Klonopin Withdrawal: Symptoms and Timeline
Legacy Healing Center Blog
Klonopin is the brand name for Clonazepam, a benzodiazepine useful in the treatment of panic disorders, seizure disorders, insomnia, and alcohol withdrawal. The drug operates by slowing the functions of the body and brain, reducing levels of anxiety and stress in the user. It does this by increasing levels of gamma amino-butyric acid (GABA) in the brain and can also result in mind sensations of euphoria. For those who take more than is prescribed regularly, the risk of Klonopin withdrawal is present.
Klonopin Withdrawal Symptoms
Like with many other substances, abusing Klonopin for a prolonged period of time can result in the development of withdrawal symptoms. These are the result of the body growing accustomed to the presence of the drug, so much so that it has become reliant on it to function properly. Once the substance is removed, the body may react in a negative way as it readjusts.
Symptoms of Klonopin withdrawal include:
- Sweating
- Tremors
- Stomachache
- Hallucinations
- Head pain
- Insomnia
- Nightmares
- Lethargy
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Thoughts of suicide
- Seizures
Seizures are perhaps one of the most dangerous symptoms of benzo withdrawal and are what makes attempting to detox on one’s own far riskier. Instead, it is advised that someone at risk seek out the necessary treatment options available, like those found in Legacy’s collection of addiction treatment facilities.
Klonopin Withdrawal Timeline
The first stages of withdrawal typically occur around 24 hours after the last dose of Klonopin was taken, although symptoms can take up to 72 hours to present themselves. This initial stage can last as long as a week and can be very uncomfortable. The severity of symptoms will gradually increase over time, with symptoms like insomnia reaching their peak after the one-week mark.
It is also worth remembering that the severity of symptoms can be influenced by how quickly drug use is discontinued. For example, a patient obtaining benzo withdrawal treatment at the Legacy Healing detox center may be given medically assisted treatment, allowing the drug to be tapered from their system gradually. This is far more ideal than quitting cold turkey, which heightens the risk of dangerous acute withdrawal symptoms like seizures.
Getting care dedicated to managing withdrawal symptoms is crucial when detoxing from substances like alcohol or benzodiazepines. It may seem ideal to quit abruptly and rip the band-aid off, but the reality is that a person who does so is at serious risk for adverse health effects.
The Importance of Benzodiazepine Addiction Treatment
If a person reaches the point of withdrawal, it could be a sign that they are struggling with an addiction to benzodiazepines. In this case, managing symptoms is not enough. There is no telling if/when the drug user will return to the habits that put them in this position in the first place. To avoid this, we suggest they access treatment for benzo addiction at one of our facilities. This way, they can get to the root of the problem and work to prevent this from happening again.
To learn more information about our programs for addiction treatment, call Legacy Healing Center at 888-534-2295.
Related Reading
Guide to Effective Benzodiazepine Detox Programs
Benzo Belly: Managing Gastrointestinal Distress During Withdrawal