What Is Klonopin?
A prescription drug called Klonopin is used to treat the signs and symptoms of panic attacks and epilepsy. The usage of Klonopin is optional; it can be combined with other drugs. Anxiolytics, anticonvulsants, and benzodiazepines, which include Klonopin, are a group of medications used to treat anxiety.
How Is Klonopin Used?
Klonopin is a benzodiazepine. It is authorized for the treatment of specific seizure disorders as well as panic disorders (with or without agoraphobia). However, benzodiazepines are also frequently used to treat alcohol withdrawal and trouble sleeping. In terms of Klonopin addiction, the most common misuse is taking it without a prescription, with friends or relatives being the source of the drug.1
How Long Does Klonopin Take to Work?
Klonopin often has a relaxing effect within one to four hours after consumption. The effects of Klonopin last longer than those of certain other benzodiazepines. Klonopin has a half-life of thirty to forty hours, meaning it takes the body that long to eliminate half of the dosage from the system. Finding the appropriate dosage that works for an individual may take days or weeks.2
What Are the Effects of Klonopin?
Potential side effects of Klonopin consumption include:
- Feelings of tiredness
- Depression
- Increased heart rate
- Low blood pressure
- Difficulty breathing
- Loss of consciousness
How Long Does Klonopin Stay in Your System
As mentioned above, Klonopin has a half-life of approximately thirty to forty hours. However, Klonopin may be detectable for much longer by taking various drug tests. Some ways to detect Klonopin include:3
- In urine: The main metabolite of Klonopin, 7-aminoclonazepam, can be found in urine samples for up to thirty days.
- In saliva: A saliva test can identify Klonopin for up to five days. It can take up to six days to identify the metabolite 7-aminoclonazepam.
- In blood: Generally speaking, it takes five to seven days following the last dose of Klonopin for Klonopin and its metabolites to show up on a blood test.
- In hair: It may take days after a person takes Klonopin for the drug’s metabolites to show up on a hair test. The metabolites can be detected for up to twenty-eight days after they first appear. Hair follicle tests are not regarded as highly reliable, much like saliva testing.
Treatment for Klonopin Addiction
Treatment options for Klonopin addiction vary depending on the severity of the substance abuse and include detoxification, inpatient or outpatient care, and a variety of different therapies.
Detoxification
Medical detoxification is the first step in the acute treatment of any chemical addiction, including Klonopin dependence. During detox, the body will work to rid itself of chemicals like Klonopin. To ensure comfort and safety, qualified medical staff will provide around-the-clock care and supervision. Depending on individual needs, benzodiazepine detoxification usually takes five to seven days.4
Inpatient Care
This category contains programs where the patient resides at the facility while receiving therapy. These treatment facilities offer 24-hour supervision, medical attention, pharmaceutical administration, and detoxification. Participants’ days are extremely organized and frequently include 12-Step meetings in addition to group and individual counseling.
The duration of inpatient programs ranges from thirty to ninety days, and if necessary, even longer. They provide a setting free from temptations and disturbances. They do, however, frequently cost more than outpatient programs. These programs may be helpful for those with more severe addictions and little to no social support.4
Outpatient Care
The majority of therapy in outpatient programs is group therapy, while individual sessions can also be included in the course of care. After spending a certain length of time in treatment, participants leave and go home. Most outpatient programs are less expensive than inpatient ones since there are no room and board expenses.4
Therapies
Treatment of addiction utilizes a variety of therapeutic modalities, such as:
- Individual therapy: Patients work one-on-one with a mental health professional to stop or reduce drug use, work through addiction-related issues like work, relationships, and legal problems, and develop coping mechanisms to stay drug-free.
- Group therapy: A therapist or counselor hosts a session with a collection of drug users to talk about issues pertaining to a drug-free life. Members aid one another in moving toward recovery.
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): CBT teaches patients a variety of skills and relapse-prevention methods. These include outlining the advantages and disadvantages of drug usage, keeping an eye on cravings, and figuring out circumstances in which they could feel like using.
Get Help at San Diego Detox Center
If you or a loved one is suffering from Klonopin addiction, visit us today at San Diego Detox Center to get the best support and treatment that you need from our team of well-trained specialists.
What Factors Influence How Long Klonopin Remains in Your Body
There is a vast array of factors that can influence how long substances such as Klonopin remain in your system. Some of these factors include:
- Age: A person is more likely to metabolize drugs quickly and pass a drug test if they are young, have a healthy weight, and have a well-functioning metabolism.
- Liver function: The liver breaks down benzodiazepines. The metabolic process can be slowed down by liver disease or poor liver function.
- Dosage (low vs. high): A person’s body will retain more Klonopin at a higher dose than at a smaller dose.
- Frequency of use: How long Klonopin would remain in a person’s body or bloodstream is also dependent on how often they consume the drug.
- Duration of use: If the drug is consumed frequently over a longer period of time, it would take a longer time for the drug to completely leave the body.
- Use of other drugs: The elimination half-life of Klonopin can be sped up or slowed down by several other substances. As a result, taking it along with other medications may shorten the time it stays in the system.
Klonopin Withdrawal Risks
Klonopin withdrawal symptoms might vary depending on a number of variables. Benzodiazepines are typically not meant for prolonged use. Even when a patient takes the medication in accordance with the doctor’s instructions, withdrawal symptoms can start as soon as three to six weeks into use. People who use the medicines for brief periods of time may experience mild to moderate withdrawal symptoms, but there is still a chance of adverse reactions and severe withdrawal symptoms.
Some symptoms are more prevalent than others; however, not everyone may experience them. These symptoms include, but are not limited to:
- Seizures
- Hallucinations
- Shaking
- Stomach cramps
- Muscle cramps
