Clonazepam Withdrawal: Signs, Symptoms and Treatment Options

If you’ve experienced medical issues such as seizures or panic disorders, your doctor may have prescribed the sedative drug clonazepam. According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, clonazepam consists of benzodiazepines, which depress or slow down the central nervous system. Klonopin is a common brand of clonazepam, although there are several other names for this medication.

Unfortunately, clonazepam does have addictive qualities, meaning that some people may abuse it or become addicted to the medication.

If you need help for your clonazepam addiction, call our helpline now at 800-256-3490 to get help from a knowledgeable representative.

Clonazepam Side Effects and Warning Signs

Dizziness and nausea are common clonazepam withdrawal symptoms.

Clonazepam is generally taken in pill form and is not safe for pregnant women. While it can be an effective treatment for certain seizure or anxiety disorders, clonazepam can be habit-forming. The side effects that you experience can vary depending on what type of disorder you have and other aspects of your treatment.

Some people experience:

• Feelings of depression or thoughts of suicide, anxiety, and irritability
• Dizziness, drowsiness, hallucinations or restlessness
• Nausea, diarrhea, or constipation
• Problems related to respiration, memory, and speech

You can become addicted to clonazepam in less than four weeks of use. Unfortunately, more severe side-effects can occur for children, so it is definitely not recommended for them to take.

Symptoms of Clonazepam Withdrawal

Getting off of benzodiazepine drugs such as Klonopin can be a great step to detox your body and eliminate your dependence on these types of medications. Unfortunately, you may experience moderate to severe withdrawal symptoms if you abruptly stop taking clonazepam.

Luckily, benzodiazepine withdrawal is rarely fatal. If you’re worried that you may be addicted to clonazepam, there are several symptoms you may have that are similar to alcohol withdrawal:

• Cramps in your abdominal and muscle areas
• Changes in behavior, such as feelings of depression, increased anxiety, worry, panic attacks and irritability
• Difficulty sleeping, such as insomnia or nightmares
• Convulsions and tremors

In particular, clonazepam withdrawal can be extremely severe for people who are former alcoholics.

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Treatment Options for Clonazepam Withdrawal

The symptoms for withdrawal from clonazepam can cause you pain and stress. In order to overcome your withdrawal symptoms, you will have to take slow and careful steps to detox your body.

Tapering

In general, no one should go off of clonazepam cold turkey – talk to your doctor before making any changes to your intake of medication. This is due to the fact that you can experience seizures. Tapering should be slow and may take a few weeks or even months.

Medication

To completely withdraw from clonazepam, you can taper off of it while also taking an additional drug to help mediate your symptoms. The method used will depend on how many benzodiazepines you’re on, how much you’re taking, and the severity of your symptoms. Your age, cognitive abilities, and history of substance abuse will also play a large role in the tapering process.

Cognitive Behavior Therapy

Receiving consistent therapy sessions during the tapering process can improve your success of overall withdrawal.

Studies have shown that you can successfully achieve complete withdrawal from clonazepam by using a very gradual tapering method that works for your individual body and needs.

The process may be long, but the results of having a healthier body and mind are well worth it. Give us a call at 800-256-3490 for more information on clonazepam addiction and withdrawal.