Klonopin is the brand name for a benzodiazepine medication called clonazepam. This medication is primarily used to treat anxiety disorders and panic attacks. While Klonopin can be effective in managing anxiety, it is only intended for short-term use because of its addictive properties. However, benzodiazepine abuse is extremely common, and studies show that up to 17.2% of people using benzodiazepines like Klonopin are abusing the substances.[1]
If you or a loved one abuse Klonopin, you may experience painful and severe withdrawal symptoms if you suddenly stop using it. Typically, withdrawal includes symptoms like anxiety, muscle aches, and even seizures. Since Klonopin is long-acting, withdrawal can last over two weeks and is treated using a variety of medical services, including medications to limit symptoms.
What are the Symptoms of Klonopin Withdrawal?
Even when used as prescribed, you can develop a dependence on Klonopin after three to four weeks of use. To prevent the development of dependence, doctors typically only prescribe it as needed for short amounts of time. Unfortunately, if you become dependent on Klonopin, you will experience significant withdrawal symptoms if you suddenly stop using it.
The symptoms of Klonopin withdrawal can range from mildly uncomfortable to life-threatening. As a result, you should always attend a benzo detox program to receive the support you need to remain safe and comfortable.
The common symptoms of Klonopin withdrawal include:[2]
- Anxiety, panic attacks, and hyperventilation
- Insomnia
- Nightmares or waking up during the night
- Muscle spasms
- Loss of appetite and weight loss
- Sweating
- Tremors
- Headaches
- Dizziness and unsteadiness
- Aches and pain in the muscles
- Light sensitivity
- Blurred vision
- Visual disturbances
- Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
- Grand mal seizures
- Restlessness
- Depression
- Perceptual changes
- Issues concentrating
- Having a hard time remembering things
- Delusions
- Confusion
- Hallucinations
- Delirium
- Distorted body image
- Suicidal ideation and behavior
- Feelings of unreality
The Klonopin Withdrawal Timeline
The Klonopin withdrawal timeline can vary from person to person depending on countless factors, including the dose and frequency at which they abused it. With that being said, most people follow a general timeline that can help you understand the importance of receiving assistance from a medical detox facility.
2 to 4 Days
Since Klonopin is a long-acting benzodiazepine, it can take two to four days for your withdrawal symptoms to begin. Typically the initial symptoms of withdrawal are mild, including effects like agitation, restlessness, stomach aches, and anxiety.
10 to 14 Days
Within 10 to 14 days, your symptoms of withdrawal will begin to peak, meaning they will be at their most severe. You must be receiving care from a detox facility during this time, as you could develop the symptoms of psychosis or even life-threatening seizures.
Peak symptoms of Klonopin withdrawal may include:
- Diarrhea
- Insomnia
- Nightmares
- Loss of appetite
- Tremors
- Flu-like symptoms
- Hallucinations and delusions
- Seizures
Medical detox centers will provide you with medications to limit these symptoms, keeping you safe, comfortable, and focused on recovering.
15+ Days
After two weeks, your symptoms should subside. However, it is possible to continue experiencing lasting psychological symptoms of withdrawal. This is known as post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS).
Thankfully, detox centers can prescribe medications that alleviate the symptoms of PAWS, allowing you to fully focus on important recovery services like therapy and counseling.
How is Klonopin Withdrawal Treated During a Medical Detox Program?
Klonopin withdrawal can be treated in two different ways. The program will either taper you off of Klonopin using another benzodiazepine or provide you with medications intended to target specific symptoms of withdrawal, like SSRIs for depression, anticonvulsants for seizures, and melatonin for insomnia. The type of treatment you receive will depend on your personal needs.
In addition to using medications to limit withdrawal symptoms, your vital signs will be monitored consistently. This is done to ensure that you remain medically stable throughout the entire process. If any of your vital signs are abnormal, you will receive prompt treatment to keep you safe and comfortable.
Once you have overcome Klonopin withdrawal, you will begin working with your therapist to create a treatment plan. Because detox is only the first step in recovery, your treatment plan might include inpatient rehab, outpatient treatment, or a combination of the two. To ensure that you build a strong foundation of recovery, these programs offer evidence-based behavioral therapy, group counseling, relapse prevention planning, and more
Find Help for Klonopin Withdrawal
If you or a loved one suffers from Klonopin addiction, it’s time to seek help. You should never attempt to quit Klonopin on your own, as the withdrawal symptoms can be life-threatening in some cases. Instead, seek assistance from a medical detox center that can provide medications to lessen the symptoms of withdrawal.
At Arise Treatment Center, our clinically proven detox services and evidence-based therapies are designed to help you recover from your substance use disorder and regain control over your life. To learn more about our Klonopin addiction treatment program in Vista, California, contact us today.
References:
- The National Library of Medicine (NLM): Benzodiazepine Use and Misuse Among Adults in the United States, Retrieved December 2023 From https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6358464/
- The National Library of Medicine (NLM): The benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome, Retrieved December 2023 From https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7841856/