Klonopin Addiction

Klonopin, the brand name in the U.S. for clonazepam, is a highly potent drug in a class called benzodiazepines which are considered controlled substances. Other potent benzodiazepines include Valium, Xanax, Librium and Ativan. Klonopin is generally prescribed as an anticonvulsant, muscle relaxant or anti-anxiety medication. Klonopin is a central nervous system depressant and can slow normal brain function. Long-term use of Klonopin can cause problems such as fatigue, muscle weakness, tolerance, physical and psychological dependence and withdrawal symptoms which set in once use is stopped. A person withdrawing from benzodiazepines should gradually taper use. The symptoms of withdrawal can be unmanageable and those taking it may benefit from medically-supervised detox. Klonopin’s prescribed uses include treatment of epilepsy, panic and anxiety disorders and Restless Legs Syndrome. It is often commonly used off label as a sedative for sleep. It is available in the U.S. in tablet form, in dosages of 0.5 mg, 1 mg and 2 mg, and as a wafer.

Klonopin Tolerance, Withdrawal and Side Effects

A tolerance to Klonopin develops with prolonged use. This means the prescribed dosage is no longer effective in treating symptoms. Increasing the dose or tampering with the pills can be very dangerous. Because it slows brain function, discontinuing use could cause the brain to race out of control. Withdrawal symptoms commonly associated with benzodiazepines after prolonged use include psychotic attacks, depressed mood, memory loss, hallucinations, tremors, irritability, anxiety and aggressiveness. Addiction and withdrawal from Klonopin can be intense but is rarely fatal. In some cases, severe withdrawal could include a life-threatening condition where the brain seizes continuously. Some patients taking benzodiazepines may experience decreased inhibitions, aggression, hostility, increased excitement, impulsivity and emotional blunting.

Klonopin Misuse and Abuse

Because of their potential to cause dependence and addiction, benzodiazepines such as Klonopin should be taken only as prescribed. Breaking, chewing or crushing the pill can cause too much of the medicine to flood the system at once. When a dependence or addiction forms varies on several factors including personal body chemistry, the size of the dose and how often it is taken. Klonopin may be more suitable for short-term use, as cases have been reported where dependence took hold in a matter of weeks. Because of their abuse potential, doctors should take patients’ prior addiction histories into account before prescribing Klonopin or other benzodiazepines. Abuse of drugs in this class is often part of a drug problem characterized by the use of more than one drug. Some people abuse benzodiazepines in conjunction with substances such as alcohol or cocaine to increase euphoria, temper a “high” or alleviate withdrawal between “fixes.” However, a majority of people addicted to Klonopin obtained a valid prescription from a medical doctor and developed a dependency through no fault of their own.

Get Help with Klonopin Addiction Now

Call us today to discuss how the Waismann Method can free you from your Klonopin dependency and get your life back.

• Call (310) 205-0808 or (888) 987-HOPE (4673) during business hours. for more information about rapid detox treatment for prescription drug addiction
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