Effects & Dangers Of Injecting Klonopin (Clonazepam)

Injecting Klonopin can cause strong drowsiness, clouded thinking, loss of coordination, and an increased risk of infectious diseases. As a form of substance abuse, injecting Klonopin can cause stronger side effects compared to swallowing Klonopin tablets.

When taken as directed, Klonopin tablets treat anxiety disorders, seizures, and panic disorders. Klonopin can be abused to get high due to its sedative effects. 

Clonazepam, the main active ingredient in Klonopin, is a Schedule IV controlled substance with moderate abuse potential.

In 2021, 13.8 benzodiazepine doses per capita were dispensed to Ohio residents. Benzodiazepines such as clonazepam, diazepam, and alprazolam are readily available for illicit use in the state. Taking benzodiazepines as directed by your doctor can reduce your health risk.

Effects Of Injecting Clonazepam

When you inject clonazepam, the drug enters your bloodstream directly. Since injected drugs may not go through your digestive system, the side effects of injected drugs can be stronger.

Injecting clonazepam can lead to side effects such as:

• drowsiness
• sedation
• impairment
• dry mouth
• constipation
• worsening mental health
• abscesses at the injection site
• collapsed veins
• skin and muscle infections

Injecting drugs can cause unique side effects due to its effects on your skin, muscles, and veins. The potential for strong side effects can make injection an appealing form of drug abuse for people who want to get high on benzodiazepines.

Dangers Of Injecting Klonopin

As a form of drug abuse, injecting Klonopin can be dangerous to your health. Along with the short-term side effects of Klonopin use, your physical and mental health may also be at risk.

High concentrations of clonazepam can strain your central nervous system (CNS), which can impair your ability to function. Sharing needles with other people can increase your risk of diseases such as HIV or hepatitis.

Drug Overdose

A Klonopin overdose is a medical emergency where you take high doses of clonazepam at once. While overdoses on benzodiazepines alone are uncommon in Ohio, your risk of overdose may increase if you inject Klonopin with opioid drugs such as fentanyl or oxycodone.

Benzodiazepines and opioids can cause your CNS to shut down, leading to respiratory depression, low blood pressure, a weak pulse, and other life-threatening effects. If you see these signs of overdose in a loved one, call for help right away.

Klonopin bought from illicit Ohio drug dealers may contain fentanyl and other opioids. Harm reduction techniques such as fentanyl test strips can help reduce your risk of overdose.

Drug Addiction

Klonopin can be habit-forming, especially when it’s abused or not taken as directed. 

High concentrations of clonazepam may enter your body during injection, which can change how your brain works. Worsening mental health and withdrawal symptoms, such as psychosis, can happen when you try to stop injecting Klonopin.

Benzodiazepine Addiction Treatment

If a loved one is dealing with scarring, worsening mental health, and an interest in benzodiazepines, they may be struggling with a benzodiazepine addiction. 

An addiction treatment program can give someone close to you the medical care and support they need to overcome their addiction.

To find out if our benzodiazepine detox, mental health services, and management of withdrawal symptoms will work for you or your loved one, please contact us today.