has a lower potential for abuse than Schedule I, II, and III controlled substances but it can still lead to dependence and addiction.

Side Effects Of Klonopin Abuse

Klonopin, like most medications, comes with a number of side effects whether it’s used as directed or abused. Klonopin abuse occurs when you take a higher dose than prescribed, use it without a prescription, or combine it with other drugs or alcohol.

Some of the side effects you may see if you’re abusing Klonopin include:

• lack of coordination
• dizziness
• sleepiness
• slurred speech
• depression
• restlessness
• constipation
• paranoia
• hallucinations
• irritability
• panic attacks
• tachycardia
• diarrhea
• seizures

Abusing Klonopin increases the risk of substance use disorder or addiction. 

Warning Signs Of Klonopin Addiction

On top of the adverse effects of Klonopin abuse listed above, there are also signs you can look for if you suspect someone you love has developed Klonopin addiction. 

Signs of Klonopin addiction can include:

• consistent cravings for Klonopin
• continued Klonopin use despite negative consequences
• having the desire to quit Klonopin but being unable to do so
• losing interest in social or professional responsibilities
• doctor shopping or seeking out multiple prescriptions for Klonopin from many doctors
• forging prescriptions for Klonopin
• stealing or borrowing Klonopin and other benzodiazepines from others
• loss of personal relationships

Klonopin Addiction Risk Factors

There are also certain factors that can put some people at more risk of ending up with a Klonopin addiction than others. Some of these factors include:

• taking higher doses than recommended
• using Klonopin in a way not recommended
• length of Klonopin use (short-term/long-term use)
• personal/family history of substance use disorder
• personal/family history of mental health disorders

Risks Of Klonopin Addiction

Klonopin abuse also comes with many risks such as overdose, negative drug interactions, and withdrawal symptoms when you stop using.

Overdose

The risk of overdose goes up significantly if you misuse or abuse Klonopin. If you notice any of the following signs and symptoms in yourself or a loved one, call 911 immediately:

• confusion
• drowsiness
• impaired coordination
• slow reflexes
• fainting
• muscle weakness
• memory impairment
• slurred speech
• slowed breathing
• coma

In Ohio, benzodiazepines like Klonopin were involved in almost 10% of the total number of unintentional overdose deaths in 2020.

Drug Interactions 

There are also several drugs that shouldn’t be mixed with Klonopin. When you combine drugs, adverse effects can occur. These effects can be severe, increase your risk of an overdose, and possibly even be life-threatening.

Some of the drugs that shouldn’t be mixed with Klonopin include:

• amiodarone
• certain antibiotics like erythromycin (Erythrocin)
• antihistamines
• calcium channel blockers like diltiazem (Cardizem)
• opioid painkillers
• anticonvulsants like carbamazepine (Epitol)
• muscle relaxants
• certain selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)

Klonopin Withdrawal Symptoms

If you abuse Klonopin over a long period of time or take it in high doses, you increase your chance of building up a physical dependence. When this occurs and you try to stop taking the drug, withdrawal symptoms are likely to occur. 

Benzodiazepine withdrawal symptoms may include:

• sweating
• increased heart rate
• tremors
• vomiting
• nausea
• anxiety
• irritability
• psychosis
• muscle cramps
• seizures
  

Klonopin Addiction Treatment

No matter how severe, Klonopin addiction can be treated with detox and inpatient/outpatient treatment.

Detox

When quitting Klonopin, detoxification or detox is usually one of the first steps taken in addiction recovery. 

During detox, your dose of Klonopin may be decreased over a period of time. This is called tapering. While tapering is meant to stop or at least ease withdrawal symptoms, some may still show up.

Because of the severity of the withdrawal symptoms and the complexity of tapering, it’s recommended you go through detox at a detox center or with the help of your healthcare provider. 

At a detox center, medical professionals can taper your Klonopin dosage, watch your vitals, and provide other medications to ease any withdrawal symptoms that do occur. They may also prescribe a longer-acting benzodiazepine and then have you taper with that.

Inpatient/Outpatient Treatment

After detox, inpatient or outpatient substance abuse treatment can be your next step. Which one is right for you depends on the severity of your addiction. 

Inpatient treatment involves staying at a treatment center 24/7 and is for those with severe addiction. Outpatient care allows you to go home after treatment sessions each day and is often recommended for those with mild to moderate addiction.

Whether in an inpatient or outpatient treatment program, you’ll participate in behavioral therapy, group therapy, and support groups as well as learn relapse prevention strategies.

If you or a loved one are struggling with drug abuse, you don’t have to go through it alone. Ohio Recovery Center is here to help, and we offer addiction treatment options that include detox, inpatient drug rehab, and aftercare support.

For more information, please call our helpline today.

FAQs

How Long Does Klonopin Stay In Your System?

How long Klonopin stays in your system depends on a variety of different factors like age, weight, and overall health. Typically, Klonopin can stay in the system for several days and can be detected with drug testing for up to 90 days after your last use.

Learn more about How Long Klonopin Stays In Your System

What’s A Typical Dose Of Klonopin?

The typical adult dose of Klonopin for seizure disorder is 0.5 mg three times a day. For panic disorder, the typical adult dose is 0.25 mg twice a day.

Learn more about Klonopin Dosage

Can You Snort Klonopin?

Klonopin is a benzodiazepine prescription medication which is available as a tablet. The tablet can be crushed into a fine powder and snorted. However, this can lead to life-threatening effects because the drug enters the bloodstream so quickly.

Learn more about Snorting Klonopin

Can You Smoke Klonopin?

Klonopin is a benzodiazepine prescription drug which can be smoked once the tablet is crushed into a powder. However, this form of substance abuse can lead to harmful side effects.

Learn more about Smoking Klonopin

Can You Inject Klonopin?

Yes, you can inject Klonopin to get high, but this is a form of illicit drug use. Injecting Klonopin can lead to collapsed veins, infections, and an increased risk of overdose and addiction.

Learn more about Injecting Klonopin

Can You Plug Klonopin?

Clonazepam is sometimes abused through rectal administration (plugging/boofing). However, it is unclear how effective this method of administration is compared to regular oral ingestion, and plugging drugs may damage rectal tissue and lead to short- and long-term health risks.

Learn more about Plugging Klonopin

Can You Get High On Klonopin?

Clonazepam (brand name Klonopin) is a benzodiazepine that can make one feel “high” when abused. A person may take more of the drug than prescribed or mix it with other substances to increase feelings of sedation and euphoria. This, however, can lead to serious side effects.

Learn more about Getting High On Klonopin

What Does Klonopin Look Like?

What Klonopin looks like depends on the manufacturer and strength. It is often round but can be blue, green, white, or yellow in color along with various imprints.

Learn more about What Klonopin Looks Like

How Much Does Klonopin Cost?

Prescription Klonopin usually costs between $10 and $130 per prescription. The exact price depends on the pharmacy, strength, and amount of tablets prescribed.

On the street, Klonopin usually costs between $2 and $10 per tablet, depending on the strength and location. 

Learn more about Klonopin Street Value & Prescription Cost

What Is Klonopin Called On The Street?

Klonopin can be called K-Pins, super Valium, tranks, and benzos on Ohio streets. Drugs sold under these names can be abused to get high.

Learn more about Klonopin Street Names

Does Klonopin Cause Any Sexual Side Effects?

Yes, Klonopin can sometimes cause sexual side effects such as erectile dysfunction and decreased sex drive. Taking clonazepam as directed by your Ohio healthcare provider can reduce your risk of sexual side effects.

Learn more about The Sexual Side Effects Of Klonopin