Klonopin is an addictive medication that can suppress functions in the body to create a mellowed-out, “chill” high. However, this benzodiazepine comes with some dangerous side effects. Additionally, not only can use be dangerous, but the withdrawal period can bring an onset of seizures.
If you suspect that you or your loved one may be addicted to Klonopin, contact Indah Recovery today. Our comprehensive treatment programs medically monitor clients to ensure safety through the detox and treatment programs. Additionally, our program is designed to combine the best therapeutic treatments with unique therapies for total body healing.
What is Klonopin?
Klonopin is the brand name for a drug called clonazepam. Clonazepam is in the benzodiazepine family and as such is prescribed to treat seizure disorders and panic disorders. Additionally, it can be used to treat acute mania, restlessness, and a variety of other disorders. Clients who use this drug can become addicted.
Klonopin is taken orally with a circular pill that is generally yellow or green, but can be white, or even light blue. They range in potency from .5mg to 2 mg. Klonopin can be taken daily for maintenance or on an “as needed” basis for increased incidences of panic/seizures.
How do you get addicted to Klonopin?
Klonopin is a benzodiazepine and as such, can become addictive with extended use. However, clonazepam can also cause extreme side effects and withdrawal symptoms that make the drug dangerous when abused.
Klonopin dependence and addiction can occur more easily when an individual misuses the prescription drug. Individuals who use Klonopin without a prescription to get high, take the pill differently than prescribed whether by taking more or crushing the pill instead of taking it whole and by taking the medication more frequently. Through this process, the body develops a tolerance and a need for the drug.
The most common side effects of Klonopin are drowsiness, ataxia, and behavior problems. However, there are a number of additional side effects listed on the warning label.
- Cardiovascular: Palpitations
- Dermatologic: Hair loss, hirsutism, skin rash, ankle, and facial edema
- Gastrointestinal: Anorexia, coated tongue, constipation, diarrhea, dry mouth, encopresis, gastritis, increased appetite, nausea, sore gums
- Genitourinary: Dysuria, enuresis, nocturia, urinary retention Hematopoietic: Anemia, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, eosinophilia
- Hepatic: Hepatomegaly, transient elevations of serum transaminases and alkaline phosphatase
- Musculoskeletal: Muscle weakness, pains
- Miscellaneous: Dehydration, general deterioration, fever, lymphadenopathy, weight loss
- or gain
- Neurologic: Abnormal eye movements, aphonia, coma, diplopia, dysarthria, dysdiadochokinesis, ‘‘glassy-eyed’’ appearance, headache, hemiparesis, hypotonia, nystagmus, respiratory depression, slurred speech, tremor, vertigo
- Psychiatric: Confusion, depression, amnesia, hysteria, increased libido, insomnia, psychosis (the behavior effects are more likely to occur in patients with a history of psychiatric disturbances).
- The following paradoxical reactions have been observed: irritability, aggression, agitation, nervousness, hostility, anxiety, sleep disturbances, nightmares, abnormal dreams, hallucinations.
- Respiratory: Chest congestion, rhinorrhea, shortness of breath, hypersecretion in upper respiratory passages
These side effects can place additional stress on the body. Additionally, the FDA recommends that individuals prescribed Klonopin be monitored closely for changes and possible side effects.
What should you do if you have a Klonopin addiction?
If you suspect that you have developed a dependence on or an addiction to Klonopin, it is crucial that you speak with your doctor immediately. While clonazepam overdose is uncommon, when used with other drugs, like opioids, the risk increases greatly.
Additionally, as a benzodiazepine, stopping the drug without weening the body from it can cause extreme and possibly fatal symptoms. The FDA Rx Warning for Klonopin includes the following warning: “Stopping KLONOPIN suddenly can cause seizures that will not stop (status epilepticus).”
If you suspect an addiction, it is important to get help to treat it. Medically monitored detoxification is recommended to help clients wean themselves off the drug and maintain their physical health. Additionally, inpatient treatment is recommended to ensure continued physical safety and monitored and structured treatment connected to addiction and panic disorder.
Indah Recovery – Addiction Treatment in a Safe Environment
In a luxury environment that feels like home, clients can access high-quality expert care for drug and alcohol addiction. Through comprehensive detoxification and addiction treatment, clients can work with clinical staff to develop a program that facilitates the development of sustainable recovery methods so they can stay clean and sober for good.
At Indah Recovery, we believe in curating personalized treatment plans that combine the traditional and the alternative in order to provide holistic healing opportunities for the mind, body, and spirit.
Contact us today to see how our peaceful and relaxing setting can support your life-long recovery.
