Klonopin (clonazepam) is a prescription medication in the benzodiazepine family, often used to treat anxiety disorders and seizures. It works by calming the nervous system, helping users feel more relaxed and at ease.
A controlled substance is any drug that the government regulates due to its potential for misuse, dependence, or addiction. These are categorized into schedules under the Controlled Substances Act of 1970, ranging from Schedule I (most addictive) to Schedule V (least addictive).
Klonopin is classified as a Schedule IV controlled substance. It carries a lower (but still significant) risk of dependence and misuse, compared to higher-schedule drugs. In this article, we explore why this is and how to get help if you or someone you know is misusing this benzodiazepine.
What Makes Klonopin a Controlled Substance?
People with epilepsy or anxiety disorders are often prescribed the benzodiazepine Klonopin. Its calming effect comes from decreasing activity in the nervous system, helping the person relax and feel at ease. Unfortunately, it’s this calming effect that makes Klonopin misuse common, leading to dependence and addiction.
Like other Schedule IV medications, Klonopin is often prescribed for brief periods because many people develop a tolerance to the medicine within weeks. The risk of physical dependence increases with the dosage and how often it’s taken.
Many medications prescribed by a doctor are safe and helpful to your health when used correctly. However, some people do abuse prescription medications. Every year, thousands of Americans die from overdoses involving benzodiazepines like Klonopin. Many of these deaths involve a combination of benzodiazepine and opiate misuse.
Controlled Substance Categories
Drugs are divided into five schedules, or categories, based on their potential for abuse and addiction:
- Schedule I: Have no legitimate medicinal use and a high potential for misuse (heroin, ecstasy).
- Schedule II: These are highly addictive and can be harmful to the user (Adderall, OxyContin).
- Schedule III: Have a moderate to low potential for abuse and a reduced risk of addiction and dependence (Tylenol 3).
- Schedule IV: Have minimal potential for abuse and a modest risk of addiction (Klonopin, Xanax).
- Schedule V: Have limited potential for abuse (cough medication with codeine).
Drug Scheduling and Classification
| Schedule | Abuse Potential | Examples |
| I | Very high | Heroin, Ecstasy |
| II | High | Adderall, OxyContin |
| III | Moderate | Tylenol 3 |
| IV | Low to moderate | Klonopin, Xanax |
| V | Minimal | Codeine cough syrup |
Klonopin Prescription Monitoring Drug Programs (PMDP)
Currently, 49 states have implemented prescription drug monitoring programs. By entering prescriptions into a central database, these programs make it harder for people to “doctor shop” for medicines like Klonopin.
However, some drug firms offer doctors incentives to prescribe more of certain medications. Even so, the availability of Klonopin has been reduced through these monitoring programs. PMDPs also ensure tighter control over controlled substances to lower the risk of Klonopin dependence.
Klonopin Dependence and Abuse
People who misuse benzos, including Klonopin, often switch to heroin because it’s sometimes easier to get than prescription medications. Street drugs are much more dangerous than prescription drugs because they are often mixed with harmful compounds, such as soaps, detergents, or powerful narcotics.
Counterfeit prescription medication, or “pressed pills,” has become common throughout the United States. This means that when Klonopin is bought off the street, there’s no guarantee that the tablets are what they claim to be.
Pressed pills and many other street drugs may contain fentanyl, a synthetic opioid 100 times more potent than morphine and 50 times more powerful than heroin. According to the DEA, just 2 mg of fentanyl can be lethal. There is no way of knowing if, or how much of, this deadly drug may be mixed into street drugs.
Treatment for Prescription Medication Dependence
An all-encompassing treatment program may be the most effective choice for someone battling Klonopin misuse or addiction. Many people start taking Klonopin because it makes them feel relaxed. Finding healthy, alternative methods of dealing with stress is a significant part of addiction therapy.
The best drug rehabilitation centers provide a comprehensive treatment plan that includes multiple effective therapies. Some clinics offer dual diagnosis treatment for people struggling with addiction and mental health problems. Therapy, yoga, nutrition, and exercise are all possibilities.
Effects of Stopping Klonopin Use
Depending on how a person quits, Klonopin withdrawal can appear in several ways. One option is to stop without any gradual tapering. This approach means taking your usual dose one day and nothing the next, a method often called quitting “cold turkey.”
This method is unsafe and can be life-threatening for some. In most cases, this withdrawal method is chosen when people run out of medication and are ready to stop, but don’t want to or can’t go to a facility for support.
If you want to stop using Klonopin, a gradual taper is the safest method. Professional guidance adds another layer of protection. Tapering slowly reduces the amount of Klonopin in your system, lessening withdrawal symptoms and helping keep you safe. It also gives your brain and body time to adjust to functioning without the drug.
Reducing Klonopin Dosage: What to Expect
Your ability to tolerate a decreased Klonopin dosage will be assessed before starting a taper. Various factors will determine your taper schedule, but some doctors reduce the dosage by 0.5 milligrams per week until the individual reaches 1mg. After that point, the dosage is often lowered by 0.25 mg per week. Everyone has unique needs, so a medical professional will evaluate you fully before making any decisions.
Klonopin Withdrawal Symptoms
Sleeplessness, anxiety, and irritability are some early withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal from Klonopin can start as late as 72 hours after the last dose, but usually begins within 24 hours, depending on the person and their metabolism.
You may experience Klonopin withdrawal symptoms for up to a week. These can include:
- Sleeplessness and ongoing trouble staying asleep
- Anxiety and feeling unusually on edge
- Irritability and sudden mood changes
- Nausea and an unsettled stomach
- Vomiting and difficulty keeping food down
- Muscle spasms and tight or cramping muscles
- Dizziness and feeling lightheaded or unsteady
Symptom severity increases with time and peaks at the end of the first week. Initial withdrawal is usually manageable, and symptoms tend to be mild when you slowly taper. Anxiety may return after tapering, but it is often manageable and should gradually improve, fading by months two to three after withdrawal.
Emergence or Recurrence of Mental Health Conditions
People misusing Klonopin may not address their underlying mental health conditions. When they stop taking it, hidden symptoms can return, including anxiety, panic attacks, depression, confusion, and even delirium.
Sleep Deprivation
Klonopin is often used as a sleep aid, so stopping it can lead to trouble sleeping. People may have insomnia, disturbing dreams, night sweats, and feel hyper-alert, which can be especially frustrating during withdrawal.
Depression
Klonopin is not typically prescribed for depression, but it can ease anxiety that sometimes comes with it. After stopping Klonopin, symptoms like depression, sadness, loss of interest, and lack of motivation may worsen.
If you are struggling with depression, a mental health professional can help you find an effective treatment plan.
Klonopin Dependence Treatment
Substance use disorder is difficult to overcome without medical supervision. Confiding in a peer may be comforting, but regularly speaking with a healthcare professional is more helpful. Once you begin treatment, you can take the following steps to smooth the rest of the path to recovery.
1. Admit Your Klonopin Dependency
It’s important to tell your loved ones about your Klonopin dependency. Friends and family can offer support to help you recover. Being honest about how you have been using Klonopin allows them to understand your situation and learn how they can support your recovery.
2. Check Your Environment
Your environment plays a major role in both addiction and recovery. Easy access to Klonopin or other addictive drugs increases your risk and makes recovery less likely. Living with loved ones who also misuse substances can be another barrier. Assess your environment and make changes that support your recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions About Klonopin
Is clonazepam a narcotic?
No. Clonazepam is a benzodiazepine, not a narcotic.
What is Klonopin used for?
It is prescribed to treat anxiety, panic disorders, and certain seizure disorders.
Why is clonazepam a controlled substance?
It has a risk of dependence and misuse, so it is regulated as a Schedule IV drug.
What are the common side effects of Klonopin?
Side effects can include drowsiness, dizziness, confusion, and coordination problems.
What schedule drug is Klonopin?
Klonopin is classified as a Schedule IV controlled substance.
What are the common side effects of clonazepam?
Clonazepam may cause drowsiness, memory issues, slowed thinking, or unsteady movement.
Get Help at Liberty Bay Recovery
Addiction to drugs or alcohol is complex, and recovery can be a long road. Experts estimate that about one in 12 adults in the United States struggles with substance use disorder, yet many people feel isolated in their fight.
At Liberty Bay Recovery, you can get the help and information you need to start fresh. Our team shares the same core values: professionalism, enthusiasm, and genuine concern for every person. Some of our staff are also in recovery themselves, which helps them connect with and understand the people we serve.
The most effective solution to Klonopin addiction is professional, comprehensive treatment, and we’re here to provide exactly that. Call us today on (855) 607-8758 or verify your insurance to begin your recovery journey with the support you deserve.
