Klonopin is an approved prescription drug for certain types of seizures and panic disorders. It is the brand name for the generic, Clonazepam, and falls under a class of drugs called benzodiazepines, which are used to treat general anxiety disorder, insomnia, seizures, social phobia, and panic disorder. Sometimes used in combination with other drugs, Klonopin affects the brain by decreasing abnormal activity such as anxiety and stress, thereby calming the brain and nerves. Long-term use and high dosage, even when used as prescribed, can lead to addiction and as such, should be closely monitored by a medical professional.

Generic Name: Clonazepam

Brand Name: Klonopin

Street Names: K, k-pins, tranks, downers, benzos, nerve pills

Side Effects of Klonopin

As with many drugs, Klonopin does have some side effects. However, your doctor has deemed that the risks outweigh the benefits of treating your condition. Common side effects of Klonopin include the following:

  • Fatigue
  • Drowsiness
  • Dizziness
  • Decreased ability to concentrate
  • Impaired balance or coordination

These symptoms typically improve after the first one to two weeks of taking Klonopin. Tell your doctor if they do not go away or become more severe.

Many people who use Klonopin do not have serious side effects. However, if you experience any of the following, seek medical attention right away:

  • New or worsening seizures
  • Severe drowsiness
  • Unusual changes in mood or behavior
  • Confusion
  • Aggression or irritability
  • Hallucinations
  • Thoughts of suicide or hurting yourself
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Increased heart rate
  • Unusual or involuntary eye movements
  • Trouble speaking
  • Performing activities while asleep or not fully awake such as driving, making phone calls, or eating with no recollection after waking up.
  • Rash, itching or swelling, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing as this can be a sign of an allergic reaction

Additional side effects of Klonopin may exist. For more information, speak to your doctor or pharmacist.

Klonopin Dosage

Klonopin is available in tablet form, both standard or quick-dissolve. It comes either scored or unscored, with a K-shape perforation. It is taken orally and does not need to be taken with food but can be if preferred. However, it is recommended to take it at the same time each day, particularly to help remember to take it consistently. Klonopin dosage is determined by your doctor based on your condition, age, response to treatment, and for children, weight is also taken into consideration. Your doctor will likely start you on a lower dose to help minimize the side effects and increase it over time, no more than once every 3 days. Oftentimes Klonopin is taken 2 to 3 times per day. It is a long-acting drug that typically remains in your body for 18-50 hours.

What if I miss a dose of Klonopin?

Take your missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is close to the time of your next dose, wait until that time and then take your regular dose. It is extremely important to never double dose.

What if I take a double dose/overdose?

If you overdose on this medication you may experience symptoms such as drowsiness, confusion, loss of consciousness, and impaired reflexes. Call your doctor or 911 as you may need urgent medical care. There is a specific treatment known as Flumazenil that reverses the effects of Klonopin but it is only administered via IV at a hospital.

What should I avoid taking while on Klonopin?

Drinking alcohol and using illegal drugs can have adverse effects while taking Klonopin. These substances can worsen your condition and increase the side effects. Alcohol in particular increases the chances of overdose.

Klonopin can have negative interactions with other medications, resulting in serious and life-threatening conditions. Speak to your doctor if you take or plan to take any medications, including those for cough, pain, or allergies.

Eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice should be avoided. Grapefruit has been shown to slow the body’s breakdown of some drugs, including benzodiazepine such as Klonopin. This allows the drug to build up in the body to potentially dangerous levels. A recent study showed this effect can last 3 or more days.

Can I stop taking Klonopin?

You should not suddenly stop taking Klonopin. This can cause your condition to worsen and/or for you to experience symptoms of withdrawal such as seizures, tremors, hallucinations, sudden mood changes, stomach or muscle cramps. Only stop taking Klonopin under the guidance and supervision of your doctor. You may need to be slowly weaned off of it to avoid or minimize withdrawal symptoms.

Addiction to Klonopin

Unfortunately, Klonopin can be addictive even under the prescribed dosage. It is considered a habit-forming drug and addiction can set it in even in a few weeks. Because you’re taking a prescribed drug under your doctor’s guidance, it’s understandable that you may feel a false sense of security. Addiction typically occurs when your body begins to build a tolerance for the drug. You may begin to take higher doses or space them closer together as your brain can no longer produce the same effects on the original dose. This inability to function normally, along with withdrawal symptoms, can make it very difficult to stop using Klonopin. You shouldn’t be afraid of becoming addicted, but you need to be aware of the potential. Be open and honest with your doctor if you experience:

  • Cravings
  • A desire to quit but fear or inability to do so
  • Loss of interest in work or your social life
  • Decrease in professional or academic performance
  • Using more medication outside of your prescribed amount
  • Feeling like you need to keep your usage or side effects secret

Klonopin Withdrawal Symptoms

Ending your Klonopin usage suddenly can result in uncomfortable side effects, particularly if you’ve been taking this medication for an extended time. If you’ve gotten to the point of dependency and addiction, the side effects could feel even worse and may become life-threatening. Some of the symptoms you may experience include:

  • Dizziness
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Muscle Cramps
  • Panic Attacks
  • Memory Loss
  • Racing Heart
  • Shaking
  • Seizures
  • Hallucinations
  • Coma

Treatment

Inability to endure these side effects is one of the reasons people are unable to quit taking Klonopin. It is best to taper down the dosage over time to minimize or avoid side effects. Inpatient and outpatient drug rehabilitation facilities, such as St. John’s Recovery Place (SJRP), are equipped to help you detox your body in the safest, most effective and comfortable way. Once you’ve completed detox, you’ll want to continue the process with therapy and support groups so that you can overcome the underlying issues that ignited your addiction in the first place.

One of the most beneficial things about SJRP is that we are also qualified to treat co-occurring disorders and dual diagnosis. So if you were taking Klonopin for a mental health condition such as panic disorder, we would be uniquely able to treat you for both your substance addiction and your mental health disorder. Our holistic and comprehensive approach to treatment and recovery focuses on healing the whole person and giving you the best possible chance of recovery and living a wholesome life.

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