Klonopin (clonazepam), a benzodiazepine medication commonly prescribed for anxiety, panic attacks, and seizure disorders, can also be misused. It is important to note that Klonopin has a significantly longer half-life compared to other benzodiazepines, meaning it can remain detectable in the body for an extended period of time.

For instance, studies indicate that traces of Klonopin can be found in urine for up to a month following its use, which is far longer than most benzodiazepines can be detected in the body. However, for most individuals taking the medication as prescribed, a single dose will typically be eliminated within six to nine days.

If you have a legitimate prescription for Klonopin and are using it as directed, there is generally no cause for concern. In the event of a drug test, you have the prescription to validate your usage, and cannot be reprimanded. However, individuals who abuse Klonopin or are dependent on the drug may have concerns about passing a drug test or experiencing withdrawal symptoms.

It is essential to prioritize your health and seek proper medical treatment if you are struggling with Klonopin abuse or addiction. Discussing your concerns with a treatment provider can help you make an educated decision about your care. To learn about your Klonopin addiction treatment options, please call our team at Arise Treatment Center today.

How Long Do the Effects of Klonopin Last?

Klonopin is usually taken orally and the effects begin within 30-60 minutes, usually lasting between 6 and 12 hours. Common side effects of Klonopin are:

• Sleepiness
• Drowsiness
• Depression
• Dizziness
• Appetite loss
• Nausea
• Irritability
• Memory and attention issues
• Inability to concentrate
• Poor coordination and balance
• Slurred speech

Klonopin is a long-acting medication, but exactly how long the effects last may vary based on your metabolism and dosage.

How is Klonopin Metabolized?

After it is ingested, Klonopin enters the bloodstream and is eventually broken down in the liver. The liver breaks clonazepam down into different substances known as metabolites, with the primary one being  7-aminoclonazepam (7-ACLO).

Once the metabolism is complete, clonazepam and 7-ACLO are eliminated from the body through urine and feces.

Klonopin (Clonazepam) Elimination Half-Life

A drug’s elimination half-life refers to the amount of time it takes for half of a single dose to be metabolized and exit the body. Clonazepam exhibits a relatively long elimination half-life of approximately 30 to 40 hours.

Considering the drug’s long half-life, it typically takes about four to five half-life cycles for a drug to be eliminated entirely from the body. With a half-life of 30 to 40 hours, Klonopin can persist in the body for a duration of six to nine days following discontinuation. Both clonazepam and its primary metabolite, 7-ACLO, can be detected in urine for four days or longer after the last dose.

Variables that Affect How Long Klonopin Stays in Your System

There are various factors that influence drug metabolism and elimination, such as:

• Age, weight, and metabolism – Younger individuals, those with a healthy weight, and a robust metabolism tend to metabolize substances more efficiently, potentially leading to faster drug clearance and passing a drug test more quickly.
• Klonopin dose – Higher doses of Klonopin generally remain in the system for an extended period compared to lower doses.
• Frequency and duration of use – The length of time and frequency with which Klonopin is taken can impact the drug’s elimination timeline. Continuous and prolonged use can result in a longer duration of the drug in the body.
• Mixing Klonopin with alcohol or other drugs – Concurrent use of other substances can influence the elimination half-life of Klonopin. Certain drugs may either slow down or expedite the metabolism of Klonopin, affecting how long it remains detectable in the body.
• Liver health – The liver plays a vital role in metabolizing benzodiazepines like Klonopin. Impaired liver function or liver disease can slow down the metabolic process, potentially prolonging the drug’s presence in the body.

The pH of urine can also affect the result of a drug test. Due to all of these complex variables, it is challenging to provide a precise estimate of how long Klonopin stays in your system.

Average Klonopin Detection Times By Drug Test Type

Depending on the type of test used, Klonopin can be detected in the body anywhere between a few days to a few months. Klonopin can be detected in your urine for four to six days after your last dose, whereas it can be detected in the hair follicle for up to three months.

Average Klonopin detection times:

• Urine test – The most commonly used type of drug test is a urine test. Urine tests can detect Klonopin for 4-6 days or more.
• Blood test – Blood tests are generally only used in medical settings, but they can detect Klonopin for about 5-6 days.
• Saliva test – Saliva tests can detect Klonopin for 5-6 days after the last dose.
• Hair test – Hair tests aren’t always accurate, but they are becoming more popular. Hair tests can detect Klonopin for up to 90 days.

People who have used Klonopin heavily for extended periods of time may test positive for Klonopin on a urine test for up to a month.

How to Get Klonopin Out of Your System

The only way to get Klonopin out of your system is to stop using the drug. However, Klonopin is physically addictive, and stopping it suddenly if you have been using it daily can result in serious, sometimes life-threatening symptoms of withdrawal. Physical dependence can develop after taking Klonopin daily for as little as two weeks.

Symptoms of Klonopin withdrawal include:

• Anxiety
• Insomnia
• Irritability
• Restlessness
• Agitation
• Muscle aches and pains
• Tremors
• Sweating
• Nausea and vomiting
• Headaches
• Confusion
• Depersonalization or derealization
• Hallucinations
• Seizures

Benzodiazepine withdrawal is considered a medical emergency, so you should never stop taking Klonopin abruptly. If you have it prescribed to you, speak with your doctor about reducing your dose or changing your medication. But if you are addicted, your best option is to attend a drug detox and treatment program near you.

Drug detox centers can slowly taper you off Klonopin, reducing the severity of your withdrawal symptoms and providing you with the support you need to achieve sobriety.

Get Help for Klonopin Addiction Now

At Arise Treatment Center, our highly-specialized medical staff provides 24-hour support and supervision so you can detox from benzodiazepines safely. With a team of passionate professionals who are dedicated to helping those struggling with substance abuse, Arise Treatment Center’s main goal is to provide exceptional long-term wellness to our clients as well as their families.

If you or someone you love are struggling with Klonopin addiction and are ready to begin your recovery journey, please contact us today.

References:

1. National Alliance on Mental Illness: Clonazepam (Klonopin), Retrieved June 2023 from https://www.nami.org/About-Mental-Illness/Treatments/Mental-Health-Medications/Types-of-Medication/Clonazepam-(Klonopin)
2. U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA): Klonopin, Retrieved June 2023 from https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2013/017533s053,020813s009lbl.pdf
3. National Library of Medicine: Clonazepam, Retrieved June 2023 from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK556010/
4. National Library of Medicine: The benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome, Retrieved June 2023 from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7841856/