Klonopin Side Effects You Need to Know About
Klonopin (generically known as Clonazepam) is a medically-prescribed drug used to treat some seizure disorders in children and adults, panic disorders in adults, epilepsy, and provide short-term relief of anxiety-related symptoms. The drug acts as a sedative that decreases electrical activity in the brain. It’s in a class of drugs known as benzodiazepines (benzos), and like other benzos, side effects must be taken into consideration before its prescribed and during use.
Klonopin Side Effects: What to Know
Many of us have a perception that drugs prescribed by doctors are safe. If used as prescribed and under the supervision of a medical doctor, Klonopin can be very effective in fulfilling its medicinal purpose. With that said, prescription drugs have side effects, especially those like Klonopin that affect the chemicals in our brain.
Common side effects of Klonopin include:
- drowsiness
- dizziness
- weakness
- depression
- headache
- sleep disturbances
- problems with thinking or memory
- slurred speech
- dry mouth
- runny nose
- loss of appetite
- diarrhea
- constipation
- blurred vision
Klonopin should not be used during pregnancy as it may adversely affect the fetus. In addition, it is not advised for patients who are breastfeeding. If Klonopin has been used for an extended period of time (typically more than two weeks), it is best not to quit it abruptly as doing so may lead to tremors, seizures, vomiting, and/or muscle cramping. Rather, tapering off the drug under medical supervision is the safest and recommended way to quit.
Side effects such as new or worsening seizures, mood or behavior changes, aggression, hallucinations, thoughts of suicide, restlessness, pounding heartbeats, hyperactivity, or severe drowsiness require your doctor’s immediate attention.
Klonopin Long-Term Use, Dependence, and Addiction
Klonopin users can develop a dependence on the drug. Like other benzos, Klonopin can create a quick high and a calming sense that is easily addictive, especially to those looking for a quick way to take the edge off. A dependence on the drug can develop after just two weeks of use. The prescribing doctor should be aware of this and will taper the dose of the drug when it’s time to quit in an effort to minimize withdrawal symptoms.
Those who have developed an addiction to the drug will continue to use the drug even after their doctor has ended the prescription and regardless of the negative effects it has on their lives. Whether the drug is obtained from another doctor (other than the one who initially prescribed it), a friend or family member who has a prescription, or at a party, school, or work, addicts will find a way to get the drug.
When the drug is used for more than the recommended two weeks, it can have long-term consequences that include:
- weakened immune system
- lowered sex drive
- brain atrophy
- tremors
Snorting Klonopin: The Dangers of a Quick High
Klonopin is available in a tablet/pill format that should be taken whole with a glass of water. A disintegrating tablet that you place in your mouth and allow to dissolve without chewing is also available. The drug should never be crushed and inhaled or snorted. However, those who are looking for a quick high will snort Klonopin either without knowing or in spite of the serious and dangerous consequences of doing so.
The effects of snorting Klonopin include:
- A slowed heart rate: cardiac arrest and death are possible.
- Slowed breathing/respiratory depression: could lead to unconsciousness and stopped breathing.
- Multiplier effect: if snorted in combination with the use of other drugs such as alcohol or opioids, the Central Nervous System can become severely depressed.
- Addiction and dependence: ongoing and improper use can lead to addiction.
- Sudden changes in behavior: could lead to risk-taking, less inhibiting behavior.
- Psychological effects: could lead to social withdrawal, suicidal thoughts, violent behavior.
- Overdose and death: higher doses (because of tolerance or accident) and/or more frequently will increase the chance of overdose and death.
Quitting After Long-Term Use of Klonopin
If you’re looking to quit Klonopin, or if you know someone you would like to help quit Klonopin, seek expert addiction treatment. It is not advised to quit on your own. The withdrawal symptoms of Klonopin require proper care, and properly detoxing off the drug is important. You can speak to a Klonopin addiction treatment expert confidentially 24/7 at any time. Just contact us today.