Is Klonopin (Clonazepam) A Controlled Substance?

Klonopin is an antianxiety agent that is available by prescription to treat a variety of health conditions and anxiety disorders. These may include panic attacks, agoraphobia, epilepsy, and seizures. It is a brand name for the generic clonazepam.

Klonopin, like other benzodiazepines (benzos), is considered a Schedule IV controlled substance. Other benzos in this category are diazepam (Valium), alprazolam (Xanax), and lorazepam (Ativan).

Why Is Klonopin A Controlled Substance?

According to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Klonopin is considered a controlled substance. Schedule IV drug. This means that it generally possesses a low potential for abuse and dependence while still having a lot of medical use.

Klonopin causes drowsiness and has a sedative effect, which can be dangerous when the drug is taken in high doses. This drug also becomes much more dangerous when taken with other drugs, especially other central nervous system depressants.

Some Medical Benefits

As an antianxiety agent and anticonvulsant, Klonopin has some definite medical benefits, most notably when treating various seizure disorders. Despite its benefits, Klonopin was never intended to be prescribed for long-term use or daily use. It was meant to be used in the short term and for immediate relief at the onset of a panic attack or seizure.

Risks For Misuse

While Klonopin is considered less addictive than drugs in lower schedules, it still poses a lot of risks when it is misused.

These risks include:

• Klonopin tolerance
• chemical dependency on Klonopin
• mental health disorders
• withdrawal symptoms

Dangers Associated With Klonopin Misuse

In addition to the potential for tolerance, dependence, and addiction, Klonopin misuse also comes with the potential for serious side effects in the long term.

Some of the dangers associated with Klonopin misuse include:

• suicidal thoughts
• insomnia
• memory problems
• worsening symptoms of anxiety
• physical dependence
• psychological dependence
• increased risk of death if taken with opioids

When not taken as directed, Klonopin can worsen the conditions that it was supposed to treat. Klonopin should also not be taken by pregnant or breastfeeding women.

Is Klonopin In The Narcotic Drug Class?

While Klonopin is considered a controlled substance, it is not considered a narcotic. The term narcotic is commonly misunderstood to include all drugs that have the potential for abuse, however, the term actually only applies to opioid medications.

Klonopin should never be taken with opioids, such as oxycodone or hydrocodone. This is a dangerous combination that can increase a person’s risk for overdose death.

How Klonopin Works In The Brain And Body

Klonopin works by enhancing gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) neurotransmitters in the central nervous system. GABA neurotransmitters are the most common type of neurotransmitter in the brain and have an overall calming effect when their levels increase.

This calming effect can work wonders for a person’s anxiety, but can also cause sleepiness and drowsiness as common side effects. This is why it can be particularly dangerous to combine Klonopin with alcohol or other benzodiazepines.

Klonopin Use And Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs

A prescription drug monitoring program (PDMP) is an electronic database in each state that monitors and tracks the prescribing and dispensing of controlled substances. These programs can provide local healthcare authorities with vital information.

With these kinds of programs in place, many states have seen reductions in the amount of prescription drug misuse and the amount of people entering treatment facilities for addiction.

Klonopin Withdrawal Can Be Dangerous

Stopping Klonopin suddenly, especially after taking it for an extended period, can be far more dangerous than simply feeling uncomfortable. Because the body adjusts to the presence of the drug over time, abruptly removing it can trigger severe withdrawal symptoms, including seizures, which can be life-threatening without proper medical care.

This is why anyone looking to stop taking Klonopin, whether due to addiction or simply discontinuing treatment, should never do so without guidance from a doctor. A gradual tapering schedule, managed by a healthcare professional, helps minimize withdrawal risks and gives the body time to adjust safely.

Treatment Services For Klonopin Addiction

Treatment for benzodiazepine addiction always begins with a period of medical detox under the supervision of a healthcare professional. Once detox is complete, a person will have a choice between a variety of programs and services to address their substance use disorder.

Treatment services for a benzodiazepine addiction include:

• inpatient treatment
• outpatient treatment
• day treatment
• 12-step programs
• group support
• dual diagnosis treatment
• cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
• dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
• individual therapy
• behavioral therapy
• aftercare support

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