Klonopin, a prescribed sedative commonly used for reducing anxiety and panic attacks

Klonopin, or its generic form of clonazepam, is in the benzodiazepine family. Its medical properties include anxiolytic, sedative, hypnotic, anticonvulsant, and muscle relaxant. It works faster on the central nervous system than some other benzodiazepines do. It most often is prescribed for anxiety disorders. If it is used for an extended time period, it can become addictive.

When taking Klonopin, people report feelings of euphoria and relaxation. These good feelings are often what keeps people taking the drug. They want to feel good and expel any feelings of negativity. Even if people take Klonopin the way it is prescribed by their doctor, they may eventually need higher doses to get the same relaxation.

The calm feelings that people get from Klonopin can cause addiction. Often times, addicts will spend most of their time trying to get more benzodiazepines. Many people make the dangerous habit of chasing Klonopin with alcohol. This can cause serious respiration problems and even death. Other people may be hooked on cocaine or methamphetamines. They may use Klonopin to negate the side effects of these drugs. It opens the chances for further addiction and other serious health risks.

Signs and Symptoms of Klonopin Addiction

• Depression

• Irritability

• Increased Anxiety

• Agitation

• Constant drug seeking

• Increased heart beat

Klonopin Abuse Statistics

After Xanax and Ativan, Klonopin is the third-most prescribed benzodiazepine in America. There were at least 27 million prescriptions written for it in 2011. Here are some other pertinent statistics about Klonopin from the DEA:

• Over 60,000 visits to emergency rooms across the United States were due to Klonopin overdoses in 2011.

• In the United States, at least 5 million people claim to have used Klonopin or another benzodiazepine. Some of these were as young as 12 years old.

• Of all the benzodiazepines that were diverted and seized in 2011 by authorities, Klonopin ranked as number two.

Withdrawal Symptoms

People who have taken Klonopin for a long time may have increased tolerance and can be physically dependent on the drug. Symptoms of withdrawal will vary according to dosage and how long the drug has been abused. Klonopin should never be stopped without medical supervision. These are some of the common withdrawal effects:

• Anxiety

• Irritability

• Aggressiveness

• Psychosis

• Muscle cramps

• Dysphoric manifestations

• Panic disorder

• Hallucinations

• Seizures

• Tremors

Addiction Treatment

Treating a Klonopin addiction takes a customized process that requires qualified medical professional. For this reason, it is advised that patients have supervised medical detoxification. The staff will monitor patients’ vital signs and will gradually reduce the dosage of Klonopin. Sometimes, extra sedatives may be taken to prevent seizures.

If you or a loved one is addicted to Klonopin, there is help available. You do not have to be ashamed to ask for help to break this serious addiction. Thousands of people have been successfully treated for Klonopin addiction. Find a treatment center that best suits your needs. The road to recovery does not have to be a lonely journey. There is hope.