If you are one of the 1.2 million Arizonans who experience anxiety, you know all too well the feelings of fear, dread, and uneasiness that can take over in a matter of minutes. These feelings can cause your heart to beat fast, your breathing to change, and your palms to become sweaty.
Anxiety is no picnic to live with, and that’s a main reason why people often turn to their doctors for help. While there are many ways to treat anxiety, benzodiazepines are a common approach, as they work quickly to ease anxiety symptoms and can be beneficial when waiting for an antidepressant to kick in (which can take 4-6 weeks or more).
Roughly 20 million prescriptions for Klonopin are filled yearly in the U.S.. However, as more prescriptions for the medication are filled, the rates of misuse and overdose increase as well. Arizona has a drug overdose rate of 32.7 per 100,000, which is higher than most other states. As a treatment center located in Arizona, Wolf Creek Recovery has experience treating benzodiazepine use disorders. To help you better understand the potential risks of Klonopin, let’s learn more about Klonopin overdose, the signs to watch for, and how to respond to this medical emergency.
Klonopin Overdose
Klonopin, the brand name for clonazepam, is a benzodiazepine used to treat seizures, panic disorder, and agoraphobia. This medication produces a calming effect by increasing gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), reducing anxiety, preventing seizures, and promoting relaxation. While Klonopin is an effective medication, there is a risk of misuse, physical dependence, and withdrawal symptoms. Misusing Klonopin in any way–taking more than prescribed or mixing the medication with other substances—puts you at a higher risk of overdose.
How Does a Klonopin Overdose Happen?
An overdose of Klonopin happens when a person takes more of the medication than the body can handle. This can lead to dangerous sedation, slowed breathing, and life-threatening effects. A Klonopin overdose can happen intentionally (misuse) or unintentionally (forgetting a previous dose and taking more). Overdose can also happen when combining Klonopin with other central nervous system (CNS) depressants like alcohol or opioids, as the effects are intensified and can lead to severe respiratory depression and overdose.
What Are Some of the Earliest Signs of a Potential Klonopin Overdose?
Recognizing the early warning signs of a potential Klonopin overdose is critical for preventing a life-threatening emergency. Since Klonopin is a CNS depressant, overdose symptoms typically involve excessive sedation, impaired coordination, and respiratory issues. The severity of the symptoms depend on how much of the medication was taken, whether it was combined with other substances, and individual tolerance. Klonopin overdose is a medical emergency, so it’s important to seek medical care right away.
Warning Signs and Symptoms of a Klonopin Overdose to Watch For
- Extreme drowsiness and mental confusion. The person may be unusually sleepy or have trouble staying awake. They may display slow or slurred speech, have trouble focusing or thinking clearly, or be confused and disoriented.
- Impaired coordination and muscle weakness. Stumbling and poor balance, weakness in the arms and legs, or clumsiness are all signs that a person might have taken too much Klonopin.
- Slowed or shallow breathing (respiratory depression). This symptom is displayed by slow or weak breathing, shallow or irregular breathing patterns, or feeling short of breath. The person might also have a bluish tint to their lips, fingernails, or skin.
- Reduced reflexes. Klonopin overdose can result in a lack of reaction to stimuli, unresponsiveness, or trouble staying conscious.
- Low blood pressure and slow heart rate. As a CNS depressant, too much Klonopin can cause lightheadedness, dizziness, weak pulse, or loss of consciousness.
- Seizures. While rare, seizures are possible in long-term users. Watch for uncontrollable shaking or convulsions and loss of body control.
What Makes a Klonopin Overdose So Concerning?
A Klonopin overdose can be life-threatening, especially in high doses or when combined with other depressants. The main concern with a Klonopin overdose is severe respiratory depression. Klonopin slows down breathing, and in an overdose, it can cause dangerously slow or shallow breathing. Overdosing can also cause a loss of consciousness, oxygen deprivation, dangerously low heart rate and blood pressure, increased risk of accidental injury, and seizures. While it’s rare to fatally overdose on Klonopin alone, the risk increases significantly when mixed with alcohol or opioids.
What to Do if You Suspect an Overdose: Acting Quickly Saves Lives
Knowing how to respond to a potential overdose can help you stay calm in the moment. The first step is to call 911 and let first responders know of the situation. They will ask about the person’s symptoms, how much Klonopin they took, and when the dose was last taken. While you wait for help to arrive, check for responsiveness, monitor breathing and pulse, and place the person in the recovery position if they are breathing but unconscious. If the person is not breathing, perform CPR if you are trained to do so. Do not force vomiting, as this can lead to choking. Once first responders arrive, they can take over.
Risk Factors for Klonopin Overdose
Even though the main cause of a Klonopin overdose is taking too much at once (which can happen to anyone), certain risk factors make this scenario more likely to occur. For instance, taking high doses or exceeding the prescribed amount increases sedation and respiratory depression, leading to overdose.
Mixing Klonopin with other depressants can slow brain and body functions, making it another risk factor. Even sleep medications or other benzodiazepines can cause this to happen—not just alcohol and opioids. Additional risk factors include long-term use of the medication, a history of substance use, pre-existing health conditions like liver or kidney disease, and taking Klonopin without a prescription.
Treatment Options for Klonopin Use Disorder in Prescott, AZ
Klonopin use disorder can develop over time due to long-term use, misuse, or dependence on the substance. Since Klonopin is a benzodiazepine, quitting suddenly can lead to dangerous withdrawal symptoms, including seizures. Safe, structured treatment is essential for helping individuals detox and recover safely. Most of the time, doctors slowly reduce Klonopin dosage to prevent severe withdrawal symptoms.
After detox, you can start rehab for Klonopin addiction that offers behavioral therapy and counseling, medication-assisted treatment (MAT), support groups and aftercare. Behavioral therapies are essential for addressing the root causes of your Klonopin use and teaching coping strategies to prevent return to use. You can maintain recovery with ongoing therapy, peer support, and accountability.
It is never too late to seek help! Wolf Creek Recovery is committed to helping every individual who walks through our door. Our staff is also in recovery, so we are able to give our clients a unique source of support that helps them through the initial days of recovery. Aside from spending time in therapy, our clients also get to enjoy holistic activities and outdoor recreation (e.g., pickleball, disc golf, softball, basketball) through our outdoor therapy program. Build a life you love. Contact Wolf Creek Recovery at 833-732-8202 to learn more about our programs.
FAQs About Klonopin Overdose
Is it possible to overdose on Klonopin?
Yes, it’s possible to overdose on Klonopin when you take more of the medication than your body can safely handle. Mixing the medication with other CNS depressants can also raise the risk of overdose.
What are the signs of a potential Klonopin overdose?
The signs that a person might be experiencing a Klonopin overdose are sedation, confusion, diminished reflexes, impaired coordination, loss of consciousness, or coma.
Can a Klonopin overdose be reversed?
A Klonopin overdose can be reversed, but you must seek medical attention early. Flumazenil can block the effects of benzodiazepines, while oxygen support, IV fluids, and symptom management can provide comfort.
