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Once a person is addicted to clonazepam, a sedative prescribed for seizures, panic disorder and anxiety, he or she will need to increase the dosage on a regular basis to experience the same effects. As a result, withdrawal symptoms often occur when the user’s body is dependent but the actual intake of the drug has ceased.
The time it takes for withdrawal symptoms to show up largely depends how long clonazepam stays in the body — something that’s inevitably determined by the individual’s metabolism.
Clonazepam, in particular, has gained half its strength at the 18 to 50 hour-mark, so withdrawal symptoms can be expected anywhere between 24 to 72 hours. It’s also important to note that Clonazepam reaches its highest withdrawal level in five to seven days.
Identifying Clonazepam’s Withdrawal Symptoms
So what does Clonazepam withdrawal look like?
The symptoms may include any the following:
- Anxiety
- Sleep problems
- Headaches
- Weight loss
- Abdominal pain
- Aching
- Agoraphobia (an anxiety disorder where someone fears and/or avoids places and/or situations that make him or her feel trapped, helpless or embarrassed)
- Body vibrations
- Diarrhea
- Distended abdomen (a swollen belly)
- Flu-like symptoms
- Feelings of unreality (this can range from the fear that someone is reading your thoughts to the belief that someone has “control” over your behavior.)
- Flatulence
- Food cravings
- Hair loss
- Heart palpitations
- Insomnia, which can include vivid nightmares
- Increased sense of smell
- Lethargy
- Loss of balance
- Metallic sense of taste
- Muscle spasms
- Panic attack
- Paranoia (fear that other people are “watching you”)
- Persistent unpleasant memories
- Short-term memory loss
- Sore mouth or tongue
- Sensitivity to sound or light
- Blurred speech
- Sweating
- Tinnitus (ringing in the ears or even the perception of ringing in the ears)
- Fear
Severe symptoms may also include:
- Suicidal thoughts
- Epileptic seizures
- Psychosis
It is important for people hoping to wean off clonazepam to coordinate their efforts with their doctor so it’s done gradually. Furthermore, it’s strongly recommended that someone who has used clonazepam regularly to go through detox and withdrawal at a rehab facility where he or she receives proper medical supervision and professional assistance. Coming off clonazepam too quickly can result in protracted withdrawal symptoms, which can drag out for longer periods of time before they start to subside.
Are You Addicted to Clonazepam?
Clonazepam (also known by the brand name Klonopin) is one of the most widespread and readily available drugs today. Continual use can result in physical and psychological damage, not to mention dependence.
There are thousands of people who have abused drugs, gone through treatment and now live normal, healthy lives. If you or someone you know is a consistent, long-time Clonazepam user, most likely he or she is struggling with addiction or is quickly moving in that direction.
There is hope. Please call our toll-free number today at 855-682-7092. We are available 24 hours a day and can answer any questions you might have about Clonazepam addiction treatment. We are here to help.
By Christa Banister
