However, many people take the drug incorrectly, often without even realizing it. When prescribed for longer than federal guidelines suggest, the drug is highly addictive. When mixed with other drugs, Klonopin overdose can be fatal. Studies have shown that any patient taking Klonopin for longer than four weeks will likely experience withdrawal symptoms. These might include irritability, edginess, headaches, fatigue, stomach pains and nausea.
Alarmingly, despite the addiction rate, a number of patients receive prescriptions for months, or even years. As use continues, the risk of overdose also increases.
Because withdrawal symptoms mirror the flu or a stomach virus, patients might not initially suspect their Klonopin use when they experience them, particularly if their doctor has not informed them of the addiction risk. Have questions about addiction? Call us at to speak with a recovery specialist. Klonopin is a benzodiazepine that can reduce feelings of anxiety or stress by slowing down brain activity.
Researchers initially developed Klonopin to manage seizures in people with epilepsy. Doctors now regularly prescribe Klonopin for panic attacks and anxiety. In some cases, doctors even prescribe the drug to lessen the impact of withdrawal systems of alcohol and other substances. However, long-term use can lead to severe addiction. Klonopin overdose on its own is rare, and can depend on a number of factors, including personal body chemistry, present health conditions and other prescribed medications.
Sometimes, Klonopin is prescribed for long-term conditions, such as restless leg syndrome. In these cases, your doctor should discuss the risks of addiction and available alternatives. Klonopin is classified as an anticonvulsant or antiseizure drug. When taken, the medication calms the nerves and brain activity, essentially depressing the central nervous system. Those who have taken Klonopin often report feelings of relaxation.
In some cases, people who use the drug also experience feelings of euphoria or haziness — similar to the sensation of being intoxicated. Side effects can include drowsiness, dizziness, fatigue, muscle weakness, confusion, headache, dry mouth, and skin rashes.
Additionally, psychological changes are possible. Call our admissions coordinators at any time at to learn more about our individualized treatment programs for benzodiazepine abuse. Accessed 22 May Identifying Overdose. Signs of an overdose include the following: Extreme sleepiness Sudden clumsiness Dizziness Severe confusion Blurry vision.
Slurred speech Unusual weakness Slow breathing Loss of consciousness. Contact Us. If you have medication that you do not need, make sure you know how to dispose of it properly. Prescription medications cannot necessarily be tossed in your trash or flushed down the drain. When medications are disposed of improperly, they can harm people, animals, and the environment. For example, drugs that are flushed down the toilet end up in the local water supply, and when medications are thrown out in the garbage, they could find their way to a person who would be harmed by taking them or end up on the street where they would be sold illegally.
To help prevent these outcomes, many hospitals, clinics, pharmacies, and other community organizations offer take-back programs for unused or expired medications. If your doctor has not given you instructions about what to do with unused Klonopin, ask a pharmacist. They can tell you how to properly dispose of your medication. If you are prescribed Klonopin for SAD, your doctor has decided that it has the potential to be a positive part of your treatment plan.
If you have any questions or concerns about the medication, ask your doctor or pharmacist. If you don't feel that Klonopin is helping you with your symptoms or you are experiencing intolerable side effects, there are other medications and treatment options you can try. In addition to medication, your doctor might recommend therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy CBT , during which you work with a therapist to learn how to monitor and alter your thought patterns and behaviors to help you handle situations in a more adaptive way.
Cognitive behavioral therapy has been shown to be effective for some people with SAD and other mental health conditions. Learn the best ways to manage stress and negativity in your life.
Pharmacotherapy of anxiety disorders: Current and emerging treatment options. Front Psychiatry. Cleveland Clinic. Anxiety disorders. Reviewed December 17, American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Fifth Edition. American Psychiatric Association; National Library of Medicine. Updated November 15, Food and Drug Administration. FDA requiring Boxed Warning updated to improve safe use of benzodiazepine drug class.
Updated October 2, Roy-Byrne P. Treatment in nonresponsive patients with social anxiety: Back to the future with benzodiazepines. The evidence-based pharmacotherapy of social anxiety disorder.
Int J Neuropsychopharmacol. National Institute of Mental Health. Social anxiety disorder: More than just shyness. Sperry L. Clonazepam Klonopin. Updated January Grapefruit juice and some drugs don't mix.
Updated July 18, Safe disposal of medicines. Updated October 1, Cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety disorders: An update on the empirical evidence. Dialogues Clin Neurosci. Klonopin tablets. Revised February Klonopin medication guide.
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