Medical Assisted
Klonopin Detoxification
Klonopin is the brand name of the generic drug clonazepam, a benzodiazepine medication used for the treatment of severe anxiety and seizure disorders. Klonopin works as a central nervous system tranquilizer, increasing the amount of gamma-amino-butyric-acid (GABA) in the brain, which leads to feelings of calmness and relaxation. When taken in higher doses than recommended and/or for a longer period of time than recommended, Klonopin use can lead to physical and psychological dependence. If you or someone close to you has been misusing a prescription medication like Klonopin, seeking professional help from a medically monitored detox center is likely necessary. At Princeton Detox & Recovery Center we offer a comprehensive program of Klonopin detoxification, treating each client on a highly individualized basis and effectively addressing symptoms of withdrawal as soon as they develop. In addition to providing around-the-clock medical care, we employ experienced therapeutic professionals who help clients address the emotional and mental implication of addiction. To learn more about our integrated approach to Klonopin detox and recovery, contact us today.
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What is Klonopin?
Klonopin is the brand name of the generic sedative clonazepam, most commonly prescribed for the treatment of anxiety, panic disorder, and seizure disorders like epilepsy. Because benzodiazepine medications like Klonopin can be habit-forming, they are rarely prescribed to be taken on a daily basis. Instead, they are intended to be taken at the onset of a severe and potentially debilitating symptom associated with a specific disorder. For example, a person who is prescribed Klonopin for anxiety might take one dose at the beginning of a panic attack. Before Klonopin was used to treat anxiety it was exclusively used to treat seizures among those diagnosed with epilepsy.
Klonopin is classified as a long-acting benzodiazepine, meaning its effects can last for up to 12 hours. The medication is available in three strengths: 0.5 mg, 1 mg, and 2 mg. It is considered a controlled substance, meaning that the government regulates distribution because it has a high potential for misuse and dependence. The strength of your prescription and how frequently you take the medication will depend on several factors, including the condition Klonopin is intended to treat, your age, your weight, the presence of any other medical conditions, and whether or not you are predisposed to substance use.
- Increased drowsiness.
- Dizziness.
- Lack of coordination.
- Increased saliva production.
- Fatigue.
- Allergic reactions (which can be serious).
Some individuals might experience more serious complications, including nausea and vomiting, difficult or painful urination, mood swings, or the eventual development of a physical and psychological dependence. One of the most common serious side effects is the development of a Klonopin use disorder, which can only be treated professionally in a medical detox center in New Jersey like Princeton Detox & Recovery Center.
Signs of Klonopin Abuse
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-V) outlines the signs and symptoms associated with Klonopin addiction. If you have two or more of the following symptoms, reaching out for some degree of professional help is a good idea.
- You use Klonopin more often than you intend to in higher doses than intended.
- You have attempted to cut back or quit on your own with limited success.
- You spend a significant amount of time obtaining, using, and recovering from the effects of benzodiazepines like Klonopin.
- You often experience intense cravings for Klonopin.
- You have experienced interpersonal problems as a direct result of your Klonopin use (issues with friends and family).
- You neglect activities and hobbies you previously enjoyed in order to use Klonopin.
- You engage in risk-taking behaviors while under the influence of benzodiazepines, like combining Klonopin with other chemical substances or driving while intoxicated.
- You continue to use Klonopin despite worsening symptoms of a pre-existing physical or mental health issue.
- You develop a physical tolerance, meaning a higher dose of the medication is required in order for the desired effects to be produced.
- You experience withdrawal symptoms when you abruptly stop using Klonopin.
Klonopin Overdose
It is possible to overdose on Klonopin if taking an amount significantly higher than the recommended dose, or if combining Klonopin with other medications or chemical substances. Symptoms of Klonopin overdose include:
- Change in consciousness.
- Complete loss of consciousness.
- Significant changes to mood or cognitive function.
- Unusual drowsiness, sleepiness, or inability to stay awake.
If someone close to you is experiencing a benzodiazepine overdose, it is crucial that emergency medical help is sought as soon as symptoms develop.
Klonopin Withdrawal
The symptoms associated with Klonopin withdrawal vary in severity depending on the frequency of use and the amount taken on a daily basis. Both physical and psychological symptoms can be severe when left untreated, and certain physical withdrawal symptoms can prove life-threatening in the case of severe benzodiazepine use disorders.
Symptoms commonly associated with Klonopin withdrawal include:
- Insomnia and other sleep disturbances.
- Increased symptoms of anxiety, including panic attacks.
- Increased agitation and irritability.
- Hand tremors.
- Nausea, vomiting, and dry retching.
- Profuse sweating/night sweats.
- Difficulties concentrating.
- Loss of appetite and weight loss.
- Heart palpitations.
- Perception changes,
- Muscular and joint pain and stiffness.
In more severe cases of Klonopin withdrawal, serious health-related complications like seizures are possible, and incidences of psychosis have been reported. It is crucial for symptoms to be closely monitored by a team of professionals in a safe, structured environment.
In the majority of cases the withdrawal period can be broken down into three distinctive stages: early stage withdrawal, acute withdrawal, and late stage withdrawal. If a person seeks professional help before acute withdrawal begins, symptoms typically resolve within 7 to 14 days. Symptoms of post-acute withdrawal, like rebound anxiety, might continue for months unless adequately treated with a combination of medication and behavioral therapy.
- Early Stage Withdrawal — Mild or moderate anxiety and/or insomnia might begin within 8 to 24 hours after the final dose and last for between 1 and 4 days.
- Acute Withdrawal — During this stage of the withdrawal process, physical and psychological symptoms peak in severity and can last for between 10 and 14 days.
Take the First Step to Freedom
Klonopin Withdrawal
One of the most effective ways to prevent serious withdrawal symptoms is by slowly tapering off of the benzodiazepine rather than attempting to quit “cold turkey.” At Princeton Detox & Recovery Center we treat each client on a highly individualized basis, conducting an in-depth assessment upon admission in order to determine which detox methods are going to be the best-suited for each unique case. More often than not, if a client has been using a high dose of a benzodiazepine medication they will benefit from slowly tapering off of the medication under the close supervision of a licensed physician. The dose will be reduced over the course of several weeks so that the central nervous system does not go into shock.
Klonopin Treatment Options
In most cases, individuals who have been suffering from a Klonopin use disorder will benefit from a multi-staged program of addiction treatment including medical detox, a higher level of care, and a long-term, personalized aftercare plan. At Princeton Detox & Recovery Center we do more than help our clients move through a safe, pain-free Klonopin withdrawal. We actively prepare them to take the next step in their personal recovery journeys, laying a solid foundation for continued success in sobriety.
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Klonopin FAQs
Klonopin is the brand name of the benzodiazepine clonazepam, a medication most commonly used for the treatment of moderate or severe anxiety disorders as well as some sleep-related disorders and seizure disorders.
The maximum dose of Klonopin that should be taken by adults is 20mg a day, taken in smaller doses over the course of the day. Taking any more than the recommended dose, or taking Klonopin without a prescription written by a licensed medical professional, is considered misusing the drug.
In most studies, Klonopin has been shown to stay present in the urine for up to a month. Because this is a long-acting benzodiazepine, associated withdrawal symptoms can be severe for up to two weeks.
The amount of clonazepam and alcohol it takes to overdose depends on several factors, including the body weight, age, gender, and tolerance level of the individual. As a general rule, mixing these two substances is never safe and should always be avoided.
It is possible to overdose on Klonopin, though most individuals who suffer from fatal Klonopin overdose have another chemical substance in their system at the time of death, like alcohol or opioids.
