Can You Take Klonopin for Life? Risks of Long-Term Klonopin Use

Klonopin, the brand name for clonazepam, is a commonly prescribed benzodiazepine for conditions like panic disorder, restless legs syndrome (RLS), and seizure disorders. Like most benzodiazepines, Klonopin is intended for short-term use other than treating seizure disorders.

Taking Klonopin long-term not only increases the risk of adverse effects, it can increase the risk of dependence, abuse, and addiction.

What Is Klonopin?

Klonopin is the brand name for clonazepam, a benzodiazepine anticonvulsant and central nervous system (CNS) depressant medication that works by producing a calming effect on the brain and nerves, which helps to reduce anxiety, prevent seizures, and promote relaxation.[1]

Like other benzodiazepines, clonazepam inhibits brain excitation by influencing the action of the inhibitory neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) at the receptors. It calms an overexcited nervous system.

Because clonazepam is a potent and long-acting benzodiazepine, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) classifies it as a Schedule IV controlled substance. It has a lower potential for misuse than drugs in Schedule I, II, and III, as well as some medical uses.

Klonopin Side Effects

Klonopin has common side effects that may subside as your body gets used to the drug, which include:[2]

• Drowsiness
• Dizziness
• Tiredness
• Depressant
• Memory problems
• Walking or coordination problems

There is a risk of serious side effects, including:[3]

• New or worsening seizures
• Severe drowsiness
• Weak or shallow breathing
• Unusual changes in mood or behavior
• Thoughts of suicide or self-harm
• Unusual or involuntary eye movements
• Confusion, paranoia, nightmares, or hallucinations

It’s possible to be allergic to Klonopin, which causes hives, difficulty breathing, and swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat. If you’re having an allergic reaction, seek emergency medical attention.

Who Shouldn’t Take Klonopin?

Klonopin isn’t safe for everyone. Tell your doctor about any health conditions, prescription medications, over-the-counter (OTC) medications, vitamins or minerals, herbal products, or other supplements you’re taking.

You should also discuss any mental and physical health problems, particularly suicidal ideation or self-harm behaviors, liver or kidney problems, lung problems, porphyria, or a history of seizures, which may make Klonopin unsafe for you.[4]

Klonopin may not be safe for people with a substance abuse history.[5] As a controlled substance with a risk of abuse or misuse, it’s important to exercise caution with Klonopin if you’ve struggled with drug or alcohol addiction in the past.

Can You Take Klonopin for Life? Risks of Long-Term Use

Klonopin use can have serious risks, especially in the long term. These risks are worsened if you misuse or abuse the drug.

Mental Health Effects

Using Klonopin for extended periods increases your tolerance for the drug. You’ll need higher doses to get the same effects, potentially leading to drug-treatment-resistant anxiety, substance-induced psychotic disorders, or rebound anxiety with more intense symptoms than you had before taking Klonopin.

Klonopin Withdrawal

Klonopin builds dependence with regular use, which means your body has become accustomed to the presence of the drug and needs it to function. If you stop using it suddenly, severe withdrawal symptoms may occur.

Some of the common withdrawal symptoms with Klonopin include sudden and severe changes in mood or behavior, talkativeness, unusual muscle movements, confusion, hallucinations, seizures, and suicidal thoughts or actions.[6] Some withdrawal symptoms may last up to 12 months or longer after stopping.

If you want to stop taking Klonopin, it’s important to talk to your doctor about how to do so safely. Benzodiazepines are often tapered down in dosage to reduce the risk of severe side effects, which should only be done under the guidance of a medical professional.

Klonopin Overdose

It’s possible to overdose on Klonopin if you take high doses, more frequent doses, or combinations of Klonopin and other drugs. The risk of an overdose is much higher if you combine benzos like Klonopin with other central nervous system depressants like opioids, alcohol, or sedatives.

The symptoms of a Klonopin overdose may include extreme drowsiness, muscle weakness, confusion, or coma.[7] If you suspect someone is experiencing a Klonopin overdose, call 911 and stay with them until help arrives.

Addiction Risk with Klonopin

Clonazepam addiction is a dangerous risk of Klonopin use, particularly over long periods. The drug is often prescribed at the lowest dose for the shortest period possible to reduce this risk, as dependence is more likely with prolonged use.

Some people become addicted to Klonopin after misusing it, which is taking the drug more than prescribed, at higher doses than prescribed, or in combination with other drugs. Others may abuse Klonopin illicitly by taking a prescription that isn’t theirs.

A clonazepam addiction is classified as a sedative, hypnotic, or anxiolytic use disorder (benzodiazepine use disorder). The criteria in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) include:[8]

• Taking Klonopin in larger amounts or over longer periods than intended
• A persistent desire or unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control Klonopin use
• Spending a lot of time obtaining, using, or recovering from Klonopin use
• Experiencing strong cravings for Klonopin
• Recurrent Klonopin use resulting in failure to fulfill major role obligations at work, school, or home
• Continued Klonopin use despite persistent or recurrent social or interpersonal problems caused by it
• Giving up important activities because of Klonopin use
• Using Klonopin in situations that may be dangerous, such as driving a vehicle
• Continuing Klonopin use despite knowledge of a persistent or recurrent physical or psychological problem that’s worsened by the drug

Treating Klonopin Addiction

If you’re struggling with Klonopin addiction, help is available. The first step is medical detox to manage withdrawal and prevent potentially dangerous complications, such as seizures or suicidal actions. This involves a medical team that supervises your care, monitors a taper schedule, and keeps you as safe and comfortable as possible while the drug clears your system.

For people who develop dependence from long-term Klonopin use, a taper schedule or detox may be enough because there’s no behavioral or psychological compound to the substance use. However, if you’re misusing or abusing Klonopin or struggle with other substance use disorders, full addiction treatment may be necessary to address the emotional, social, and mental factors. Treatment plans are individualized, but you may undergo individual therapy, group counseling, support groups, or behavioral therapies to learn healthier behaviors.

Avoid Long-Term Use of Klonopin

Other than treating seizures, benzodiazepines like Klonopin are usually intended for short-term use to avoid risks like misuse, abuse, and addiction. If you’re struggling with addiction to Klonopin or misuse of the drug, it’s important to seek help as soon as possible to avoid adverse effects.