Klonopin Withdrawal & Detox in Orlando

Last Updated: September 22, 2023

If you are in an immediate emergency, call 911. If you are looking for more information on substance abuse treatment and it is not a medical emergency, call our 24/7 Klonopin Helpline at 844-584-4185.

Klonopin is a brand-name version of clonazepam, a benzodiazepine drug that carries a high risk for psychological addiction and physical dependence. Physical dependence can occur in as little as three to four weeks with regular use of Klonopin. When someone is dependent on Klonopin, their body requires its presence to function normally.

If someone is dependent on Klonopin and suddenly stops using it, they will likely experience withdrawal symptoms. Even if Klonopin is taken as prescribed, a person may have to taper off the drug slowly or undergo a Klonopin detox to avoid withdrawal.

Klonopin Withdrawal Symptoms

One of the primary symptoms of Klonopin withdrawal is anxiety. Klonopin withdrawal can worsen existing anxiety or cause it to occur in people who didn’t previously have this symptom. Other behaviors and mood-related Klonopin withdrawal symptoms include:

  • Paranoia
  • Irritability
  • Poor concentration
  • Dysphoria
  • Depersonalization

There are also many physical symptoms that can occur with Klonopin withdrawal, including:

  • Restlessness
  • Insomnia
  • Headache
  • Increased heart rate
  • Increased blood pressure
  • Muscle tension
  • Muscle twitching
  • Tremors
  • Aches
  • Blurry vision
  • Nausea
  • Sweating
  • Problems with balance and coordination

Can Klonopin withdrawal be fatal?

Klonopin withdrawal can be mild, moderate or severe in intensity. In more severe cases, Klonopin withdrawal can cause life-threatening symptoms such as psychosis, grand mal seizures and malignant hyperthermia (a quick rise in body temperature and severe muscle contractions). Benzodiazepines and alcohol tend to have the most severe and potentially deadly withdrawal symptoms.

How long does Klonopin withdrawal last?

The duration of Klonopin withdrawal is different for everyone, but acute withdrawal generally lasts for two to four weeks or longer. When a taper is used to help prevent withdrawal symptoms, the tapering process can last anywhere from several weeks to several months in some cases.

Klonopin Detox Timeline

The length of Klonopin withdrawal varies from one person to another. Factors that play a role in the Klonopin withdrawal timeline include:

  • The extent of use
  • Underlying mental and physical health conditions
  • Whether other substances are also being used
  • The dosage of Klonopin used

While everyone typically experiences withdrawal differently and at their own pace, a general Klonopin withdrawal timeline might look like this:

  • A person may start to experience Klonopin withdrawal symptoms within a day or two after taking the last dose of the drug. The earliest withdrawal symptoms can include anxiety, sleep disturbances and night sweats.
  • Early withdrawal symptoms may continue for several days, generally peaking at around two weeks. At this point, they should begin to lessen in severity.
  • The acute withdrawal phase can last up to four weeks. Most people will find many of their symptoms have dissipated by this point.
  • Some people may experience longer-lasting symptoms if they were using Klonopin very heavily. This is known as protracted withdrawal syndrome (PAWS). Symptoms may come and go during this phase, with periods of increased anxiety and insomnia that are followed by symptom improvement.

Medications for Managing Klonopin Withdrawal Symptoms

Some of the medications that might be used during a Klonopin detox include certain anti-seizure medications and long-acting benzodiazepines to taper a person’s dosage.

For people who took very high doses of Klonopin, an anticonvulsant such as gabapentin may be necessary. Other anticonvulsants, including carbamazepine and divalproex, have also been shown to reduce some of the uncomfortable symptoms associated with withdrawal.

Librium and Valium are long-acting benzodiazepine substitutes that can be tapered off slowly to help reduce withdrawal symptoms and prevent seizures during detox.

What Are My Options for Detox? At Home, Medical Detox and More

There are several different approaches for Klonopin detox, including:

  • At-home detox: Some people may try to detox from Klonopin on their own, but this is not recommended due to the risk of seizures and other dangerous withdrawal symptoms. A person should consult a medical professional before attempting to stop using Klonopin.
  • Outpatient detox: On an outpatient basis, a medical professional might recommend a gradual tapering of the Klonopin dosage. This can work if your addiction to Klonopin is mild. For many people, however, a medical detox program may be necessary. This is especially true for those who have used Klonopin for extended periods.
  • Medical detox: During a medical Klonopin detox program, clients check into a facility where they receive around-the-clock monitoring and treatment as they go through withdrawal. This is a high level of care, and fully detoxing from Klonopin is necessary before beginning an addiction treatment program. During medical Klonopin detox, patients are regularly assessed to ensure there are no complications. Specific medications and support can also be prescribed to reduce symptoms and increase comfort.

What Happens After I Detox?

Once someone has fully detoxed from Klonopin, they can begin addiction treatment. At rehab facilities like the Orlando Recovery Center, treatment involves a full continuum of care that uses evidence-based approaches to addiction recovery. Inpatient treatment allows clients to live on-site as they receive therapy, counseling and medical support. Meanwhile, outpatient services allow clients to visit the facility while still meeting obligations in their day-to-day lives.

Clients typically begin an inpatient program following detox, but those with milder addictions may not require the intensive treatment that inpatient care provides. In these cases, the client may immediately progress to outpatient Klonopin addiction treatment after detox. After rehab treatment is complete, each client will begin an individualized aftercare program that provides lifelong support in recovery. Aftercare includes alumni events, peer group meetings, relapse prevention plans, follow-up appointments and many other support services.

Long-Term Outlook and Treatment

Detox is not enough to recover from a Klonopin addiction. Treatment is necessary, as it helps people understand what led them to abuse Klonopin in the first place and teaches them how to cope with those concerns in healthier ways. It also provides the tools needed to overcome difficult situations in the future and avoid relapsing into Klonopin use.

Relapses can be dangerous, as the risk of an overdose increases when someone begins using Klonopin after a period of sobriety. This is because a person may take the same amount of Klonopin that they used to, unaware that their tolerance level for the drug has severely decreased. Relapses are common in recovery, but treatment can help reduce the frequency of relapses and teach you how to prevent them from occurring.

If you or someone you love is struggling with Klonopin use, the Orlando Recovery Center is here to help. Our knowledgeable representatives can answer any questions you may have about Klonopin detox services and follow-up treatment programs. Contact us today to learn more about how our evidence-based approach to addiction treatment can help you live a healthier, drug-free life.

Source

Brett, Jonathan; Murnion, Bridin. “Management of benzodiazepine misuse and dependence.” Australian Prescriber, October 2015. Accessed December 18, 2021.

Longo, Lance P.; Johnson, Brian. “Addiction: Part I. Benzodiazepines—Sid[…]isk and Alternatives.” American Family Physicians, April 2000. Accessed December 18, 2021.

Landry, Mim J.; Smith, David E.; McDuff, David R.; Baugbman, Otis L. “Benzodiazepine Dependence and Withdrawal[…]d Medical Management.” Journal of the American Board of Family Practice, April 1992. Accessed December 18, 2021.

Ashton, Heather. “Protracted Withdrawal Symptoms From Benzodiazepines.” Comprehensive Handbook of Drug & Alcohol Addiction, 2004. Accessed December 19, 2021.

World Health Organization. “Withdrawal Management.” Clinical Guidelines for Withdrawal Management and Treatment of Drug Dependence in Closed Settings, 2009. Accessed December 18, 2021.

Ogbonna, Chinyere I.; Lembke, Anne. “Tapering Patients Off of Benzodiazepines.” American Family Physician, November 1, 2017. Accessed December 18, 2021.

Miller, Norman S.; Gold, Mark S. “Management of Withdrawal Syndromes and R[…]d Alcohol Dependence.” American Family Physician, July 1, 1998. Accessed December 18, 2021.

Dawson, George. “Long-Term Use of Benzodiazepines: Issues and Challenges.” American Psychiatric Association, March 4, 2016. Accessed December 18, 2021.

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