Klonopin, or clonazepam, is a medication typically prescribed for the treatment of insomnia and anxiety.

It is a drug designed and intended for short-term treatment. This is because, after just a few weeks of use, users are likely to develop a physical addiction.

Those addicted to Klonopin are susceptible to an array of withdrawal symptoms when the body stops receiving the dosage amount it has come to expect.

Those experiencing Klonopin withdrawal may struggle with symptoms for up to 3-4 weeks, and in some cases longer.

Withdrawals from Klonopin will usually cause severe levels of irritation, agitation, and anxiety for the user. In more severe cases, these symptoms can even lead to life-threatening seizures. Due to the medical complications that could possibly arise when detox alone, it’s never recommended to quit at home without medical supervision.

As your body adjusts to the absence of Klonopin, withdrawals may seem unmanageable, especially when cessation from use is taking place at home (where medical, symptom-withdrawal management can’t be received). For many, the Klonopin withdrawal symptoms overpower their will to quit. Often, this results in the user seeking out Klonopin (or another benzo) to alleviate symptoms.

Klonopin belongs to the same family of drugs as Xanax and Valium: benzodiazepines (or simply said, benzos). Xanax, Valium, and Klonopin are among the top most-prescribed medicines in the country. Data from a national survey concluded that almost 30 million US-aged adults used benzos in 2015.

Possibly attributed to reckless prescribing practices, the growing number of abuse cases involving the use of benzos has soared. Whether your addiction is to Klonopin or another benzo (Valium/Xanax), if used for 3-4 weeks, withdrawal symptoms are likely to emerge.

At Rehab South Florida, our Klonopin addiction treatment professionals have decades of combined experience for the treatment of Klonopin withdrawal symptoms. Whether you’re here for yourself or a friend, regardless of the severity of the addiction, our cutting-edge facility is home to a large, supportive, and clinically experienced staff that enables us to exceed the recovery goals and needs of all clients.

We want to congratulate you for taking your first step towards achieving a substance abuse-free life. This is a pivotal point and a life-changing decision. We’re excited to have you here at Rehab South Florida and appreciate you taking the time to learn about the treatment programs available to you (your future self will thank you).

We’re a recovery-centric facility that adopts a holistic approach to addiction. Through evidence-based therapies, medication-assisted treatment, and ongoing therapeutic support both before and after rehab, our patient-success rate is higher compared to other centers.

A substantial majority of clients visiting our center are able to maintain abstinence post-treatment. Our clients are also able to avoid relapse through an aftercare program and with the help of MAT (medication-assisted treatment).

Here, you’ll learn about Klonopin withdrawal symptoms and clonazepam withdrawal treatment so you can better understand your addiction. You’ll also learn of the different recovery programs available to you.

Does short-term Klonopin use cause withdrawal symptoms?

Of those that have been using benzos for more than a six-month period, roughly 40% will encounter mild-to-severe withdrawals. While the other 60% will experience symptoms too, they’ll be rather mild in nature.

The withdrawals an alcoholic would experience when they stop drinking are similar to the symptoms that challenge benzo users that are in the process of quitting.

Within as little as 6-12 hours following the last dose of Klonopin, you may begin t feel irritated, edgy, agitated, and sick (flu-like symptoms). These may be come-and-go symptoms that last for weeks on end (in some cases, months).

During withdrawals, the symptoms that initially drove you to begin taking Klonopin (insomnia/anxiety) may return at intensified levels during the early-to-late stages of withdrawal.

Unfortunately, it’s not possible to determine just how withdrawals will affect you (as they’re unique, user to user). Even if you’ve been through clonazepam withdrawal in the past, your next experienced round of withdrawals may be entirely different (perhaps worse, perhaps better).

However, the severity of symptoms are usually determined by the dosage amounts of Klonopin taken, the duration of time in which it was used, and whether or not a concurrent dependence was present (mixing Klonopin with alcohol or other drugs).

Signs & Symptoms

Klonopin is known as a long-lasting benzodiazepine. Its half-life is between 30-40 hours. This means that symptoms of withdrawal may take a while to become noticeable. Withdrawals from Klonopin can begin between 2-7 days following the last Klonopin dose.

However, according to studies by the World Health Organization, some users may experience acute symptoms that can last for up to two months.

Withdrawals from Klonopin can bring about both emotional and physical symptoms. These symptoms considerably vary from user to user, based on a number of variables (such as the duration of abuse and the mixture of Klonopin with other substances).

There’s an array of factors that contribute to the severity of Klonopin withdrawal, including:

The duration of time in which Klonopin was used
The dose taken at the time of entering rehab
The number of times the dose amounts were increased
The occurrence of Klonopin being mixed with other drugs, such as stimulants, alcohol, or opioids
Whether or not you mix Klonopin with other benzos or medicines such as Ambien (z-drugs)
Your age and overall physical health
The presence of mental health issues (which can be determined through dual-diagnosis)
Medical history and prior abuse of drugs/alcohol
Prior withdrawal experiences

Klonopin – Acute Withdrawal

Acute withdrawals, in the worst of cases, can last up to a year. Acute withdrawals from Klonopin can emerge within just a few days following the last dose. They can become rather intense, and dangerous and even life-threatening (in some cases). For some, acute withdrawals may be described more as “uncomfortable” than “intense” but either way, should be treated at a rehab (in a medically monitored environment).

Acute withdrawal symptoms can be placed into two different categories. Those related to mental health and those correlating with physical health.

There are many physical withdrawals when a prior Klonopin abuser stops using, including:

• Loss of appetite
• Muscle spasms
• Issues sleeping (walking in the night, nightmares)
• Hyperventilation
• Weight loss
• Headaches
• Sweating
• Dizziness, loss of balance, and unsteadiness
• Tremors
• Blurred or impaired vision
• Muscle pain/aches
• Heightened senility to light
• Gran mal seizures (possibly life-threatening)
• Tinnitus (hearing sounds that aren’t there, ringing of the ears)

Psychological symptoms of Klonopin withdrawal can include:

• Delirium
• Anxiety
• Irritability and agitation
• Insomnia
• Panic attacks
• Restlessness
• Nightmares
• Strange body sensations
• Depression
• Changes to perception
• Problems concentrating
• Trouble remembering things
• Delusions
• Confusion
• Auditory or visual hallucinations
• Feelings of unreality
• Distorted body image

Klonopin – Rebound System of Withdrawal

Quiet common amongst those recovering from Klonopin abuse, rebound symptoms are common. These are underlying symptoms that you may not know you had as the Klonopin was suppressing them from emerging. If you initially began taking Klonopin to treat anxiety disorder symptoms, those initial symptoms can amplify and intensify once withdrawals initiate. This is because the absence of the drug in the body allows these symptoms to return.

Unfortunately, these withdrawals intimidate most users and can lead to the addicted individual giving up on their efforts to quit. There is however a Klonopin withdrawal timeline that makes it easy to understand how and then common symptoms will emerge.

At Rehab South Florida, we offer medication-assisted therapy to help with rebound withdrawals. These withdrawals can be intense in nature and rather uncomfortable for the prior addict. With the help of MAT, RSF patients can rest assured knowing that they’re recovering under the care and supervision of treatment experts that use clinically-backed treatment protocols to ensure near symptom-free recovery journeys for clients.

Klonopin – Protracted Withdrawal

Protracted withdrawal is the second stage of withdrawals from Klonopin. This phase is known as protracted withdrawal and also post-acute withdrawal. It’s a syndrome lasting anywhere from weeks/months to sometimes over a year. Don’t worry just yet. This doesn’t happen to everyone and if they do are different for person to person. Such symptoms can include depressions, agitation, and anxiety.

Relief and Coping with Klonopin

Quitting Klonopin is best achieved through slowly tapering dosage amounts. Tapering, which is the process of slowly reducing dosage amounts over time, is also an effective preventative approach for preventing withdrawal symptoms.
If you’ve reached the point of wanting to quit your addiction, your motivation and desire in doing so may encourage you to take the “quitting cold turkey” route. It’s in your health’s interest though to avoid this temptation. Typically, the longer in which tapering takes place, the less severe withdrawals will be.

At Rehab South Florida, our taper-down approach helps to alleviate withdrawals for clients. This process involves a daily dose of medication (with the largest administered dose taking place on day one of treatment) with a gradual, day-to-day decline. This helps your body to adjust to less of the drug in the system and ultimately will make withdrawals, cravings and urges much more manageable.

Are you currently Experiencing Klonopin withdrawal? Here’s what to do.

If you are currently experiencing Klonopin withdrawal symptoms, finding relief is possible through a few simple steps. First and foremost, seeking treatment at a rehab is ideal.

However, there are other ways to reduce discomfort and withdrawal levels, you can:

• Give your pill bottle to a trustable person that can dispense them to you as prescribed.
• Treat muscle and headaches with over-the-counter pain relievers (with your doctor’s approval)
• Consult your doctor about natural and alternative treatment solutions (such as CBD oil)
• Ask for understanding from friends and roommates if you become moody/agitated
• Try using an all-natural sleep aid, such as melatonin
• Begin exercising to help burn off excess energy and restlessness (as well as calm your mind)
• Explore new relaxation methods, such as yoga and meditation

Warnings about Klonopin

One thing that’s important to understand about benzo withdrawal is that relapses are common. This is especially true for high-dose dependents or those that struggle with another substance misuse disorder. Fortunately, clients at Rehab South Florida can mitigate the chance of relapsing through effective and ongoing detox planning and aftercare support.

Clonazepam withdrawal can lead to severe, dangerous, and sometimes even life-threatening medical events, such as a condition known as Grand Mal Seizures. Following the abrupt discontinuation of Klonopin use, grand mal seizures typically occur around day-10 following the last dose. They can emerge out of nowhere, with no signs or symptoms.

While they’re not common, they’re not predictable. This is one of the many reasons why struggling addicts shouldn’t recover alone at home but rather in a rehab setting where medical emergencies can be tended to.

Klonopin Detox and Withdrawal Treatment

Improving your chances of a successful recovery is as simple as participating in a detox and withdrawal-management program at a rehab.

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), it’s best to begin with an inpatient detox program or by making a strong commitment to staying in close touch with your primary care physician.

For some, this is challenging. Some rehabs are costly and don’t administer treatments that are covered under insurance. At Rehab South Florida, clients enjoy being able to use their insurance for easier access to treatment. While some primary care physician and health clinics offer taper-down services, they require high levels of commitment. Historically speaking, such programs aren’t nearly as effective as those services found in rehab.

If you, a friend or loved one is seeking Klonopin withdrawal treatment services in a rehab to ensure the best recovery outcomes possible, speak to one of our friendly admission specialists by calling 561-933-5522.

Our award-winning facility has helped thousands of benzo-addicted individuals with achieving full-on, lifelong recovery. With our proven-to-recovery treatments, we’re confident you too will benefit and recover, just as the many others that have turned to RSF to begin leading a purposeful life free from addiction.

References

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“Clonazepam Withdrawal Symptoms, Timeline, And Effects.” Withdrawal, 4 Oct. 2019, https://www.withdrawal.net/benzodiazepine/clonazepam/symptoms-and-timeline/.

“Alcohol, Benzos, and Opiates-Withdrawal That Might Kill You.” Psychology Today, Sussex Publishers, https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/all-about-addiction/201001/alcohol-benzos-and-opiates-withdrawal-might-kill-you.

“These Pills Could Be Next U.S. Drug Epidemic, Public Health Officials Say.” The Pew Charitable Trusts, https://www.pewtrusts.org/en/research-and-analysis/blogs/stateline/2018/07/18/these-pills-could-be-next-us-drug-epidemic-public-health-officials-say.

“These Pills Could Be Next U.S. Drug Epidemic, Public Health Officials Say.” The Pew Charitable Trusts, https://www.pewtrusts.org/en/research-and-analysis/blogs/stateline/2018/07/18/these-pills-could-be-next-us-drug-epidemic-public-health-officials-say.

Gier, de, et al. “Discontinuation of Long-Term Benzodiazepine Use: 10-Year Follow-Up.” OUP Academic, Oxford University Press, 30 Dec. 2010, https://doi.org/10.1093/fampra/cmq113.

Sachdeva, Ankur, et al. “Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome: Benzodiazepines and Beyond.” Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research : JCDR, JCDR Research and Publications (P) Limited, Sept. 2015, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4606320/.

“The Withdrawal Timeline for Benzos.” Clinical Services of Rhode Island Treatment Center, https://clinicalservicesri.com/detox/benzos/.

“Benzodiazepine Withdrawal Management.” SA Health, https://www.sahealth.sa.gov.au/wps/wcm/connect/public content/sa health internet/clinical resources/clinical topics/substance misuse and dependence/substance withdrawal management/benzodiazepine withdrawal management.

“Rapid Benzo Detox and Benzo Withdrawl FAQs – The Coleman Institute.” Coleman Institute, https://thecolemaninstitute.com/about-addiction/faqs/rapid-benzodiazepine-detox-faqs/.
Pétursson, H. “The Benzodiazepine Withdrawal Syndrome.” Addiction (Abingdon, England), U.S. National Library of Medicine, Nov. 1994, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7841856.

Pétursson, H. “The Benzodiazepine Withdrawal Syndrome.” Addiction (Abingdon, England), U.S. National Library of Medicine, Nov. 1994, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7841856.

“Guide to Klonopin Withdrawal: Timeline, Symptoms, & Detox.” Guide to Klonopin Withdrawal | Timeline, Symptoms, & Detox, https://www.pbinstitute.com/side-effects/klonopin/.