Clonazepam, also known by its brand name Klonopin, is a common prescription medication used to treat certain seizure disorders and panic attacks. But how long does it actually stay in your system after you take it?
What is Clonazepam and How is it Used?
Clonazepam is a member of a group of medications called benzodiazepines. It works by increasing the effects of the neurotransmitter GABA in the brain, which helps calm nervous system activity.
Doctors may prescribe Clonazepam to treat conditions like:
- Panic disorder
- Certain types of seizures like Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and myoclonic seizures
People take Clonazepam orally, usually twice or three times a day. The effects kick in relatively quickly, typically within an hour.
Effects and Side Effects
When taken as prescribed, Clonazepam helps control seizures or reduce the frequency and severity of panic attacks. However, it does come with potential side effects, especially when misused. Possible side effects include:
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Loss of coordination
- Slurred speech
- Confusion
- Depression
- Unusual thoughts or behavior
- Suicidal thoughts
Combining Clonazepam with alcohol or opioids is especially dangerous and can lead to severely slowed breathing, coma, or even death.
How Long It’s Detectable in Your System
Due to its long half-life of 20-50 hours, Clonazepam stays in your system longer than many other medications. The half-life is the time it takes your body to eliminate half of the dose.
So how long will Clonazepam show up on various drug tests?
- Urine tests: Up to 4 weeks
- Hair tests: Up to 4 weeks
- Saliva tests: Up to 1 week
However, results can vary substantially based on personal factors like your age, weight, metabolism and dosage taken. The more Clonazepam you take and the more frequently you take it, the longer it will be detectable.
Developing a Dependence
While Clonazepam is effective when used properly, it does carry a risk of dependence, tolerance and addiction – especially with long-term use. As you take it more regularly, your body adapts and needs higher doses to achieve the same effects. This makes stopping suddenly dangerous.
Signs of dependence include:
- Needing to take it daily to avoid withdrawal symptoms
- Taking more than prescribed
- Continuing to use despite negative consequences
- Spending a lot of time obtaining, using, or recovering from Clonazepam
Risks of Quitting Clonazepam Cold Turkey
Because of how Clonazepam affects your brain, stopping abruptly can cause severe withdrawal symptoms, including:
- Anxiety or panic attacks
- Hand tremors
- Muscle cramps and pain
- Insomnia
- Heart palpitations
- Seizures
This is why it’s extremely important to wean off Clonazepam slowly under medical supervision. Suddenly quitting cold turkey after taking it regularly opens you up to painful, dangerous, and potentially life-threatening withdrawal effects.
Seeking Help for Addiction
If you or someone you know has developed an addiction to Clonazepam, reach out for help today. Withdrawal should always be done through a gradual tapering process under the care of an addiction specialist.
Many find joining a rehabilitation program is the most effective way to safely detox and learn new coping skills for managing anxiety or seizures without Clonazepam long-term. The support and medical supervision can make all the difference in getting sober and avoiding relapse.
Additionally, peer support groups provide ongoing help and accountability during and after treatment.
While Clonazepam serves important medical purposes when prescribed and monitored closely, it can quickly become addictive if misused. If you’re dependent on it and want to stop, know that you don’t have to do it alone. Support and treatment tailored to your needs can help you safely taper off Clonazepam and start building a healthy, sober life.
Photo: “Clonazepam” by Anthony Cunningham for Zoom Testing
Zoom Testing is a leading UK drug testing company and a supplier of Drug Test Kits.
