Clonazepam (Klonopin) Detox Guide: Withdrawal Symptoms and Timeline
What is Clonazepam (Klonopin)?
Clonazepam (Klonopin) is a prescription medicine used to treat panic attacks and seizure disorders.1,2 It is a type of drug known as a benzodiazepine (or “benzo” for short). Like all benzodiazepines, taking Klonopin regularly can lead to dependence, which means a person may go through withdrawal when they stop taking it.2 Withdrawal symptoms can be uncomfortable or even dangerous, but you don’t have to face them alone. 2 This page will help explain more about what to expect during Klonopin withdrawal, how to safely rid the drug from your system, and where to find help with Klonopin detox.
Clonazepam (Klonopin) Withdrawal Symptoms
Taking Klonopin or other benzos can lead to dependence.2 This means that if you suddenly stop taking it or greatly reduce your dose, you will go through withdrawal.3 This is especially true if you take it longer, more often, or in higher doses than your doctor told you to.2,3 The time it takes to develop dependence can vary widely, and for some people it is within as short a time period as a few weeks.10 Doctors estimate that up to half of all people who regularly use benzodiazepines will have some withdrawal symptoms.10
Withdrawal can be uncomfortable and distressing. In rare cases, symptoms can be dangerous and even fatal if you don’t get medical treatment.2–4 Which withdrawal symptoms you have, how bad they are, and how long they last are different for everyone. But some common Klonopin withdrawal symptoms include:2–4
- Anxiety or panic attacks.
- Feeling fearful or irritable.
- Trouble sleeping (insomnia).
- Dizziness.
- Headaches.
- Weight loss.
- Trouble concentrating.
- Hand tremors (shakes).
- Stiff or sore muscles.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Increased heart rate or blood pressure.
- Sweating.
- Hallucinations (hearing, seeing, or feeling things that aren’t there).
- Delirium (sudden and extreme confusion and reduced awareness).
- Psychosis (not being able to tell what’s real from what isn’t real).
- Seizures.
If you were taking Klonopin for an anxiety or panic disorder, the anxiety and panic attacks you felt before you started taking Klonopin will likely happen again during withdrawal. They may also feel more severe and intense than they were before treatment.
Longer Duration Withdrawal Symptoms
Sometimes people have certain withdrawal symptoms for weeks, months, or even years after quitting benzodiazepines. Doctors estimate this happens in about 2 to 5 in 20 people (10 to 25%) who go through benzo withdrawal.4,5 Symptoms typically come and go, even showing up months after you stopped using Klonopin.4,5 They can also change over time and vary in their intensity. Symptoms that may continue or come and go during a protracted withdrawal include:3–5,9
- Anxiety.
- Depressed mood.
- Sleep problems.
- Memory problems.
- Muscles that twitch or jerk.
- Tingling skin, or feeling “pins and needles.”
- Hallucinations.
- Ringing sounds in the ears (tinnitus).
Clonazepam (Klonopin) Withdrawal Timeline
How long withdrawal lasts differs from person to person. It depends on:3,4
- How much Klonopin you take.
- How long you’ve been taking it.
- Your age and overall health.
- If you mix with alcohol or take other drugs.
In general, withdrawal symptoms begin within 5 days after your last dose of Klonopin and will last up to 28 days.10 These symptoms will slowly get worse for about 1 to 9 days, then slowly improve over the next 1 to 2 weeks.10 Longer duration withdrawal symptoms, if they happen, can last anywhere from a few weeks to 2 years, and maybe longer.4
Can You Die from Clonazepam (Klonopin) Withdrawal?
While rare, some Klonopin withdrawal symptoms can be dangerous and need medical care right away to ensure your safety.2–4 Severe withdrawal symptoms may include: 2–4,7
- Autonomic instability, which means your body has a hard time controlling body temperature, heart rate, and breathing rate.
- Delirium, which is when you suddenly feel very confused and restless. It may also include reduced awareness, hallucinations, and seizures.
- Seizures are more likely when you take very high doses of Klonopin. They are also more likely if you also use alcohol and other sedatives or have a seizure disorder.
How to Safely Stop Taking Clonazepam
Since withdrawal from Klonopin and other benzos can be dangerous or even fatal, doctors generally advise that you taper your dose instead of stopping suddenly. To “taper” your dose means taking smaller and smaller doses over time before stopping completely. If you are taking prescription Klonopin, talk to your doctor about how to taper.
Others who have been taking Klonopin regularly for a period of a few weeks or more may want to consider medically managed detox. Medical detox can take place in an inpatient, residential, or outpatient setting and will help ensure your safety and comfort during withdrawal.7,8 Inpatient medical detox is especially helpful for patients who:3,7
- Take high doses of Klonopin for long periods of time.
- Also use other substances.
- Have a seizure disorder or other physical or mental health issues.
During detox, staff will slowly taper you off Klonopin.2,7,8 Detox staff may give other medicines as well to help control symptoms and keep you comfortable.7
Can I Quit Clonazepam (Klonopin) on My Own?
Quitting Klonopin or any benzo on your own can be dangerous and life-threatening, so it’s important to get medical advice before you stop taking any benzo.7 Your doctor can help you understand your withdrawal risks and the type of treatment that will best meet your needs while keeping you safe and comfortable. A professional detox center can also offer prompt medical attention and keep you safe.7
Finding Clonazepam Detox Near Me
While detoxing from Klonopin can be stressful, supervised medical detox can help you get through withdrawal while staying as safe and comfortable as possible.
American Addiction Centers (AAC) is a leading provider of medically supervised detox. Treatment centers located across the U.S. offer a full spectrum of care, from medical detox to inpatient and outpatient rehab. To learn more about how we can help you detox from Klonopin, call our confidential 24/7 detox hotline at . If you would like to get started online, start the process by checking your insurance coverage instantly or texting our team.
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