Even frequently prescribed medications like Klonopin can be dangerous. Before taking this drug, you should get answers to questions such as, can I become addicted to it, and what is Klonopin withdrawal like?
What Is Klonopin (Clonazepam) Withdrawal?
Klonopin is the brand name of a prescription medication that contains clonazepam, which is a benzodiazepine.
This drug has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat seizure disorders and panic disorder. It is also prescribed on an off-label basis to treat insomnia, other anxiety disorders, acute manic episodes, restless leg syndrome, and tardive dyskinesia.
As a benzodiazepine, clonazepam poses a risk of both abuse and addiction. People who misuse it for recreational purposes or to self-medicate have an elevated risk of addiction, but even those who have a legitimate prescription and follow their doctor’s orders can become dependent.
Once a person has developed an addiction, their efforts to stop using the drug can be derailed by Klonopin withdrawal. Here’s a quick review of why Klonopin withdrawal can occur:
- Clonazepam and other benzos interact with receptors in the central nervous system (CNS) that are involved with a neurotransmitter called gamma-aminobutyric acid, or GABA.
- GABA is the body’s primary inhibitory neurotransmitter, which means it has the effect of slowing the passage of impulses throughout the CNS.
- Klonopin triggers elevated levels of GABA, which causes effects such as an easing of muscle tension, a lessening of anxiety, and an overall sense of relaxed sedation.
- Excessive Klonopin use can interfere with the body’s natural ability to maintain proper levels of GABA and other vital neurotransmitters.
- When someone who has become dependent on clonazepam suddenly stops using it, their body may struggle to resume appropriate GABA production. The effects of this internal struggle can include Klonopin withdrawal symptoms.
Withdrawal Symptoms of Klonopin
What is Klonopin withdrawal like? It can cause both physical and psychological distress. The type, intensity, and duration of a person’s symptoms can be influenced by an array of factors, including:
- Their age, metabolism, and overall health
- How much Klonopin they have been using
- How long they’ve been using Klonopin
- If they have also been misusing other substances
- If they seek professional help or try to get through withdrawal on their own
Physical Symptoms of Klonopin Withdrawal
The physical impact of withdrawing from Klonopin can include:
- Headaches
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Excessive perspiration
- Abdominal pain
- Heart palpitations
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Weakness and fatigue
- Tics and tremors
- Muscle pain, spasms, and cramps
- Seizure
Psychological Symptoms of Klonopin Withdrawal
From a psychological and cognitive perspective, the effects of Klonopin withdrawal include:
- Powerful cravings for Klonopin
- Anxiety
- Anger and irritability
- Aggression
- Panic attacks
- Paranoia
- Depression
- Sudden, dramatic mood swings
- Difficulty focusing and concentrating
- Memory problems
- Hallucinations
- Intense nightmares
How Long Does Klonopin Withdrawal Last?
One person’s experience during Klonopin withdrawal can be quite different from another’s in terms of what symptoms they develop and how long these symptoms last. Generally speaking, though, Klonopin withdrawal often follows a three-phase timeline:
- Phase 1 (Early Withdrawal): The initial onset of symptoms usually occurs within one to four days after a person stops using Klonopin. This phase typically involves the return of symptoms that were being treated with Klonopin, such as anxiety or muscle spasms. Other common symptoms during early withdrawal include nausea, restlessness, and irritability.
- Phase 2 (Acute or Full-Blown Withdrawal): People will likely experience the most intense discomfort for about 10-14 days after the onset of symptoms. Phase 2 can be characterized by severe anxiety and panic, disrupted sleep, muscle pain, and powerful cravings.
- Phase 3 (Protracted or Late Withdrawal): This is a period of two to four weeks during which symptoms gradually subside.
Unfortunately, some people who are attempting to end their compulsive Klonopin use continue to struggle with withdrawal symptoms for several additional weeks or months.
This experience, which is known as post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS), usually involves psychological or cognitive concerns such as abnormal mood and difficulty focusing or concentrating.
Coping With Klonopin Withdrawal
The best way to get through Klonopin withdrawal safely and with minimal distress is to enroll in a detoxification (detox) program.
Detox programs are closely supervised environments where you won’t have access to Klonopin or other addictive substances. If you try to get through withdrawal at home on your own, the cravings and other symptoms you develop may quickly push you back into active substance use. In detox, the ability to act on these urges will be eliminated.
Throughout your time in detox, you will be cared for by professionals who are familiar with all aspects of the withdrawal process and prepared to address any contingencies that may occur.
In addition to being valuable sources of both information and support, these professionals may also provide medical and/or therapeutic support to safeguard your health and help you manage your symptoms.
Then, as you approach the end of your time in detox, your treatment team can help you determine which type of follow-on care is right for you.
Treatment For Klonopin Addiction
Detox can be extremely valuable, but getting through Klonopin withdrawal is just one of many steps on the path toward successful recovery. After detox, as your mind and body continue to heal, you have to address the behavioral, emotional, and social aspects of addiction.
Depending on your specific needs, your treatment after detox may involve spending time at one or more of the following levels:
- Residential treatment
- Partial hospitalization program (PHP)
- Intensive outpatient program (IOP)
- Outpatient treatment
The types of therapies and services that you may receive in these various levels include:
- Prescription medication
- Individual, group, and family therapy
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
- EMDR and other trauma-focused therapies
- Relapse prevention education
- Holistic therapies
- Neurofeedback
- Introduction to the 12-Step recovery model
- Dual diagnosis services for co-occurring mental health concerns
Before you transition out of treatment, you should also receive a discharge plan to guide your post-treatment efforts. Common aftercare recommendations include referrals to outpatient counseling, information about community-based peer support groups, and details about other relevant resources in your area.
Contact Renewal Health Group in California for Help With Addiction
If you need help getting through Klonopin withdrawal or establishing a solid foothold in early recovery, Renewal Health Group is here for you.
When you choose our network of addiction treatment centers in Southern California, you can benefit from features such as:
- Full continuum of care
- Safe and highly supportive treatment environment
- Customized planning for every patient
- Multiple therapies and support services
- Teams of experienced and compassionate professionals
To learn more about how we can help you or a loved one, or to schedule a free consultation, please visit our Contact page or call us today.
