What is Klonopin?

Klonopin is a medically prescribed benzodiazepine generally prescribed for epilepsy seizures, insomnia, panic attacks and generally for patients who suffer from restlessness and anxiety. Klonopin is the popular brand name of clonazepam.  The common street names for this blue colored medically prescribed pills are k-pins, downer, tranks or benzos.

The drug is generally not prescribed for long-term use because of its addictive properties, but it is easy to develop an addiction to klonopin specifically because of its relaxation effects, and the false sense of security that it’s prescribed by a doctor. Klonopin works by depressing the central nervous system and producing a short lasting euphoric high. Some klonopin users who are addicted to the drug, crush it and snort it through their nose to enhance the effects of the drug.

What are the side effects?

Klonopin could have extreme short-term and long-term effects and when taken in combination with other drugs or alcohol a dose of Klonopin could even be fatal. Generally when Klonopin is combined with alcohol it produces calming effects and an overdose could even slow down the breathing to the point of death.  People often use Klonopin and other benzodiazepines as a counter-balance to the effects of stimulants such as cocaine. However, the effects of stimulants wear off more quickly than effects of Klonopin, because of which, the user might keep increasing their dose which can lead to a sometimes fatal overdose. Some of the common immediate effects of Klonopin include:

• Drowsiness
• Slowed breathing
• Difficulty in walking
• Slurred speech
• Memory impairment
• Lack of coordination
• Inability to focus

Although Klonopin is generally prescribed for dealing with panic attacks, if abused over the long-term the addictive pill can cause an increase in panic attacks because once the body develops an addiction to Klonopin it starts requiring it in higher frequencies to produce the same effects. In addition to the physical and psychological symptoms of Klonopin, loss of interest in social activities and isolation could also be attributed to the side-effects of the drug.

What are the warning signs & signals?

Due to Klonopin being a prescription drug it is both easy and difficult to recognize addiction to the substance. One of the most common symptom of developing an addiction could be changing doctors to get a renewed prescription and start neglecting responsibilities, risky behavior, agitation, loss of consciousness and making unsuccessful attempts to cut down on the pill. If you see someone constantly saying that they will stop taking the pill but continue taking it, consider it as a warning sign of addiction of Klonopin.

What are withdrawal effects? 

People are prescribed Klonopin for treatment of anxiety, insomnia and panic attacks. General withdrawal symptoms include rebound of anxiety and insomnia, but in addition to anxiety and insomnia which can be managed through other medication as well, some of the severe psychological and physical withdrawal effects of Klonopin are as following:

• Hallucinations
• Increased body temperature
• Irritability
• Agitation
• Seizures
• Difficulty in sleeping
• Panic attacks
• Tremors
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Restlessness

Withdrawal effects from klonopin could start appearing 1-3 days after taking the last dose and some mild effects could even last 3 months after withdrawal. Therefore, a person recovering from Klonopin addiction requires professional help and proper treatment for full recovery.  

Treatment

Treatment from Klonopin addiction is a long-term process and requires constant physical and psychological support. The first process of recovery is detox which requires cutting down on doses of klonopin gradually, and then cutting it down completely and starting the stabilization process.

It is important to cut down on the pill gradually to avoid complications in the recovery process.  The withdrawals effects of Klonopin and other benzodiazepines can last for several months so it is important that the addict seek a long term recovery plan.  Klonopin is extremely addictive and high doses could even lead to death, if you know someone suffering from klonopin addiction, contact us.