This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. Take it as directed on the prescription label what is clonazolam at the same time every day. Keep taking it unless your care team tells you to stop. Sweden’s public health agency suggested classifying clonazolam as a hazardous substance on 01 June 2015. This is a traditional tea made from chamomile flowers, which is supposed to work by binding to the same receptor as that of benzodiazepine and potentiates the activity of GABA.
What is Clonazolam?
This is part of what makes the abuse of this substance so dangerous, as people lose track of time and behave in atypical ways. This medication may affect your coordination, reaction time, or judgment. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you. Sit up or stand slowly to reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells.
Clonazepam Tablets
- Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases.
- Herbs do offer a good alternative for people who want the anxiolytic or sleep-supportive benefits without taking on the risk of addiction to benzodiazepines.
- Slurred speech and trouble walking have also been reported.
- Talk with your care team about all the medications you take.
Clonazolam is a so-called research chemical, meaning it was developed in the lab to mimic the actions of other chemicals. These chemicals tend to be dangerous, and clonazolam is no exception. Send a note of thanks to Mayo Clinic researchers who are revolutionizing healthcare and improving patient outcomes. This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription. We offer individualized, extended-term treatment in an intimate setting. Get information and inspiration to help you live your best life.
What are the most common side effects of clonazepam?
- All benzodiazepines can be highly addictive, and clonazolam is no exception to the rule.
- While it promises extreme sedation and relaxation, its potency and unpredictable effects make it a serious public health concern.
- Your healthcare provider will tell you how to stop clonazepam to reduce the risk of withdrawal reactions.
- Call emergency services right away if you have slow or shallow breathing, feel dizzy or confused, or have trouble staying awake.
This means that over time, users must take more of the drug to achieve the same calming effect — a process known as tolerance. Once tolerance develops, withdrawal symptoms begin when the drug wears off, trapping users in a dangerous cycle of dependence. This medication may worsen depression and cause thoughts of suicide. This can happen at any time but is more common after first starting treatment and after a change in dose.
According to NIDA (National Institute on Drug Abuse), benzodiazepines like Clonazolam are involved in over 12,000 overdose deaths per year, often in combination with opioids. Because Clonazolam is not regulated, its potency and purity vary wildly, which makes every use a gamble. This guide explores the dangers of Clonazolam, how addiction develops, and what effective clonazolam abuse treatment looks like for those ready to take their first step toward recovery. Serious fetal side effects can occur if you take this medication during pregnancy. Prolonged use of this medication during pregnancy can cause temporary withdrawal in a newborn. It belongs to a group of medications called benzodiazepines.
In Australia, clonazolam is classified as a controlled substance in some states. Clonazolam (also known as clonitrazolam) is a drug of the triazolobenzodiazepine (TBZD) class, which are benzodiazepines (BZDs) fused with a triazole ring. However, there are studies that have found GABA to be effective at higher doses 8. There are few natural alternatives that cause relaxation and sedation, like those of benzodiazepines.
Mixing Opioids and Benzodiazepines: A Dangerous Combination
Breastfeeding a child while taking clonazepam can lead to sleepiness, feeding problems, and decreased weight gain. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should take clonazepam while breastfeeding. Clonazepam can affect your alertness or coordination.
Clonazolam, however, has not been licensed as a pharmaceutical. Created in the 1970s, it is a potent combination of clonazepam and alprazolam (both approved for short-term use). Even a small dose can produce intense sedation and induce amnesia. This medicine will add to the effects of alcohol and other central nervous system (CNS) depressants. CNS depressants are medicines that slow down the nervous system, which may cause drowsiness or make you less alert. Check with your doctor before taking any of these products while you are using this medicine.
There is a risk of clonazolam dependence, and you may develop withdrawal symptoms such as agitation, sweating, confusion, and seizures when you abruptly stop the drug. So, to avoid withdrawal symptoms, you should consider a lower dose of the drug and never stop the drug abruptly. It is advised to gradually reduce the dose of the drug before stopping it completely. Designer benzodiazepines are drugs in the benzodiazepine group that have been manufactured by altering certain chemical structures of the approved and controlled benzodiazepine group of drugs. Since clonazolam is also derived from clonazepam and alprazolam, it is classified as a designer benzodiazepine.
Medical detox is thus an essential part of treatment. Generally, detox for clonazolam is not done cold turkey. Instead, the drug is temporarily replaced with another benzodiazepine, typically Valium, and then the dosage is reduced over time. This helps the body adjust to not having the benzodiazepine. Potential long-term damage to the brain, including depression, impaired memory, disinhibition, reduced response times and coordination and overall cognitive issues.
Talk to your care team right away if you have changes in mood and behavior or thoughts of self-harm or suicide. Do not stop taking this medication or reduce your dose without first talking to your care team. If you have taken this medication for a long time or take a high dose, your body may rely on it.
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?
He graduated from South College with his Master’s in Physician Assistant studies in 2015. Sahil has utilized his experience by treating patients in both civilian and military settings. He is a Captain in the Army Reserves and has 15 years of military service. He is the owner of Carolina Psychiatry and Addiction Services.Sahil specializes in medication assisted treatment. He believes that empathy, respect and trust are integral traits that all providers must possess.