Klonopin is the trade name by Roche for the drug clonazepam, known in other parts of the world as the trade name Rivotril. On the street clonazepam is known as K-pin. Klonopin is a chloro-nitro benzodiazepine, being a chlorinated derivative of nitrazepam. It has anticonvulsant, muscle relaxant and anxiolytic properties with a fast onset action with high effectiveness.
Klonopin Can Be Prescribed for Medical Reasons Such as:
- Epilepsy
- Anxiety or panic disorders
- Used to manage visual effects of HPPD
- Treatment of mania
- Treatment for obsessive compulsive disorder
- Treatment for akathisia or other inner/external restless disorders.
Klonopin was approved in the United States as a generic drug in 1997 and, prescription bought, costs around $2.50 a pill. On the street for recreational use Klonopin is deemed a Schedule IV substance and costs $2 to $5 a pill. Klonopin is taken orally by tablets or disintegrating tablets. Klonopin works by binding to the benzo sites on the gamma- Amino Butyric Acid(GABA) receptors of the brain. This in turn enhances the neurotransmitter GABA which is used for regulating neuronal excitability. Klonopin has the systematic name: 5-(2-chlorophenyl)-7-nitro-2,3-dihydro-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one and the chemical formula: C15H10CIN3O3
Recreational users take Klonopin with other drugs in order to enhance the effect of the primary drug or to lessen the negative side effects felt by the primary drug.
Common Side Effects of Klonopin Addiction Includes:
- Drowsiness
- Cognitive and motor impairment
- Euphoria
- Flatulence
Less Common Side Effects Include:
- Irritability
- Aggression
- Lack of motivation
- Loss of libido
- Dizziness
- Hallucinations
- Short term memory loss
- Anterograde amnesia
- Heart palpitations
- Depression
Rare Side Effects Include:
- Serious dysphoria
- Thrombocytopenia
- Seizures
- Personality changes
- Ataxia
- Psychosis
- Incontinence
- Liver Damage
- Rage
- Excitement
- Impulsivity
- Bronchial hypersecretion
Long Term Effects of Klonopin Addiction Includes:
- Depression
- Disinhibition
- Sexual Dysfunction
- Cognitive impairments lasting more than 6 months after withdrawal symptoms
Klonopin overdose is rare but possible. The risk of overdose on Klonopin rises when it is used alongside other substances such as alcohol or other drugs such as opiates.
The Symptoms of an Overdose are:
- Mild or moderate impairment of the central nervous system
- Nausea
- Hypo tension
- Respiratory depression
- Mental confusion
- Somnolence
- Severely decreased motor function
- Dizziness
- Difficulty with speech
- Delirium
- Hallucinations
- Coma
Klonopin has the capability of being an addictive drug at both a psychological and physiological level. Klonopin addiction is more likely if Klonopin has been abused for a long period of time or if the dose has been taken above that which was prescribed. Klonopin Addiction is also more likely when the user has a history of addiction with other mind-altering substances such as alcohol or other narcotics.
Klonopin Addiction can create a physiological dependency. 1/3 of people treated with Klonopin for more than 4 weeks develop benzodiazepine syndrome.
Withdrawal Symptoms Include:
- Anxiety
- Irritability
- Insomnia
- Panic attacks
- Tremors
- Seizures
If trying to quit it is recommended to slowly decrease dosage leading to abstinence in order to reduce withdrawal symptoms. Someone with a Klonopin addiction can also attend support groups such as Narcotics Anonymous and also check into a 24/7 detox center or treatment facility.
