Klonopin Withdrawal Timeline, Symptoms, and Treatment

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Medically Verified: October 10, 2024

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Klonopin Withdrawal Timeline, Symptoms and Treatment

Klonopin Withdrawal Timeline, Symptoms, and Treatment

Many people who live with anxiety take prescription drugs to reduce their symptoms and improve functioning. Klonopin is one of the most commonly prescribed anti-anxiety medications in the United States. 

Klonopin can help people manage anxiety and panic, but it also has the risk of abuse and physical dependence. People who stop taking Klonopin suddenly may experience uncomfortable or dangerous withdrawal symptoms. 

This article will explore Klonopin withdrawal. You will learn:

  • How Klonopin abuse and addiction occur
  • Common Klonopin withdrawal symptoms
  • The stages of the Klonopin withdrawal timeline
  • How long Klonopin withdrawal lasts
  • What treatment is available to manage Klonopin withdrawal
  • Where to find addiction treatment and recovery support

If you or someone you love struggle with Klonopin abuse or addiction, you are not alone. Comprehensive, compassionate treatment is available at The Living Room. Contact our intake specialists to learn more about our programs or to schedule an appointment. 

What is Klonopin?

Klonopin is the brand name for a drug called clonazepam. It is a benzodiazepine medication. Doctors typically prescribe Klonopin to treat panic, anxiety, and insomnia. In some cases, doctors may also prescribe Klonopin to help people manage epilepsy and seizure disorders.

Klonopin works by enhancing the activity of a neurotransmitter called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). GABA slows down central nervous system (CNS) activity by neutralizing adrenaline. 

Mental health and medical professionals believe a lack of GABA in the brain contributes to several mental health disorders. These disorders include:

  • Bipolar disorder
  • Anxiety
  • Panic disorder

Medications like Klonopin can help restore GABA levels in the brain and relieve symptoms of these conditions. 

Understanding Klonopin Abuse

Klonopin effectively relieves panic, insomnia, and anxiety. People may feel sedated, calm, or euphoric while taking this drug. These pleasurable symptoms can lead to misuse. 

Klonopin misuse includes:

  • Taking a larger dose than prescribed
  • Taking Kionopin more often than prescribed
  • Continuing to use Klonopin longer than prescribed
  • Ingesting Klonopin differently than prescribed, such as crushing and snorting pills
  • Taking Klonopin recreationally (without a prescription)

Klonopin is a benzodiazepine drug with the potential for physical dependence. People who misuse Klonopin for an extended period may become addicted to it. Research shows that physical dependence may develop quickly–in as little as four weeks.

People who take Klonopin for an extended period may develop tolerance. This means they need to take higher doses to get the desired effects. Taking high doses of Klonopin puts people at risk of a life-threatening overdose. Combining Klonopin with other CNS depressants, including alcohol, increases this risk.

Klonopin Withdrawal Symptoms

Misusing benzodiazepines like Klonopin can lead to physical dependence. When someone with Klonopin addiction suddenly stops taking it, they may experience withdrawal symptoms. Symptoms of Klonopin withdrawal include:

  • Rebound anxiety
  • Muscle spasms
  • Muscle aches
  • Abnormal physical sensations all over the body
  • Panic attacks
  • Insomnia
  • Nausea
  • Hallucinations
  • Depression
  • Delirium
  • Poor coordination
  • Sweating
  • Increased heart rate and blood pressure

Quitting Klonopin “cold turkey” can be life-threatening. Some people may experience more severe complications, including seizures, coma, and death. It is crucial to have treatment, medical supervision, and emotional support throughout the withdrawal process. 

The Klonopin Withdrawal Timeline

The benzodiazepine withdrawal timeline can vary from person to person. The onset, intensity, and duration of symptoms depend on the type of benzodiazepine people have used and other factors.

Klonopin is a long-acting benzodiazepine, meaning it may remain in the body for longer periods. Typically, people do not experience withdrawal symptoms for two or more days after the last dose. 

Klonopin withdrawal occurs in two stages: acute withdrawal and protracted withdrawal.

Acute withdrawal

Acute withdrawal symptoms typically start 1-3 days after your last dose. You may experience insomnia, anxiety, nausea, and many other symptoms that make you feel miserable. Some people experience dangerous symptoms, including seizures and coma. 

Acute withdrawal symptoms may last 2-4 weeks.

Protracted withdrawal

Some people experience protracted withdrawal for months or even years after quitting Klonopin. Protracted withdrawal–also known as post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS)–can cause long-lasting symptoms. These include cravings, depression, insomnia, and anxiety. 

People with protracted withdrawal typically require significant ongoing treatment and support to manage these symptoms and avoid relapse. 

Recovering from substance abuse can be challenging. However, getting support and treatment can help you manage your withdrawal symptoms. This treatment can help you stay on track during every stage of your recovery, even when it is challenging.

How Long Does Klonopin Withdrawal Last?

Many factors can affect how long Klonopin withdrawal lasts. These include:

  • The dosage a person takes
  • How long the person had been using Klonopin
  • Age
  • General health
  • Other substances the person abused at the same time
  • Genetics
  • Environmental factors
  • Co-occurring mental health conditions

Research suggests that people who abuse high doses of Klonopin for more than a month are more likely to have withdrawal complications. However, it is impossible to determine who will develop complications during withdrawal. Supervision, treatment, and support are critical to anyone with Klonopin abuse or addiction.

Treatment During Klonopin Detox

Detox treatment and support can help people manage their symptoms and stay safe during withdrawal. Benzodiazepine detox programs typically include:

  • Gradually reducing the dosage of Klonopin to prevent withdrawal
  • Medications to manage cravings and other withdrawal symptoms
  • Round-the-clock supervision and access to support
  • Mental health care, including individual and group counseling
  • Education
  • Holistic therapies, like mindfulness, nutrition support, and exercise

Supervision and treatment are crucial during Klonopin withdrawal. This support can help people stay safe throughout the detox process and begin to work toward lifelong recovery. 

Find Treatment Now

If you or someone you love struggles with Klonopin abuse or addiction, you are not alone. Contact The Living Room specialists to explore our holistic detox and treatment programs. Reach out with questions or to schedule an intake appointment. 

References:

  1. National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): Clonazepam (Klonopin)
  2. National Institute of Health (NIH): Clonazepam
  3. NIH: A Case Report of Clonazepam Dependence
  4. NIH: The benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome

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