Detoxing From Klonopin (Clonazepam): What To Expect

Klonopin, a brand name for clonazepam, is a benzodiazepine drug that can cause mild to severe withdrawal symptoms in people who have taken the drug for a long time.

Detoxification, or detox, is a process for getting off Klonopin, and the first step for overcoming Klonopin abuse or addiction.

Detoxing from Klonopin can be highly uncomfortable. Without medical support, or treatment through an inpatient treatment facility, it can also be potentially dangerous.

Learn more about how to safely detox from benzodiazepines

Klonopin Detox Side Effects And Symptoms

Tapering off Klonopin, or stopping Klonopin after a period of chronic drug use, may result in symptoms of withdrawal within 24 hours of your last dose.

Common Klonopin withdrawal symptoms include:

• anxiety
• dizziness
• tremors (shaking)
• insomnia
• depression
• fast heart rate
• increased blood pressure
• overexcitement
• sensitivity to light, sound, and touch
• nausea and vomiting
• poor concentration and memory
• muscle aches
• sweating

Severe side effects of Klonopin detox can also occur. This is more likely if Klonopin is stopped abruptly, or “cold turkey,” after taking Klonopin in high doses for a long time.

Severe withdrawal symptoms can include:

• seizures
• hallucinations
• loss of touch with reality
• confusion
• palpitations
• thoughts of suicide
• panic attacks

Severe withdrawal symptoms from physical dependence may require emergency medical attention. If these do occur, contact your healthcare provider or call 911 for help right away.

Is Klonopin Detox Dangerous?

Quitting Klonopin very suddenly without seeking the guidance of a doctor can be dangerous, in large part due to the risk of seizures.

Withdrawal seizures, also common with alcohol withdrawal, can be life-threatening without emergency medical treatment.

Klonopin Detox And Withdrawal Timeline

Withdrawal from Klonopin typically begins within two to seven days. Acute withdrawal symptoms may last anywhere from two to eight weeks, depending on a range of factors.

Factors that can influence this include:

• how long you’ve been taking Klonopin
• amount of Klonopin taken
• use of other drugs with Klonopin (e.g. alcohol, opioids)
• history of substance abuse or drug addiction
• certain medical conditions
• co-occurring mental health issues
• being over the age of 50

While most acute withdrawal symptoms go away within a few weeks of beginning detox, some withdrawal symptoms may linger for some time. This is protracted withdrawal.

Protracted Withdrawal From Klonopin

Chronic use or misuse of Klonopin may cause protracted withdrawal, or post-acute withdrawal syndrome, in people who detox from Klonopin and other substances.

Protracted withdrawal may last anywhere from several weeks up to two years after last taking Klonopin.

This may cause lasting symptoms such as rebound anxiety, insomnia, depression, and other physical and psychological disturbances.

What’s The Safest Way To Detox From Klonopin?

Because of potential risks and dangers, detoxing from Klonopin should not be attempted without first speaking to a doctor, or seeking help through a detox facility.

Medical Detox

The safest way to detox from Klonopin is to find a medical detox program, which can offer 24-hour medical supervision, treatment, and a referral for a drug rehab program.

Medical detox can offer treatment to both prevent and manage severe symptoms of benzodiazepine withdrawal, as well as reduce the risk of relapsing to drug use.

Outpatient Detox

Outpatient detox services may be offered by some outpatient treatment centers and medical professionals. However, this is not suitable for everyone.

Severe withdrawal symptoms cannot be effectively managed outside of a clinical setting. Thus, if someone is at risk for severe withdrawal, medical detox is recommended.

Klonopin (Clonazepam) Detox FAQs

Find answers to common questions about the Klonopin detox process.

❓ How Long Does It Take To Get Klonopin Out Of Your System?

✔️ Klonopin can remain detectable in the body for up to two weeks. It’s a long-acting drug with a fairly long half-life, meaning it takes longer for it to be fully eliminated from your system.

❓ What Type Of Drug Is Clonazepam?

✔️ Clonazepam, or Klonopin, is a prescription central nervous system depressant that’s chemically similar to drugs like diazepam (Valium) and alprazolam (Xanax).

It works in the body by enhancing the activity of GABA, a neurotransmitter that essentially slows down brain activity.

❓ Can You Detox From Klonopin At Home?

✔️ This is not recommended. Klonopin withdrawal can become severe and potentially lethal if a person stops their Klonopin use suddenly, or is at risk for severe withdrawal.

Find Klonopin Detox And Addiction Treatment Today

Detox is typically the first step on the road to recovery from Klonopin addiction, but it’s not where your recovery journey ends.

By calling our helpline, we can find a treatment program for Klonopin abuse or addiction that’s right for you or a loved one in your life.

Call today to learn more about Klonopin treatment options and to find an addiction treatment program that’s right for you.

Written by the Addiction Resource Editorial Staff