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Klonopin (Clonazepam) Withdrawal Symptoms: Timeline

  • Reviewed by: Dr. Carl Williams, Ph.D., LCADC
  • Modified:
  • Reading Time: 12 minutes
  • Reviewed by: Dr. Carl Williams, Ph.D., LCADC
  • Last Update:
  • Reading Time: 12 minutes

Experiencing Klonopin withdrawal can be overwhelming, but understanding the symptoms and timeline can empower you to navigate this challenging process with greater confidence.

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Did you know that more than 40 million people (about 19% of the population) in the U.S. are grappling with anxiety disorders? A lot of them rely on drugs like Klonopin (Clonazepam) to find some relief.

While such medications can offer quick help, they also come with some serious risks, like addiction, dependency, and uncomfortable withdrawal effects when you stop using.

If you’re facing this yourself or helping someone who is, it’s vital to understand Klonopin withdrawal symptoms. This guide will explain what to expect. It will cover the factors that affect your experience. You will also find the best strategies to navigate this challenging path.

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Uses, Mechanism, & Risks of Klonopin

What Is Klonopin?

You may know Klonopin by its generic name, Clonazepam. This medication is frequently prescribed to help with anxiety, panic disorders, and seizures in individuals of all ages.

It was introduced to the market in 1975. It was first meant to control seizures. However, it soon became popular for treating anxiety and panic too.

Klonopin is a type of medication that belongs to the Benzodiazepine family, often called “Benzos.” It acts as a depressant for the central nervous system. It helps to calm things down. It works with GABA receptors.

GABA Receptors

GABA receptors are a type of receptor that reacts to the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid. This compound is the main inhibitor of the central nervous system.

GABA receptors help control brain activity. They are important for keeping balance in the nervous system. They slow down your heart rate and breathing.

It’s critical to use Klonopin carefully because if it’s misused, it can cause serious problems, including overdoses that could be fatal. You might hear it called Tranqs, K-pins, or Downers on the streets.

The Risks of Klonopin Dependency

Over time, you may need higher doses to feel the same calming effect. This can lead to dependency and addiction. When you are aware of these risks, you can make better decisions about your treatment and make sure your well-being is a top priority.

If you or someone you care about is struggling with Klonopin addiction, seeking professional help is crucial. Quitting all at once, which is called going “cold turkey,” can cause terrible withdrawal symptoms that might be risky without a doctor’s help. If you’re feeling like you need help, think about contacting a place like Rolling Hills Recovery Center. They have a caring team that can provide support to make the withdrawal process more manageable.

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Physical & Psychological Symptoms of Withdrawal

What Are the Symptoms of Klonopin Withdrawal?

You may notice that the symptoms feel like alcohol withdrawal. They can cause flu-like discomfort, more anxiety, and irritability.

What Are the Physical Symptoms of Klonopin Withdrawal?

When you’ve been on Klonopin for a while, your body adapts to it. So, when you stop taking it, your body reacts to that absence, and you might experience some physical symptoms, such as

Feeling dizzy or lightheaded
  • Sweating more than usual.
  • Not feeling hungry at all.
  • Dealing with muscle cramps or twitching.
  • Having blurry vision.
  • Struggling to get a good night’s sleep.
  • Battling constant headaches.
  • Experiencing tremors or shaking.
  • Being sensitive to bright lights.
  • Dealing with sore or stiff muscles.
  • In more severe cases, having seizures.

These can be tough to handle, but you’re not alone in this!

What Are the Psychological Symptoms of Klonopin Withdrawal?

The euphoric feelings you get from Klonopin can make withdrawal feel like a tough mental battle. During this time, you might face a range of psychological symptoms, including:

Feeling depressed
  • Experiencing heightened anxiety or panic attacks.
  • Having trouble concentrating.
  • Feeling agitated and restless.
  • Suffering from insomnia or unsettling dreams.
  • Dealing with feelings of detachment or confusion.
  • Experiencing hallucinations or delusions.
  • Having suicidal thoughts.

The strength of these symptoms can be different for everyone. It usually depends on how long you’ve been taking Klonopin and how much of it you use. However, there are times when even people who have used it a little may feel a lot of mental stress when they stop.

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Stages & Duration of Withdrawal

How Long Does Klonopin Withdrawal Last?

There is no fixed schedule for how long it takes to withdraw. Each person’s experience can be different. This depends on factors like how much they used and their overall health. Usually, people experience three main stages during this process.

Early Withdrawal (2-7 Days After Last Dose)

Expect symptoms to kick in around 2 to 7 days after your last dose. Common feelings during this phase include:

  • Anxiety and restlessness.
  • Insomnia.
  • Irritability.
  • Rebound anxiety (a return of your original symptoms).
Acute Withdrawal (1-4 Weeks After Last Dose)

This stage generally hits its peak about one to two weeks after you stop using Klonopin, and that’s when the symptoms can feel pretty overwhelming. You might notice that you experience:

  • Muscle cramps and headaches.
  • Heart palpitations.
  • Severe insomnia.
  • Difficulty concentrating.
  • Rarely, seizures or extreme behavioral changes.
Protracted Withdrawal (4 Weeks and Beyond)

Some individuals can face protracted withdrawal symptoms referred to as post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS). These symptoms can stick around for months and could involve:

  • Ongoing anxiety and depression.
  • Mood swings and irritability.
  • Nausea, dizziness, or headaches.
  • Rebound anxiety.

Navigating PAWS can be tricky, but with the proper medications and therapy, it’s manageable.

What Are the Factors That Affect the Duration and Severity of Klonopin Withdrawal?

Several elements can shape your withdrawal experience:

Dosage and Length of Use

When people use higher doses of Klonopin for an extended period, they are more likely to become dependent on it. This can lead to stronger withdrawal symptoms.

Individual Differences

Withdrawal experiences can really vary from one person to another. Several factors, like genetics, age, and overall health, play a big role in these differences. For example, if you are older or have health issues, your metabolism may be slower. This can lead to longer and harder withdrawal periods.

Co-occurring Mental Health Conditions

If you have other mental health challenges, it can complicate the withdrawal experience. Conditions such as anxiety, depression, or PTSD might cause your symptoms to intensify when you quit using Klonopin.

Polydrug Use

If you mix Klonopin with other substances, it can be even more challenging to quit. Using it with other depressants like alcohol or opioids can increase the withdrawal effects and lead to overlapping symptoms.

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Early, Acute, & Protracted Stages of Clonazepam Withdrawal

What Are the Stages of Clonazepam Withdrawal?

Klonopin is a long-acting benzodiazepine. When you stop using it, withdrawal symptoms may start in about 2 to 7 days. These symptoms often peak around two weeks after you stop taking it and can continue for up to four weeks.

Early Withdrawal

Withdrawal symptoms often kick in between 2 to 7 days after your last dose. During this phase, you might feel:

  • Anxiety.
  • Restlessness.
  • Insomnia.
  • Agitation.

If Klonopin was prescribed for anxiety, you may find your original symptoms returning.

Acute Withdrawal

About one to two weeks after stopping Klonopin, you might experience intense acute withdrawal symptoms. This phase can be tough, and possible symptoms include:

  • Muscle cramps.
  • Headaches.
  • Severe insomnia.
  • Trouble concentrating.
  • Heart palpitations (unless there are life-threatening complications).

In some cases, you might face more severe symptoms like:

  • Seizures.
  • Delirium tremens.
  • Psychotic behavior.
  • Hyperthermia.
  • Suicidal thoughts or behavior.

Though acute withdrawal can be challenging, there are medical detox programs available to help you feel secure and stable.

Protracted Withdrawal

Most people find that withdrawal symptoms start to ease after about four weeks. However, some may still experience lingering symptoms for several weeks or even months. This ongoing phase is known as post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS). Those who have misused Klonopin or taken high doses are more likely to face a longer and stricter withdrawal journey.

During this phase, it is normal to feel unwell. You may also struggle with cravings and experience anxiety or sadness. Physical discomforts like nausea, headaches, and lightheadedness can also persist. As this stage winds down, a wave of rebound anxiety might hit.

Symptoms related to PAWS are mainly psychological, such as anxiety and depression, but headaches, lightheadedness, and ringing in the ears (tinnitus) can also occur.

What Are the Risks of Klonopin Withdrawal?

Stopping Klonopin can be an arduous journey with risks if it’s not done carefully. If you decide to quit suddenly, you might face severe symptoms like seizures, hallucinations, and high levels of anxiety, which can be pretty risky. You might also deal with physical problems like shaking, stomach pain, and muscle cramps, which can worsen everything.

If you have taken high doses of Klonopin for a long time, withdrawal symptoms may last longer. This can make it harder to cope. That’s why it’s vital to get medical help when thinking about stopping Klonopin to make sure you can do it safely.

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Treatment Options

How Is Klonopin Withdrawal Treated?

Turning to professional help and medical guidance is vital for anyone facing withdrawal, as it enhances safety and supports the recovery process. A healthcare provider can evaluate your individual needs, design a personalized treatment strategy, and track your advancement. Consider these various treatment options for managing withdrawal:

Medical Detoxification

If you’re thinking about stopping Klonopin, be aware that withdrawal can be tricky. That’s why joining a medically supervised detox program is often smart. Detox helps you safely clear Klonopin from your body while ensuring you feel comfortable. They will give you some meds to help with any withdrawal symptoms that pop up.

Psychotherapy

Detoxification is a significant part of treating substance use disorders. However, it’s just the first step. Ongoing support addresses deeper issues tied to addiction and promotes healthier lifestyle choices moving forward.

Perhaps psychotherapeutic approaches play the most significant role in addressing the psychological difficulties associated with withdrawal and recovery.

  • Dialectical behavior therapy: DBT aims to give you the tools you need to better control your emotions. It also places a strong emphasis on mindfulness techniques, which are excellent for helping people stay grounded and in the moment when things get tough.
  • Group therapy: It creates a supportive community where you can see how others in similar situations cope. You can share your own experiences and get encouragement from peers who understand what you’re going through, all without the fear of harsh judgment or stigma. It’s a safe space to connect and grow together!
  • Recreational Therapy: RT includes various creative and leisure activities to support recovery by enhancing individuals’ mental, physical, and spiritual well-being. 
  • Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy: CBT can help ease Klonopin withdrawal symptoms by shifting the way you think and behave around the drug. It’s all about finding new ways to solve problems and changing your mindset for the better. Think of it as a small makeover for your brain!
  • Trauma-informed therapy is perfect: TIT is for anyone who uses substances to deal with tough feelings or to escape hard experiences. This type of therapy helps you dig into the root of your trauma and manage its effects. Plus, you’ll learn valuable skills to handle challenging situations and discover healthier coping methods.

There are plenty of options out there! You can learn more about different talk therapies here.

Medications

Quitting Klonopin cold turkey can be risky. While it is not common, the risk of seizures is important to consider. They can be quite dangerous when they occur.

That’s why it’s vital to have a medically supervised plan in place for a safe tapering process. Here are some helpful options to support you through this tricky transition:

  • Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors: SSRIs are medications such as Paxil and Prozac that can help lessen some of the symptoms you might feel when stopping a medication.
  • Anticonvulsants: If your situation doesn’t improve, your doctor may suggest anticonvulsants like Tegretol or Carbamazepine to make the withdrawal process more manageable.
  • Melatonin: Additionally, melatonin, a natural hormone, can be great for sleeplessness during Klonopin withdrawal. It can help you get better sleep and ease other symptoms.

Support Groups

These peer-led communities are found at local, national, and international levels. They create a supportive space for you. Here, you can hear from others who share your experiences. You can also learn coping strategies from those who understand what you are going through.

Whether online or in person, support groups offer a sense of community and belonging that’s so important for emotional support during tough times. Here are some examples of these groups:

  • NAMI Peer-to-Peer.
  • SMART Recovery.
  • Narcotics Anonymous.
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Final Thoughts

Klonopin withdrawal can feel overwhelming and dangerous, but the proper medical care and support make recovery entirely possible. If you find yourself on a personal journey or helping someone dear to you, it’s important to acknowledge the hurdles associated with Klonopin withdrawal. You might want to reach out to a treatment center like Rolling Hills Recovery Center.

Our dedicated team is ready to help you during the withdrawal process. We provide the support you need to reclaim your life and start your recovery journey.

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Written By:

Geoffrey Andaria

Geoffrey Andaria mental health writer at rolling hills recovery center
Rolling Hills Recovery Center

Mental Health Writer

About Author:

Geoffrey Andaria is an experienced mental health content writer and editor. With a B.A. in English and Journalism, Geoffrey is highly educated in freelance articles and research. Having taken courses on social work, Geoffrey is adamant about providing valuable and educational information to individuals affected by mental health and the disease of addiction.

Medically Reviewed By:

Dr. Carl Williams Ph.D., LCADC

Carl Williams, medical content reviewer at rolling hills recovery center
Rolling Hills Recovery Center

Expert Contributor

About Reviewer:

Dr. Williams presently serves on the board of Directors for two non-profit service organizations. He holds a Master’s degree in Human Services from Lincoln University, Philadelphia, Pa, and a Ph.D. with a concentration in Clinical Psychology from Union Institute and University. In Cincinnati, Ohio. He is licensed to practice addictions counseling in both New Jersey and Connecticut and has a pending application as a practicing Psychologist in New Jersey.

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