Klonopin (Clonazepam) Addiction

Is Klonopin (clonazepam) addictive?

Klonopin is a powerful medication often used to alleviate symptoms of anxiety and insomnia. It is from the benzodiazepine class of drugs sharing many of its characteristics with other medications such as Xanax and Valium. It is a long lasting drug with the effects usually being felt from 30 minutes to an hour. Due to its ability to produce euphoria it is often abused both by those prescribed it and those who obtain it illegally. Even if it is not abused Klonopin usage can lead to addiction. Addiction will eventually result in a physically dependency to Klonopin.

Klonopin (clonazepam) abuse

Those that abuse Klonopin may do it for a variety of reasons. For those that suffer from insomnia it can become very easy to abuse Klonopin due to the relief it provides for sleeplessness. Insomniacs are prone to upping the dosage of Klonopin past the recommended dosage and using it as a sort of off switch to help them fall asleep. This will ultimately result in a physical dependency to the medication and some very serious side effects such as cognitive dysfunction. Those with anxiety can also fall into the trap of Klonopin abuse. As Klonopin makes those with anxiety better able to function they may begin to feel as if they cannot live life without being on Klonopin. This leads to more frequent and larger amounts of the medication being taken. The other category of persons that abuse Klonopin are those that do it for recreation. For some taking Klonopin provides them with feelings of euphoria and contentedness. If taken for this reason the possibility of developing an addiction sooner or later is very high.

Klonopin (clonazepam) addiction symptoms

For those prescribed Klonopin it is important to know the symptoms of Klonopin addiction so they can monitor themselves and possibly prevent addiction and physical dependency to the drug. One of the largest signs of addiction is feeling as if you could not function normally without being on Klonopin. These feelings can manifest themselves as depression when not on the medication. Other signs addiction is developing is increasing the frequency or amount of Klonopin you are taking, Compulsion and doing things you normally wouldn't do in order to obtain more Klonopin is another obvious sign of addiction. If you feel you are developing an addiction to Klonopin or already have an addiction to Klonopin professional medical care should be sought as soon as possible. Medical professionals who are trained to help with fighting addiction can provide you with the tools and resources necessary to kick Klonopin addiction.

Klonopin (clonazepam) addiction treatment

Depending on the severity of addiction to Klonopin there are different options available for treatment. One such option is a rehab center. Rehab centers are designed to treat addiction patients and are equipped with a staff having an extensive knowledge of all kinds of addictions. If there is a physical dependency to Klonopin in addition to an addiction you will most likely be given the equivalent dosage to your normal Klonopin dosage of a shorter acting benzodiazepine that will then be slowly tapered to avoid the nasty side effects of Klonopin withdrawal. Often those addicted to Klonopin are frightened of quitting due to the terrible withdrawal. With proper medical care the withdrawal can be monitored and the patient made as comfortable as possible.