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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.
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.
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 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:
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.
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.
