Does Klonopin Help With Anxiety

How Clonazepam Is Administered

Clonazepam is available as an orally disintegrating tablet or a tablet. If youve been prescribed the pills, you must take them with water. If you have a disintegration tablet, place it on or under your tongue and let it dissolve before swallowing. Its not necessary to take with water.

Clonazepam is typically taken one to three times a day, and you can take the dose with or without food. Benzodiazepines like clonazepam cause a reduction of abnormal electrical activity in the brain, which is the reason its used to treat anxiety. The effects of clonazepam for social anxiety symptoms are experienced quickly, but other potential benefits can take longer.

Why Do People Abuse Benzodiazepines

Because so many more people are taking benzodiazepines than ever before, it makes sense that more people would be abusing them. But the question is, why? There are a few reasons, according to the latest studies mentioned in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry:

• 46.3% of people reported abusing benzos because they wanted to relax or relieve tension.
• 22.4% stated that they wanted help falling asleep faster.
• 5.7% stated that they were only experimenting when they took benzodiazepines.
• 11.8% stated that they abused them because they enjoyed the high or because they were addicted to them.

How Long Does Klonopin Stay In Your System

Benzodiazepines like Klonopin can stay in your system for up to 10 days.6 In some cases, Klonopin may not show up on a urine test or the test may be able to show that the drug is present, but not the amount. This also depends on several individual factors like age, body mass/fat, hydration, and any medical problems you may have. The amount of Klonopin you took each time, how you used it, how long you used it, and your method of quitting will also play a role in the duration and severity of withdrawal symptoms.

Klonopin can be detected in the body with several different types of drug tests. The chart below provides approximate drug test detection times for Klonopin, although these may vary from person to person.

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What Happens If I Overdose On Klonopin

Klonopin is a powerful drug that can be quite effective when it is taken according to doctors orders. But when a person takes more of the drug than they should, it is possible to overdose on it.

Some of the signs of a Klonopin overdose include:

• Passing out and being difficult to wake up
• Clammy skin

• About 12.5% of adults in the United States currently use benzodiazepine drugs.
• This works out to about 30.5 million people.
• About 2.1% of these individuals have misused them at least one time.
• Only 0.2% meet the criteria for benzodiazepine use disorder.
• Among those who use benzos regularly, 17.1% report misusing them.
• 2% have benzodiazepine use disorder.

How To Maintain Sobriety After Rehab

It is understandable that someone who has completed a treatment program may feel prepared to move forward in their life. After the structured rehab environment, it may be tempting to desire some autonomy again. The problem is that too often the person leaving treatment is still vulnerable to relapse. They have not had the opportunity to practice recovery skills in real life scenarios yet, and are unprepared. There are some preventative measures that can be taken that help to reinforce sobriety in those first several months after rehab. These aftercare activities include:

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It Tolerable For Everyone

As mentioned above, Klonopin is capable of generating addiction and tolerance in the person. So, it is highly contraindicated for the person to increase the dose. Take it for longer than necessary or disobey the instructions indicated by medical personnel.

The benefits of Klonopin can help a person manage the symptoms produced by the disorder or disease that he suffers from however, this will not remit completely. For this, it will be necessary to accompany the pharmacological treatment with other medications and some type of psychotherapy.

What Side Effects Can Klonopin Cause

Common side effects can include:

• drowsiness
• frequent urination
• changes in sex drive

It also is recommended that you wait to drive or operate machinery until you know how the medication affects you. It is also recommended that people avoid alcohol and illegal drugs while on the medication, as they can worsen adverse effects. Report side effects to your doctor immediately. Serious side effects can include rash, hives, hoarseness, trouble breathing, swelling, or difficulty breathing or swallowing. You can also report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or online.

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Do Benzodiazepines Cause Depression

Misconceptions involving benzodiazepines being produced to treat depression are common. Considering the benzodiazepine depression relationship, it is reasonable to question if benzodiazepines not only help with depression but also if they can cause depression.

Research has shown that people with pre-existing depression or a predisposition to depression are more likely to experience a depressive episode or increase existing levels of depression induced from the use of benzodiazepines.

Dual Diagnosis Treatment For Benzodiazepine Addiction And Depression

Benzodiazepine addiction is most common in individuals with a co-occurring mental health disorder like depression. People seeking treatment for benzodiazepine addiction with co-occurring depression should search for facilities that are staffed by medical professionals experienced in treating co-occurring mental health disorders.

Medication management may be necessary to assist in relieving depressive symptoms. In these cases, antidepressant medications are typically prescribed because of their low risk of abuse and dependence. Avoiding the use of medications specifically produced for anxiety treatment may prevent setbacks

If you or a loved one struggles with addiction and a co-occurring mental health condition like depression, help is available at treatment centers across the country. The Recovery Village offers comprehensive treatment for substance use and co-occurring disorders. For more information about our care options, contact us today.

Harvard Health Publishing. . Is your medication making you depressed? Retrieved from https://www.health.harvard.edu/drugs-and-medications/is-your-medication-making-you-depressed

Karter, J. . Benzodiazepines Linked to Treatment Resistant Depression. Retrieved from https://www.madinamerica.com/2015/10/benzodiazepines-linked-to-treatment-resistant-depression/

Purse, M. . What You Should Know if Your Doctor Prescribes Ativan. Retrieved from https://www.verywellmind.com/benzodiazepine-ativan-lorazepam-379676

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How To Use Klonopin Oral

See also Warning section.

Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start taking clonazepam and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually 2 or 3 times daily.

Dosage is based on your medical condition, age, and response to treatment. For children, the dose is also based on weight. Older adults usually start with a lower dose to decrease the risk of side effects. Do not increase your dose, take it more often, or take it for a longer time than directed.

Take this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same times each day.

Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor. Some conditions may become worse when this drug is suddenly stopped. Your dose may need to be gradually decreased.

When this medication is used for a long time, it may not work as well. Talk with your doctor if this medication stops working well.

Though it helps many people, this medication may sometimes cause addiction. This risk may be higher if you have a substance use disorder . Take this medication exactly as prescribed to lower the risk of addiction. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details.

Tell your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.

How Can I End Clonazepam Withdrawal Symptoms

There is no easy way out of clonazepam withdrawal symptoms. Clonazepam withdrawals will continue until you completely stop using clonazepam, and the best way to true recovery is to seek professional treatment. Professional help provides services that you can not get at home, such as access to trained therapists and 24-hour medical supervision in case you have cravings or need help.

If you want to end clonazepam withdrawal symptoms, getting help from a professional treatment center is the only way to recover and help avoid relapse.

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Klonopin Vs Xanax: Differences Similarities And Which Is Better For You

Drug overview & main differences | Conditions treated | Efficacy | Insurance coverage and cost comparison | Side effects | Drug interactions | Warnings | FAQ

Klonopin and Xanax are similar medications indicated to treat anxiety and panic disorders. Both medications are classified as benzodiazepines, which work by boosting the activity of GABA in the brain. GABA, or gaba-aminobutyric acid, is an inhibitory neurotransmitter that plays a major role in slowing down activity in the central nervous system .

Both Klonopin and Xanax help treat symptoms of anxiety by producing a relaxing and calming effect. However, they have notable differences in how long they work and other conditions they may be used for.

Other Uses For This Medicine

Clonazepam is also used to treat symptoms of akathisia that may occur as a side effect of treatment with antipsychotic medications and to treat acute catatonic reactions . Talk to your doctor about the possible risks of using this medication for your condition.

This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

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Is Klonopin Used For Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Occasional anxiety is a normal part of life. You might worry about things like health, money, or family problems. But people with a generalized anxiety disorder feel extremely worried or feel nervous about these and other thingseven when it is little or no reason to worry about them. People with GAD find it difficult to control their anxiety and stay focused on daily tasks.

Include Holistic Support For Klonopin And Xanax

Regardless of the anxiety symptoms that Klonopin and Xanax can relieve, neither should be used for long periods of time. This is why there should be some sort of holistic treatment to help with anxiety disorders.

Klonopin or Xanax are used to help treat anxiety. Treatment should also include holistic methods as its not recommended to remain on these drugs long-term. Staying on these benzodiazepines medications for too long can cause dependency. It is also believed that people with anxiety are more prone to addiction.

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Drug Interactions Of Klonopin Vs Xanax

Klonopin and Xanax are primarily metabolized, or processed, in the liver by the CYP3A4 enzyme. CYP3A4 inhibitors can increase blood levels of these benzodiazepines, which can result in increased adverse effects. CYP3A4 inhibitors include antifungals like ketoconazole as well as antibiotics like erythromycin.

CYP3A4 inducers can speed up the metabolism of Klonopin or Xanax and, ultimately, decrease their effectiveness. CYP3A4 inducers include anticonvulsant drugs like phenytoin and carbamazepine, among others.

Because Klonopin and Xanax have CNS depressant effects, they can interact with other drugs that have similar effects. Taking benzodiazepines with drugs such as opioids and tricyclic antidepressants can increase the risk of severe drowsiness, respiratory depression, and even death, especially in large doses.

This may not be a complete list of all possible drug interactions. Consult a doctor with all the medications you may be taking.

What Drugs Interact With Klonopin

Klonopin may interact with cold or allergy medicine, narcoticpain medicine, sleeping pills, muscle relaxers, medicine for depression or anxiety, antibiotics, antifungal medicines, antidepressants, and barbiturates.

Klonopin may also interact with propantheline, MAO inhibitors, or medicines to treat psychiatric disorders.

Do not stop using Klonopin without first talking to your doctor, even if you feel fine. You may have increased seizures or unpleasant withdrawal symptoms if you stop using Klonopin suddenly.

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Klonopin Comes As A Tablet To Take By Mouth

There are two variants of clonazepam: pills to take with liquids and soluble pills in the mouth. The usual recommended dose is one pill three times a day. It is recommended that the person ingest it every day at approximately the same time. And its consumption must always depend on the indication of a doctor.

It is advisable to follow the instructions of the medicine and the doctor who has prescribed it. Treatment is usually started by taking lower doses, which are progressively increased every three days.

Link Between Benzos And Treatment

For people with treatment-resistant depression, regular treatment like antidepressant medication and therapy are sometimes not enough. People with treatment-resistant depression may find they experience little improvement with treatment or that they improve briefly but then regress back to their old addictions.

Benzodiazepines have been linked to treatment-related depression. Benzodiazepines, even when used as prescribed, numb feelings and increase feelings of isolation. Using benzodiazepines for an extended period have been shown to impair brain functions which can contribute to the development of treatment-resistant depression.

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How Is Klonopin Abused

People addicted to Klonopin will often start out taking larger doses of the pills to get high or increase the effectiveness of the medication. They may also start taking the drug with alcohol, or crushing and snorting the pills to get them to take effect faster. Because Klonopin comes with a risk of addiction and increased tolerance levels, doctors will typically prescribe Klonopin for shorter periods, usually two weeks or less.

People who take Klonopin as prescribed can even build a tolerance to the drug. But for those who abuse the medication, they can build a tolerance very quickly, increasing the likelihood of addiction. Cutting back or quitting the drug when someone has built up a physical tolerance to the substance will result in withdrawal symptoms.

Sedation And Difficulty Breathing

• Risk factors: Taking the medication with opioid drugs or alcohol | Taking medication for a longer duration and higher doses than prescribed

Taking clonazepam with opioid drugs can result in severe drowsiness, tiredness, difficulty breathing and can even result in death. Some people with chronic pain might be already taking opioids when prescribed clonazepam . If this is you or something you know, have a discussion with your provider to make sure the combination is as safe as possible, or if other medication options are available. If you develop difficulty breathing or have trouble waking up easily, seek immediate medical care.

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Valium Vs Klonopin: Addiction And Dependence

Many people get a false sense of security when they use drugs like Valium and Klonopin because they are prescription drugs that are prescribed by doctors. However, just because they are prescribed by doctors doesnt mean they are risk-free. Misusing Valium or Klonopin in any way or taking it longer or more frequently than necessary can cause tolerance, dependence, and addiction. Both Valium and Klonopin are controlled substances and should only be used under the direct supervision of a doctor.