Klonopin Withdrawal and Detox

Klonopin Info

• Klonopin Addiction and Abuse
• Klonopin Symptoms and Warning Signs
• Klonopin Treatment and Rehab
• Klonopin Withdrawal and Detox

Klonopin is a benzodiazepine that acts in the same way as Valium, Ativan and Xanax. Klonopin isa brand name of the drug Clonazepam, and usually prescribed as a treatment for panic disorder and seizures, as it inhibits the central nervous system and produces a calming effect.

If you are prescribed Klonopin, you may build a tolerance to it and begin to increase your doses over time. If you stop taking it or sharply lower your dosage after prolonged usage, Klonopin withdrawal symptoms could occur. Typically, doctors recommend reducing Klonopin dosages over an extended period of time to enable your mind and body adjust to the absence of the drug.

Klonopin withdrawal is different for each person, depending on factors such as length of use, amounts consumed and physical tolerance for the drug. Benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome is one stage of Klonopin withdrawal, which can be incredibly uncomfortable, even painful in some cases. Withdrawal symptoms can last for about four to seven days after your last dose of Klonopin.

In some cases however, withdrawal symptoms linger for months or even years after Klonopin has been detoxed from the body. Klonopin detox involves a gradual reduction of daily doses in order to lessen withdrawal symptoms and avoid health complications.

What is Klonopin withdrawal?

When you become dependent on (or addicted to) Klonopin, you can experience withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety and nausea if you try to quit on your own. Symptoms like these develop because your brain has come to rely on Klonopin in order to function normally.

Klonopin dependence can occur in as little as one month. When this happens, you will feel the need to continue taking the drug to stop or prevent withdrawal symptoms from manifesting. This occurs because there is no Klonopin in your system to block your brain receptors, and you can subsequently become overwhelmed by uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms.

Klonopin withdrawal is one of the most challenging aspects of quitting. Also, withdrawal from this drug can be dangerous, and you should never attempt to quit ‘cold turkey’. Abruptly quitting can trigger symptoms such as intense shaking and seizures. It’s essential to slowly reduce your intake, because of the potential for withdrawal symptoms.

It’s usually not recommended to take Klonopin for longer than a few weeks in order to avoid the likelihood of developing a physical and psychological dependence on the drug. Prolonged use or abuse of Klonopin results in a change to the brain’s normal reactions to stress.

When these levels abruptly decrease due to lowering the dose or going ‘cold turkey’, your system is thrown into confusion, which may result in a number of physical, emotional and mental reactions. In addition, there are different factors that may lead to Klonopin addiction, inducing withdrawal symptoms when you attempt to quit. These include genetic influences such as having a family member who struggles with addiction, as well as environmental and psychological factors.

If you’re struggling with an undiagnosed or untreated mental illness, you could attempt to self-medicate to alleviate the symptoms. After a prolonged period of such abuse, Klonopin withdrawal can occur when you’re ready to quit.

Phases of Klonopin withdrawal

Klonopin withdrawal occurs in three phases, each with characteristic symptoms:

Phase 1: Early Withdrawal

This phase begins about 30 to 40 hours after your last dose of the drug, usually when the substance has finally left your bloodstream. After the effects of Klonopin have stopped, your brain may experience a return of the symptoms you were initially using the drug to treat. Therefore, you may be dealing with anxiety, insomnia, high blood pressure, rapid heart rate and the possibility of seizures.

Phase 2: Acute Withdrawal

The first phase lasts about four days, after which it is followed by the acute withdrawal phase. Your withdrawal symptoms at this phase may be more severe, and could last for about two weeks to three months. Some of the symptoms that occur during this phase include drowsiness, insomnia, headaches, depression, suicidal thoughts, anxiety, panic attacks, mood changes and hallucinations. The types and severity of the symptoms you experience will vary in most cases. However, after this acute phase, the worst of withdrawal is usually over.

Phase 3: Post-Acute Withdrawal

This third and final phase of Klonopin withdrawal is not normally experienced by everyone. In addition, the symptoms are more general in nature, including depression, anxiety and panic attacks that may last up to two years.

Klonopin withdrawal symptoms: What to expect

The intensity of symptoms depends on the severity of your addiction. The drug slows down brain activity to help you relax, but when you stop taking it, the brain can become hyperactive, in turn causing these symptoms.

In addition to physical symptoms, there are also some psychological symptoms that can occur during Klonopin withdrawal. Most psychological withdrawal symptoms usually occur during the acute withdrawal phase, after you’ve passed through early withdrawal. Some of the possible psychological withdrawal symptoms you can expect include panic, irritability, hostility or aggression, anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts, confusion and drug cravings.

Rebound effects can also occur during Klonopin withdrawal. This means that after you quit using the drug, you could experience a return of the symptoms that led you to use Klonopin initially, only in a harsher form. For instance, if you originally started Klonopin use for insomnia, you may experience chronic sleeplessness at a very intense level during withdrawal.

Days 1-3

First signs of withdrawal begin to appear, including mild anxiety and other mood changes. You may also experience difficulty falling asleep or getting a full night’s rest.

Days 7-14

Your Klonopin withdrawal symptoms usually begin to peak one to two weeks after your last dose. You might experience irritability and anxiety, while if you quit ‘cold turkey’, intense body tremors, seizures or hallucinations could also occur.

Weeks 3-4

Withdrawal symptoms start to fade at this stage, though you may still experience anxiety. During this period, some days are more difficult than others, but withdrawal is generally over by this stage.

2 Months +

It’s still possible to experience mild withdrawal symptoms up to three months after quitting Klonopin. If you were severely addicted, your symptoms may also linger longer. Tapering down your use of Klonopin is the ideal way to prevent prolonged symptoms.

What is Klonopin detoxification?

However, detox is only the first stage, as you might need to continue with residential or outpatient treatment to help you identify possible trigger situations. You’ll also have the support and guidance needed to navigate circumstances that may result in a return to Klonopin abuse.

Klonopin detox process

The Klonopin detox process will usually focus on tapering you off the drug. The usual approach to tapering is to establish an initial acute dose, before slowly lowering that amount over an extended period. Klonopin detox is safest when carried out in a clinical setting, with doctors and trained medical staff close by to monitor your condition. This is even more important if other factors such as severe tolerance, dual diagnosis or co-occurring medical or mental health conditions are influencing your addiction.

The Klonopin detox process consists of three main components:

• Evaluation: You will undergo a comprehensive evaluation, including screening for physical or mental health issues and for any drugs being used. This evaluation is used to determine the best level of care to suit your needs.
• Stabilisation: You will be supported and assisted with medical intervention as much as possible, as you undergo withdrawal. Medications may be administered to help reduce or prevent withdrawal symptoms.
• Entry into treatment: Since detoxification alone is not enough to achieve recovery, you’ll need to enter a formal treatment programme after completion. Therefore, detox staff can help you find the best treatment programme and assist in the process of transition from detox to addiction treatment.

Home detox

Seizures can happen to anyone during Klonopin withdrawal. However, if you have a previous history of seizure disorder, your risks are significantly higher if you choose to go ‘cold turkey’.

Klonopin withdrawal symptoms you may also experience during detox include anxiety, irritability, insomnia, muscle aches, muscle tension, hallucination and depression. More severe effects such as seizures and psychotic reactions could also occur. These symptoms may be difficult to handle by yourself whilst detoxing at home, which may be risky. Entering a professional detoxification treatment programme can increase your safety and lower the possibility of relapsing.

Why Detoxification at home can be harmful

Just because you’re using a prescription medication does not make it safe to attempt detoxification without the appropriate medical assistance. Detoxification at home can pose health risks that vary with the drug in question, especially if it’s a benzodiazepine such as Klonopin (Clonazepam. Quitting Klonopin on your own can result in life-threatening withdrawal symptoms, with seizures being one of the more dangerous complications that can occur. Similar to alcohol, benzodiazepine withdrawal has been associated with convulsions and seizures, especially when accompanied by abrupt cessation or quitting ‘cold turkey’.

Detoxification from benzodiazepines at home can be harmful, not only because of its potential to be fatal, but also becauseit can result in other life-threatening injuries. For instance, you may experience sudden seizures when swimming, walking down stairs or whilst driving. Other dangers of detoxing at home include hallucinations, suicidal thoughts, extreme depression, severe anxiety and panic disorder.

If you or a loved one are considering undergoing drug detox at home, it’s strongly advisable to stop and consider seeking professional treatment at a trusted detox centre. You can have easy access to a full spectrum of care for substance use disorder, from medically supervised detox to inpatient or residential care, outpatient treatment and ongoing support.

Medically supervised Klonopin withdrawal detox

Medications used during Klonopin detox

During Klonopin detox, you may receive medications to help manage the symptoms and reduce your discomfort or the chance of complications. Melatonin has proven useful in dealing with insomnia, which typically occurs during the withdrawal process. Furthermore, anticonvulsant medications such as Tegretol are applied in cases of seizures, or to reduce other symptoms of withdrawal. Nausea and headaches are also managed using other supportive medications.

There are also other medications which may be applied by your caregivers under a medically supervised detox. Administration of these drugs depends on the severity of your withdrawal symptoms. Medications include:

• Clonidine or Propranolol to help with symptoms such as rapid breathing or rapid heart rate.
• Phenobarbital is used when appropriate as a substitute for benzodiazepines. Its function is to suppress withdrawal symptoms and it’s well tolerated by patients.
• Carbamazepine or Valproate are anticonvulsant medications used to increase your comfort during withdrawal.
• Flumazenil is commonly used to treat overdoses – this medication can also provide relief from some of the uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms you might experience.

Antidepressants may also be helpful to manage the emotional symptoms that occur during Klonopin withdrawal, such as depression and suicidal thoughts.

Treatment for withdrawal

Psychiatric hospitals and residential facilities provide inpatient dual-diagnosis treatment, from which you can benefit if you have a mental health condition and are withdrawing from Klonopin. This type of dual-diagnosis programme can help you manage your mental health symptoms, whilst ensuring you can fully focus on recovery from substance abuse.

Although mental health professionals do not manage your medications, they can help you to develop and follow a treatment plan for addiction. Even if you don’t suffer from any psychiatric disorders, inpatient treatment for withdrawal is also available to help you recover.

Withdrawing from Klonopin: Treatment methods and options

Klonopin withdrawal treatment methods and options can include:

Medical detox: In a detox centre, treatment staff can provide the medication and support you need to undergo withdrawal safely. After you have stabilised, they will also monitor your vital signs, as your body rids itself of the substance.

Inpatient treatment: These programmes are considered very effective and safe for detoxification and addiction treatment, as you can access 24/7 monitoring by professionals. Inpatient treatment may last from several days to a few weeks, depending on your individual needs. Treatments provided include individual therapy and 12-step meetings.

Outpatient treatment: Outpatient detox and treatment allows you to remain at home whilst you undergo treatment. It could be suitable for you, depending on the severity of your addiction. During outpatient treatment, a healthcare provider can monitor you during withdrawal and prescribe any medications you might need. Meetings with a therapist (over an agreed time period) and group therapy are also part of the treatment.

Intensive outpatient treatment: This involves more treatment hours than the regular outpatient programme. You might transition to an intensive outpatient programme after completing inpatient rehabilitation. The services of intensive outpatient programmes may also be used as an additional therapy, as you progress during recovery.

Partial Hospitalisation Programme: similar to inpatient programmes, you will be required to live at home or in a sober living house. This method is appropriate if you’re in need of a structured lifestyle, but with fewer restrictions, as provided by the inpatient method.

Guided therapy for Klonopin addiction

Live a drug-free life again

You benefit hugely from being drug-free. Without addiction to Klonopin, you can become fit and healthy, enjoy more energy in your daily life and sleep better at night. Klonopin addiction has the potential to inhibit your ability to think clearly. When you become drug-free, you’ll also become physically healthy and your appearance will improve. In addition, you’ll be mentally healthy as well, possessing sound decision-making skills. These personal improvements can put you in a better position to take part in meaningful and rewarding relationships with others.

These benefits of a drug-free life can be yours by simply making the decision to seek treatment for Klonopin addiction as soon as possible. If you or a loved one are experiencing Klonopin addiction, you’ll need professional assistance in order to quit.

There are some relapse prevention techniques you can apply, which can be useful before or after you notice signs of potential relapse. These strategies include:

• Attend support groups regularly: By attending support groups on a regular basis, you’ll learn ways to deal with cravings and triggers, as well as get helpful reminders of your reasons for quitting.
• Build a solid support system: When you have a support system in place, you’re less likely to relapse than other isolated individuals. Therefore, you should seek to cultivate healthy relationships with those who do not use drugs.
• Following up with aftercare: In order to maintain lasting abstinence and good health, ongoing aftercare programmes are necessary. After you finish rehabilitation treatment, you can follow up with aftercare services.
• Get a sponsor: A sponsor refers to a drug-free person who has successfully recovered from addiction. Call them if you’re facing triggers, cravings and other risksof relapse. Twelve-step programmes and other support groups can often recommend a sponsor for you.

Tips to handle cravings

Generally, drug cravings cannot be expected to go away on their own, especially when you are dealing with an addiction. You may need the help of medical staff and rehab facilities to overcome the cycle of drug abuse. Inpatient or residential treatment is the most effective option for breaking free from Klonopin addiction, as it provides both medically supervised detox and psychological counselling to curtail emotional and psychological dependence. In rehab, your cravings can be reduced, and you will learn to identify and avoid potential triggers. Therefore, the things that can trigger a craving will be easily avoided; when you’re faced with cravings, you can resist them and maintain your abstinence.

Klonopin cravings can occur even after completing inpatient or outpatient rehabilitation treatment. If you experience cravings for the drug after rehab for Klonopin addiction, you can overcome them by using a range of effective techniques, including distracting yourself with healthy activity or conversations, relaxing activities to reduce stress, talking to someone when feeling urges, setting small goals when cravings appear (such as waiting five minutes at a time) and taking recovery one day at a time.

Find a treatment centre

If you’ve become dependent on Klonopin, don’t attempt to quit using the drug without help. Any Klonopin treatment programme will begin with withdrawal and detox, and you should be monitored by medical professionals experienced in addiction treatment. This is essential, because the process can be quite challenging and often leads to intense withdrawal symptoms, including overwhelming cravings to use the drug. In addition, withdrawing from Klonopin may produce the same effects the drug is being used to treat, sometimes at more severe levels. The recommended method of treatment is a gradual weaning, after you’ve been admitted to drug rehab.

Klonopin withdrawal can be challenging, due to cravings and the medication’s interference with the brain. However, there is always hope for recovery. You just need to find a detox centre that meets your needs.

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