Doctors may prescribe a form of benzodiazepine to treat several types of seizure disorders as well as panic attacks. Specifically, doctors may prescribe the anti-epileptic drug Clonazepam (or Klonopin), one of the most used prescription drugs on the market. However, Clonazepam can be abused and used recreationally like other prescription drugs. Read on to learn more about the drug, its possible side effects, how addictive the medication can be, and Klonopin overdose symptoms.
The Misuse of Klonopin
Doctors prescribe this Class IV drug for short-term usage; it’s rarely considered a long-term solution for seizure and panic attack disorders because of the Clonazepam toxicity. However, the longer an individual takes the drug, the higher the tolerance their body develops and the more they need to take for Clonazepam to be effective. As they continue to use more Clonazepam, they can quickly become dependent on it just to function on a daily basis. If they stop taking the drug cold turkey, they can end their dependence on the drug, leading to their tolerance decreasing as their body tries to reacclimate itself. However, if they relapse during this crucial period and try to take the same dosage they did before their tolerance waned, they could experience a Klonopin overdose.
Should I Take Clonazepam With an Opioid Medication?
If you’re dealing with multiple conditions, taking both Clonazepam and an opioid medication may seem like a quick way to address both conditions. However, when both substances are in your system, the likelihood of experiencing potential negative side effects increases exponentially. Mixing Clonazepam with an opioid medication or even alcohol can prove extremely dangerous and can result in a Klonopin overdose.
Safe vs Unsafe Doses of Clonazepam
Regarding the question “How much Clonazepam can you take?”, the answer is that it varies. The dosage of Clonazepam varies based on the individual and their specific medical condition(s), the number of doses they take each day, other drugs they’re taking, the length of time they should take the medication, and more. Clonazepam should only be used when prescribed by a medical professional and should only be used as directed because of the level of Clonazepam toxicity if it’s abused.
Common Clonazepam Side Effects When Abused
When you use Clonazepam as directed, it can effectively treat existing seizure and panic attack disorders. However, some people use it recreationally because of its euphoric effects. When someone takes high doses of Clonazepam, they may overdose and experience the following Klonopin overdose symptoms:
- Memory Loss
- Loss of Motor Function
- Drowsiness
- Acute Muscle Weakness
- Confusion
- Nausea
- Impaired Motor Function
- Trouble Breathing
- Falling Into a Coma
If you notice someone experiencing the symptoms listed above after they’ve taken the drug, it’s vital to act quickly and call an ambulance to get them the help they need in case they’ve taken a lethal dose of Clonazepam. Any drug overdose can be fatal — especially if taken with other narcotics or alcohol, and the individual may need Clonazepam overdose treatment. It’s important to try to keep the person awake until emergency services arrive in case they’ve taken a lethal dose of clonazepam.
Receive the Necessary Addiction Treatment At Silver Pines Treatment Center
One of the biggest factors involving treatment is finding Klonopin addiction treatment program that can help in every aspect of the road to recovery. It’s a process that’s rarely ever a straight line and you need a benzo addiction treatment facility that can help you deal with any potential withdrawal symptoms and help create a sustainable support network to help you in the future. Silver Pines has spent years helping individuals with Clonazepam addiction and substance abuse find a path forward. We offer a detox program as well as residential addiction treatment for individuals struggling with substance use disorder.
If you or someone you love needs Klonopin addiction treatment, you’re not alone. Contact our team at 267.719.8689 and learn more about our substance abuse treatment programs today.
