Does Clonazepam Addiction Change a Person?
If your loved one is addicted to clonazepam (Klonopin), and you have noticed changes in their personality or behavior, it is likely that it’s a cause and effect relationship. Clonazepam is a powerful sedative/hypnotic drug in the benzodiazepine family. Clonazepam has a high potency, fast onset and long-lasting effects. Due to its tendency to produce tolerance and addiction, clonazepam is not indicated for long-term medical use.1
Due to an increased tolerance for the drug, people taking clonazepam will quickly begin taking higher and more frequent dosages to achieve the same effects, often leading to addiction. Long term use of clonazepam, especially at high doses, can produce changes in personality and behavior.
Side Effects of Clonazepam
Clonazepam produces a host of negative side effects. Long term use of clonazepam, especially at high doses, will increase the occurrence and severity of side effects as will combining clonazepam with alcohol or other CNS (central nervous system) depressants. The appearance of any of these side effects may be a result of clonazepam addiction.
Common Side Effects From Regular Medical Use Include the Following
- Drowsiness
- Euphoria
- Cognitive impairment
Less Common Side Effects Include the Following
- Irritability
- Aggression
- Apathy
- Listlessness
- Dizziness
- Lack of coordination
- Loss of balance
- Reduced sex drive
- Hallucinations
- Depression
- Memory loss
- Poor sleep
- Hangover-like symptoms
Clonazepam Rarely but Occasionally Causes the Following Problems
- Incontinence
- Seizures
- Confusion
- Rage
- Psychosis2
Treatment for Clonazepam Addiction
If your loved one is addicted to clonazepam, professional treatment offers the best chance for recovery. Drug addiction is a disease, and benzodiazepine addiction is a serious medical condition that requires professional treatment.
Clonazepam produces a powerful addiction and withdrawal symptoms can be severe, making it very difficult to quit using. Quitting benzodiazepines cold turkey can be dangerous, possibly inducing a condition known as benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome that can produce seizures that may be life-threatening. Therefore, it is always best to undergo detox in a medically supervised setting.
If you would like help finding treatment for clonazepam addiction or if you have any questions, call us at 706-909-9811. We are available 24 hours a day and we are here to help. Please call now.
By Becca Owens
Sources
- 1 “Klonopin.” RXList.com, 20 Dec. 2017.
- 2 “Clonazepam (Oral Route).” MayoClinic.com, 1 Oct. 2018.
