Signs and Symptoms of Klonopin Abuse
Klonopin is a fast-acting benzodiazepine that is prescribed to treat anxiety, panic attacks, epilepsy, and seizures. For some people who use Klonopin as prescribed by their doctor, dependence and addiction can begin in just a few weeks. For this reason, it is only prescribed for short periods of time.
How Klonopin Effects on the Brain
Klonopin works by blocking specific brain receptors, which can help reduce stress and agitation. However, once an individual becomes addicted to the drug, their brain may not be able to create these calm or relaxed feelings without the drug. This dependence is so severe that individuals addicted to Klonopin cannot function normally without the drug.
Behavioral & Psychological Signs of Klonopin Abuse
The behavioral signs and changes in those who abuse Klonopin may include:
- Restlessness
- Relaxation
- A withdrawal from family and friends
- Lack of motivation
- Insomnia
- Drowsiness
- Difficult personal relationships
- Increased agitation
- Obsessively seeking out Klonopin
- Using Klonopin for non-medical reasons
Psychological changes and signs of Klonopin-based abuse may look like:
- Suicidal thoughts
- Intense drug cravings
- Short-term memory loss
- Psychosis
- Cognitive challenges
- Personality changes
- Auditory hallucinations
- Difficulty thinking
Physical Signs of Klonopin Abuse
Although Klonopin mainly affects a person’s psychological functions, there are physical effects of Klonopin abuse. The physical signs of Klonopin abuse may include:
- Dizziness
- Increased urination
- Rashes or hives
- Muscle tension
- Nausea or vomiting
- Sensitivity to sounds and light
- Loss of muscle coordination
- Changes in sex drive
- Increased salivation
- Increased sweating
Side Effects of Klonopin Abuse
Similar to other benzodiazepines, Klonopin abuse is associated with a variety of side effects and risks. Klonopin effects typically begin within an hour of taking it. The amount of time that effects are felt depends on the illness and symptoms that Klonopin is meant to treat, but usually lasts between 6 and 24 hours. Side effects of Klonopin abuse may include:
- Euphoric feelings
- A relaxed mindset with feelings of calm and slowed thoughts
- Drowsiness with a quickened sleep initiation and prolonged duration
- A relaxed body with less tension, agitation, and rigidity
- Seizures
- Central nervous system depression
- Difficulty with respiration
Long-Term Effects of Klonopin Abuse
When used on a prolonged or ongoing basis, both prescribed and recreational use of Klonopin can result in undesired side effects. These side effects show up as behavioral changes, psychological impacts, and physical consequences.
The psychological effects of long-term Klonopin abuse may include:
- Anxiety that cannot be controlled by the drug
- Depression
- Reduced inhibitions
- An increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease
- Milder forms of memory impairment
Physical consequences of long-term Klonopin abuse may include:
- Brain atrophy
- A weakened immune system
- Tremors
- Lowered sex drive
The behavioral side effects of long-term Klonopin abuse may include:
- Increased irrational decision making
- Anxiety
- Paranoia
Klonopin Overdose
When Klonopin is abused for prolonged periods of time, individuals run the risk of accidental overdose. This risk is increased as drug tolerance increases, as a person must take more of the medication to feel the same effects. Symptoms of a Klonopin overdose may include:
- Coma
- Drowsiness
- Confusion
- Memory loss
- Loss of consciousness
- Unresponsiveness
- A severely altered mental state
- Slurred speech
- Hyperactivity
- Aggression
If you or someone you love has overdosed on Klonopin, do not panic. Klonopin overdoses are rarely fatal, but still require emergency medical attention. Ensure the person who has overdosed stays in the recovery position until medical professionals arrive.
Ways to avoid a Klonopin overdose include avoiding mixing Klonopin with other addictive substances, only using Klonopin with a prescription, and always following prescribed directions.
If you or a loved one is struggling with a Klonopin addiction, contact Futures of Palm Beach today to learn about our residential inpatient treatment programs.
