Klonopin, which is a brand name of Clonazepam, is a prescription medication used by patients dealing most commonly with seizures and panic disorders. Just like other Benzodiazepines, Klonopin can cause dependency leading to the need for an Klonopin addiction treatment program, and in consequence, withdrawal symptoms once an individual begins to taper off the medication.
What does the withdrawal process look like, and what Clonazepam withdrawal side effects may you experience during this time?
What does the withdrawal process look like, and what Clonazepam withdrawal side effects may you experience during this time?
What Is Klonopin (Clonazepam) Withdrawal?
Clonazepam withdrawal takes place when a person who was regularly taking the medication stops administering it. An individual who goes through Klonopin withdrawal may experience both physical and mental symptoms, which may be difficult to endure without proper support and preparation.
Common Klonopin withdrawal symptoms involve increased anxiety, as it is often the case that one's organism gets dependent on the substance to regulate their stress response. Klonopin interacts with gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which is a brain chemical that is responsible for reducing neuronal excitability or, in other words, inducing calming effects.
As many people take Clonazepam exactly for this reason, when they stop taking the drug, they are at risk of experiencing serious withdrawal symptoms related to increased stress. This is something that should be taken into account when deciding to go off the medication. It might be quite dangerous to try and go "cold turkey" without consulting with a medical professional first.
To reduce the severity of symptoms that come with the Klonopin withdrawal process, it's best to go through the withdrawal under medical supervision at a rehab for drug use, like Miracles Asia.
Common Klonopin withdrawal symptoms involve increased anxiety, as it is often the case that one's organism gets dependent on the substance to regulate their stress response. Klonopin interacts with gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which is a brain chemical that is responsible for reducing neuronal excitability or, in other words, inducing calming effects.
As many people take Clonazepam exactly for this reason, when they stop taking the drug, they are at risk of experiencing serious withdrawal symptoms related to increased stress. This is something that should be taken into account when deciding to go off the medication. It might be quite dangerous to try and go "cold turkey" without consulting with a medical professional first.
To reduce the severity of symptoms that come with the Klonopin withdrawal process, it's best to go through the withdrawal under medical supervision at a rehab for drug use, like Miracles Asia.
Klonopin Withdrawal Symptoms
Some of the most common physical withdrawal symptoms may include:
panic attacks
severe anxiety symptoms
nausea
sweating
increased blood pressure
abdominal cramps
muscle tension
dizziness
insomnia
increased blood pressure
increased heartbeat
fatigue
hallucinations
depression
grand mal seizures
coma
death
Among the psychological symptoms of withdrawal from Klonopin, we can list:
irritability
cravings
suicidal ideation
mood swings
depression
anxiety
restlessness
The symptoms vary in their severity. Every person is different, and may have different reactions to the withdrawal process. Additionally, factors such as the length of period you've been taking the medication, the dosage and how frequently it was being administered all are factors that need consideration and monitoring.
Additionally, if the individual had been mixing drugs with alcohol during their active Klonopin abuse
phases, they may experience a higher severity of the symptoms, and a prolonged withdrawal process.
The important thing to remember is the fact that there are some severe withdrawal symptoms, like seizures, coma, and even death, that can be a result of going off Clonazepam.
The physical dependence on a drug is hard to cope with, and deciding to completely stop taking the medication can be dangerous if done unsupervised. This pertains especially to those who were abusing Klonopin, taking high doses, which led to the development of Clonazepam addiction.
Additionally, if the individual had been mixing drugs with alcohol during their active Klonopin abuse
phases, they may experience a higher severity of the symptoms, and a prolonged withdrawal process.
The important thing to remember is the fact that there are some severe withdrawal symptoms, like seizures, coma, and even death, that can be a result of going off Clonazepam.
The physical dependence on a drug is hard to cope with, and deciding to completely stop taking the medication can be dangerous if done unsupervised. This pertains especially to those who were abusing Klonopin, taking high doses, which led to the development of Clonazepam addiction.
Rebound Effect
When talking about benzodiazepine abuse & withdrawal symptoms, it's also important to mention something that is called a rebound effect. This can be described as a sudden return of symptoms that the drug has been helping mitigate.
In the case of Clonazepam, the main reason why people are on this medication is to help them manage their panic disorder and anxiety. All of this means is that during withdrawal, it is quite common for people to suffer from severe symptoms related to anxiety, stress, as well as seizures as the substance that was offering relief to these symptoms wears off.
It is hard to predict how serious the rebound effect will be, as every person experiences withdrawal differently. Some may only be forced to face some nervousness and rebound anxiety, while others may suffer from panic attacks and insomnia.
In the case of Clonazepam, the main reason why people are on this medication is to help them manage their panic disorder and anxiety. All of this means is that during withdrawal, it is quite common for people to suffer from severe symptoms related to anxiety, stress, as well as seizures as the substance that was offering relief to these symptoms wears off.
It is hard to predict how serious the rebound effect will be, as every person experiences withdrawal differently. Some may only be forced to face some nervousness and rebound anxiety, while others may suffer from panic attacks and insomnia.
Klonopin Withdrawal Timeline
To completely leave one's system, Klonopin needs anywhere between 18 to 50 hours. Once the drug wears off, that's when a Klonopin addict may start to experience withdrawal symptoms.
The Benzodiazepine withdrawal process can be divided into different phases. Let's take a closer look at the timeline of Clonazepam withdrawal and what you can expect at each stage.
The Benzodiazepine withdrawal process can be divided into different phases. Let's take a closer look at the timeline of Clonazepam withdrawal and what you can expect at each stage.
Acute Withdrawal
The acute withdrawal period is the first Klonopin withdrawal phase, and it can last between 2-4 weeks. The symptoms one may experience in this time range from mild to severe.
Usually, one will start to experience more uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms around the third-day mark. During this time, it is common to have problems with sleep and increased anxiety.
The peak of Klonopin withdrawal physical symptoms takes place between 1 to 2 weeks from getting off the drug. Individuals who were on considerable doses of the medication and decided to quit cold turkey may go through some major withdrawal symptoms, like seizure disorders, hallucinations, or coma. It is also typical for this time to experience heightened irritability, anxiety, and insomnia, among other common symptoms.types of drugs abuse
Around 4 weeks after getting clean of Clonazepam, the withdrawal symptoms become milder and start to fade. One can still experience anxiety, cravings, and mood swings, so it's valuable to have a strong support system in order to deal with those symptoms and avoid relapse.
Usually, one will start to experience more uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms around the third-day mark. During this time, it is common to have problems with sleep and increased anxiety.
The peak of Klonopin withdrawal physical symptoms takes place between 1 to 2 weeks from getting off the drug. Individuals who were on considerable doses of the medication and decided to quit cold turkey may go through some major withdrawal symptoms, like seizure disorders, hallucinations, or coma. It is also typical for this time to experience heightened irritability, anxiety, and insomnia, among other common symptoms.types of drugs abuse
Around 4 weeks after getting clean of Clonazepam, the withdrawal symptoms become milder and start to fade. One can still experience anxiety, cravings, and mood swings, so it's valuable to have a strong support system in order to deal with those symptoms and avoid relapse.
Post-acute Withdrawal
This phase may last from 1 month to even 2 years, although some individuals may never experience it, while others may go through only a couple of months of post-acute withdrawal.
Post-acute withdrawal symptoms include irritability, depression, cravings, and mood swings. It is quite normal to go through phases of increased withdrawal symptoms, which come and go.
That is why, for many, a successful recovery includes addiction treatment and mental health treatment, like individual therapy and group therapy.
Post-acute withdrawal symptoms include irritability, depression, cravings, and mood swings. It is quite normal to go through phases of increased withdrawal symptoms, which come and go.
That is why, for many, a successful recovery includes addiction treatment and mental health treatment, like individual therapy and group therapy.
Treatment for Withdrawal From Klonopin
Clonazepam withdrawal symptoms may be uncomfortable in some cases and even fatal in others. The bigger probability of experiencing serious withdrawal symptoms have those who have developed Klonopin addiction.
In instances of severe substance abuse, it might be incredibly difficult and risky to stop Klonopin usage all at once. In such situations, many patients are going through Klonopin detox, which takes place under medical supervision.
During such a process, a doctor will ask you about your medical history and will monitor your vitals to ensure nothing life-threatening takes place. It is also common to slowly taper down Klonopin doses instead of quitting the drug cold turkey.
This has been proven to decrease the severity of Clonazepam withdrawal side effects, minimizing the risk of experiencing coma, hallucinations, or death. Slowly tapering off of Klonopin can take up to 3 weeks, and it is a recommended method of managing withdrawal (it should always be done in consultation with a medical professional).
During Klonopin detox may involve taking other drugs, like Keppra or Clonidine, which offer relief and reduce discomfort during the first weeks of withdrawal.
In instances of severe substance abuse, it might be incredibly difficult and risky to stop Klonopin usage all at once. In such situations, many patients are going through Klonopin detox, which takes place under medical supervision.
During such a process, a doctor will ask you about your medical history and will monitor your vitals to ensure nothing life-threatening takes place. It is also common to slowly taper down Klonopin doses instead of quitting the drug cold turkey.
This has been proven to decrease the severity of Clonazepam withdrawal side effects, minimizing the risk of experiencing coma, hallucinations, or death. Slowly tapering off of Klonopin can take up to 3 weeks, and it is a recommended method of managing withdrawal (it should always be done in consultation with a medical professional).
During Klonopin detox may involve taking other drugs, like Keppra or Clonidine, which offer relief and reduce discomfort during the first weeks of withdrawal.
Dangers of Klonopin Addiction
The danger of taking medications like Klonopin lies in the fact that they are addictive, and with so many types of drug abuse in todays environment, it's important to be aware that through repetitive use, you may develop a dependency, so it's really crucial to monitor your Benzo medication use and consult with a medical professional as soon as you notice any signs of addiction.
Clonazepam abuse can be detrimental to one's physical and mental health, and as presented above, withdrawal can be taxing or even fatal, especially in instances when the abuse was severe.
The best way to manage your addiction and withdrawal symptoms is going through substance abuse treatment.
Clonazepam abuse can be detrimental to one's physical and mental health, and as presented above, withdrawal can be taxing or even fatal, especially in instances when the abuse was severe.
The best way to manage your addiction and withdrawal symptoms is going through substance abuse treatment.
How You Can Get Help
Substance use disorder is not something you need to be ashamed of. If you see any signs of addiction in yourself or your loved ones, it's time to act.
As we presented in this article, quitting Klonopin is not as straightforward as it may seem and can come with some severe withdrawal symptoms. For this reason, one of the safest solutions that guarantee the best chance of success is going through substance abuse treatment.
In residential rehab programs, like the one that Miracles Asia offers, you'll be able to get complex help. During treatment, you'll be under medical supervision and will be offered professional care to mitigate some symptoms of withdrawal and ensure every phase of recovery is safe and manageable for you.
Of course, getting better involves getting to the root of your problem. Our program focuses not only on an individual detox plan but also on an individual therapy plan, which will allow you to understand your addiction, its mechanisms, and how you can navigate it in the future.
At our Thailand rehab program provides all clients with a holistic approach to their detox and long term recovery. Our facility is a great place to find healing and an extensive support system, but you can also rest, relax and find peace in the beautiful scenery of Thailand. When staying with us, you'll have access to the world-class sports and health center, Thanyapura Phuket, your menu will be prepared by a 5-star executive chef, and you'll get to explore Phuket's beaches, coastline, and forests.
Find more information about our program by contacting us today.
As we presented in this article, quitting Klonopin is not as straightforward as it may seem and can come with some severe withdrawal symptoms. For this reason, one of the safest solutions that guarantee the best chance of success is going through substance abuse treatment.
In residential rehab programs, like the one that Miracles Asia offers, you'll be able to get complex help. During treatment, you'll be under medical supervision and will be offered professional care to mitigate some symptoms of withdrawal and ensure every phase of recovery is safe and manageable for you.
Of course, getting better involves getting to the root of your problem. Our program focuses not only on an individual detox plan but also on an individual therapy plan, which will allow you to understand your addiction, its mechanisms, and how you can navigate it in the future.
At our Thailand rehab program provides all clients with a holistic approach to their detox and long term recovery. Our facility is a great place to find healing and an extensive support system, but you can also rest, relax and find peace in the beautiful scenery of Thailand. When staying with us, you'll have access to the world-class sports and health center, Thanyapura Phuket, your menu will be prepared by a 5-star executive chef, and you'll get to explore Phuket's beaches, coastline, and forests.
Find more information about our program by contacting us today.
FAQs
What is the most common withdrawal symptom with benzodiazepines?
The most common Benzo withdrawal symptoms are increased anxiety, abdominal cramps, dizziness, muscle aches, problems with concentration, insomnia, loss of appetite, nausea, and mood swings. There are also some severe symptoms that are rarer but incredibly dangerous. These include seizures, hallucinations, coma, and even death.
What are the withdrawal symptoms from protracted Klonopin?
Protracted withdrawal symptoms are symptoms that can last for months and years after an individual stops taking the medication. These long-term symptoms may include anxiety, post-traumatic stress symptoms, insomnia, depression, problems with memory and other cognitive functions, as well as gastrointestinal symptoms.
