If you or a loved one was recently prescribed Klonopin, you likely have questions about potential side effects.
Benzodiazepines like Klonopin are commonly prescribed to treat anxiety and panic attacks, but it’s estimated that 50-80% of people who take them continually for a few weeks or longer will experience withdrawal symptoms. Some of the most common withdrawal symptoms include rebound anxiety, hand tremors, sweating, irritability, and stomach issues. The good news is that a tapering approach can help minimize these symptoms so that you can safely reduce and stop your dose.
Benzodiazepine prescriptions have been trending downward since 2016, but over 90 million are still dispensed each year. In Arizona alone, over 1.4 million prescriptions were written in 2023. If you or a loved one needs to take this medication for a legitimate reason, it’s important to familiarize yourself with Klonopin side effects. If you feel that the side effects are indicative of a potential Klonopin problem, know that help is available through Wolf Creek Recovery, one of the most trusted treatment centers in north-central Arizona.
Side Effects of Klonopin
Klonopin is the brand name for clonazepam, a benzodiazepine that is commonly used to treat anxiety disorders and seizure disorders. When you ingest the medication, it enters the bloodstream where it takes effect and distributes its therapeutic effects. Because Klonopin decreases central nervous system (CNS) activity, it leads to a calming effect relatively quickly.
There are a number of other side effects that can occur in both the short- and long-term. Most short-term symptoms ease up as your body adjusts to the medication, but long-term symptoms can appear after taking the medication for a prolonged length of time or in higher-than-prescribed doses.
Klonopin Side Effects: How They Change Over Time
Taking Klonopin over an extended period can result in various side effects that can affect your physical, cognitive, and emotional state. If you notice these side effects increasing or becoming problematic, let your prescribing doctor know right away so that they can adjust the dosage or explore alternative treatments. While Klonopin is effective, there are risks and adverse side effects that can occur, and there may be a different medication you can take in its place.
Short-Term Side Effects of Klonopin Use
The short-term side effects of Klonopin usually appear shortly after taking the medication, especially in the first days and weeks of treatment. Most of these effects are mild and temporary and will subside as your body adjusts. Common short-term effects include drowsiness or sedation, dizziness or lightheadedness, impaired coordination, memory and concentration issues, headache, and changes in sleep patterns. Some people also experience gastrointestinal discomfort, such as nausea or upset stomach, and dry mouth.
Long-Term Side Effects of Klonopin Use
Long-term use of Klonopin, especially beyond several months, can lead to more pronounced and potentially serious side effects. These issues arise primarily due to tolerance, dependence, and the substance’s prolonged effects on the central nervous system. The long-term side effects to watch for include cognitive impairment, physical dependence, withdrawal symptoms, mood and emotional changes, decreased motivation, and social withdrawal. Physical health issues are also a possibility as the substance takes its toll on the body, leading to muscle weakness, chronic fatigue, and an increased risk of falls and accidents.
Klonopin’s Impact on the Mind and Body
Klonopin affects the mind and body through its action on the central nervous system (CNS). The medication specifically enhances the neurotransmitter GABA, resulting in calming, sedative, and muscle-relaxant effects. It also slows brain activity, reducing the intensity of anxious or racing thoughts. However, since mental processes are slowed, there is the possibility for cognitive impairment and confusion to occur.
In terms of the body, Klonopin relaxes the muscles, which can lead to muscle weakness and fatigue over time, trouble with balance and coordination, and persistent fatigue. High doses of the medication or combining the medication with other depressants (e.g., alcohol, opioids) can slow down breathing, posing serious health risks. Following the prescribed guidelines will help you avoid most of these complications, but even legitimate use can lead to dependence and withdrawal. Let’s look closer at the behavioral, physical, and psychological effects of Klonopin so that you know when to intervene.
Behavioral Signs of Klonopin Use
The behavioral signs of Klonopin affect how a person thinks, acts, or interacts with others. They become evident over time as the medication takes center stage in their life. Behavioral signs to watch for include:
- Excessive sedation or sleepiness
- Mood and personality changes
- Impaired memory or confusion
- Social withdrawal or isolation
- Compulsive or risky behavior
- Reduced productivity
- Secretive or isolation
- Neglecting personal appearance
Physical Signs of Klonopin Use
A person is more likely to show physical signs when they misuse Klonopin or take the medication in higher-than-prescribed doses. Aside from feeling drowsy and sedated, you may notice the following:
- Slow or slurred speech
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Muscle weakness or relaxation
- Vision changes
- Respiratory depression (in higher doses)
- Gastrointestinal symptoms
- Changes in appearance
Psychological Signs of Klonopin Use
Klonopin works by altering neurotransmitter levels in the brain, specifically GABA, which can lead to psychological or emotional symptoms. These symptoms are most likely to appear in people who use the medication for a prolonged period of time:
- Frequent mood swings
- Anxiety or panic
- Depression or emotional numbness
- Impaired judgment
- Psychological withdrawal symptoms
- Paranoia or anxiety about medication supply
Treatment for Klonopin Use Disorder in Prescott, AZ: Take Back Your Life
Since Klonopin use disorder is a complex condition, it requires comprehensive Klonopin rehab that manages withdrawal symptoms, cravings, and underlying issues driving substance use. Withdrawal from Klonopin can be severe if abruptly stopped. Medical detox involves a tapering schedule where Klonopin is gradually reduced. Regular medical monitoring ensures safety and manages withdrawal symptoms using medications and comfort care.
Detox is only the first step in the process; after this, you will need therapeutic treatment in the form of behavioral therapies (e.g., CBT, DBT), group therapy and support groups, and alternative practices. Medication-assisted treatment can also be helpful in managing underlying anxiety or depressive symptoms during detox and recovery. For ongoing abstinence, continued counseling, therapy, support groups, and lifestyle adjustments are a must.
Wolf Creek Recovery will walk alongside you on your journey to recovery. We have extensive experience treating substance use disorders of all severities, and we have staff in recovery who can relate to your experiences. With therapy and counseling, medication management, and even an outdoor therapy program that gets you outdoors and having fun with activities like pickleball and disc golf, we can ensure that all your needs are addressed. To learn more about our programs, contact us today at 833-732-8202. Build a life you love.
FAQs About the Side Effects of Klonopin
What are the short-term effects of Klonopin?
Shortly after taking the medication, it’s normal to experience drowsiness, sedation, dizziness, lightheadedness, headache, and changes in sleep patterns. These effects are usually mild and will get better over time as your body adjusts to the medication.
What are the long-term effects of Klonopin?
For those who take Klonopin for an extended period of time or in higher-than-prescribed doses, it’s possible to experience a number of long-term effects such as cognitive impairment, emotional changes, social withdrawal, and decreased motivation. However, the most concerning long-term effects are dependence and withdrawal.
How long does it take to become dependent on Klonopin?
Klonopin is one of the easiest benzodiazepines to experience dependence as it has a rapid onset of action and a long half-life that allows the medication to accumulate in the body. Dependence can happen rapidly, usually within several weeks of regular use, even at prescribed doses.
Are there serious side effects to taking Klonopin?
The most concerning effects that can occur with Klonopin include severe drowsiness or sedation, respiratory depression, cognitive and memory impairment, increased risk of suicidal thoughts or behaviors, and dependence and addiction. Allergic reactions, paradoxical reactions, and seizures are also rare but serious side effects.
