What is Klonopin?
Klonopin is the brand name for Clonazepam, a benzodiazepine derivative that is marketed by the Roche Corporation in the US. This particular benzodiazepine, as with many others, is characterized by the following:
- high rate of effectiveness
- low toxicity in overdose
- onset of fast action
However, there can be drawbacks due to certain adverse reactions to the medicine such as:
- cognitive impairments
- drowsiness
- paradoxical effects
Even after withdrawal from Klonopin, those cognitive impairments can persist for 6 months or longer. Additionally, it is unclear as to whether or not memory functions will be the same and return to normal.
Klonopin addiction and warning signs
It is easy to consume more Klonopin than what the prescription calls for and it also popular for taking recreationally. Should you find yourself dependent on Klonopin and you suddenly stop taking it, there is a good chance that you will encounter some unpleasant withdrawal symptoms in the process including:
- anxiety
- confusion
- diarrhea
- depression
- dizziness
- fever
- hallucinations
- heart palpitations
- insomnia
- irritability
- memory loss
- nausea and/or vomiting
- numbness/tingling in the extremities
- panic attacks
- personality changes
- restlessness
- seizures
- sensitivity to light or sound
- sweating
- tension
In many cases, when these symptoms arise, the individual reasons that they should keep taking the medication in order to prevent the re-occurrence of these symptoms. As a result of the above and the growing popularity of taking Klonopin recreationally, the need for Klonopin drug rehab programs has grown in the many addiction treatment and recovery centers out there.
Suggestions regarding Klonopin addiction
Although Klonopin can have a number of beneficial side effects, you want to remember that any benzodiazepine carries with it the potential to be abused and taken recreationally. When you use this drug on a long-term basis, you will eventually develop a tolerance for the drug and you may start taking larger doses to achieve the desired effect. The continued use of Klonopin will eventually lead to a physical dependence on the drug.
You also want to realize that Klonopin works by slowing down the activity of the brain and when you stop taking it after having taken it for long periods of time, you are bound to experience withdrawal from the medication. In a lot of cases, the withdrawal symptoms can be extremely unpleasant.
Remember that if you or a loved one has been taking Klonopin, either as prescribed or recreationally, that the severity of your dependency may warrant in an addiction treatment and recovery facility and undergoing a Klonopin drug rehab program.
