Klonopin
Marketed under the brand name Klonopin in the United States, Clonazepamis a powerful central nervous system depressant prescribed to treat seizures, anxiety, panic disorders, insomnia, night terrors, chronic fatigue syndrome, and depression. The scored tablets of Klonopin contain 0.5 mg, 1 mg or 2 mg of clonazepam, and incorporate ingredients such as lactose, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, cornstarch and dye.
Klonopin is a mild sedative, and an addictive benzodiazepine. Xanax, Valium, Ambien, and Ativan are well-known examples of benzodiazepines, and all decelerate the nerve impulses, which triggers sleepiness and relaxation.
Usually, a Klonopin-prescribed individual will experience the following common side effects:
- Drowsiness
- Impairment of cognition and judgment
- Pupil dilation
- Belligerence
- Snappiness
- Psychomotor agitation
- Lack of motivation
- Impaired motor function
- Dizziness
The medication has a long half-life. Users often claim to feel “hung over”, and report headaches, feeling lethargic, and irritation.
Infrequent side effects are:
- Severe dysphoria
- Thrombocytopenia
- Acute psychological and psychiatric effects
- Induction of seizures or increased occurrence of seizures
- Alterations in an individual’s personality
Additionally, psychosis, incontinence, paradoxical behavioral disinhibition (rage, mania, extreme excitement, and dangerous impulsivity) are unusual and rare side effects found mostly in children or elderly individuals taking Klonopin.
Klonopin is an effective benzodiazepine for treating seizures, but can cause individuals who take the medication over a long period of time to develop interferences with cognitive and behavioral functions known as “low-dose dependence.” Alcohol and other central nervous system downersintensify the effects and side effects of the drug.
A gradual decrease of dosage is mandatory if the individual has been using Klonopin for over four weeks, otherwise benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome will result. Benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome is characterized by psychotic attacks, dysphoric manifestations, bad temper, anxiety, and hallucinations.
Common Klonopin withdrawal symptoms are:
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Depression
- Weakness
- Cramps
- Tremors
- Cramps
- Irregular bowel movements
- Muscle pain
- Mental dysfunction.
A Klonopin overdose will result in one or more of the following symptoms: coma, hypertension, impaired motor function, impaired reflexes, impaired balance, dizziness, difficulty breathing, mental confusion, somnolence, and nausea. Medical attention should be sought immediately.
A nationwide, government study discovered 35% of emergency room visits were a result of clonazepam, and 32% of emergency room visits were opiate related. Benzodiazepine also assisted 26% of attempted suicides, leading medical physicians and government officials to suspect it is one of the nation’s most regularly abused prescription drugs.
What sorts of individuals abuse Klonopin? Often suburban, upper middle-class high school students utilize their parent’s ample health insurance, to gain accesses to Klonopin or nicknamed “K-pin.” Usually not included on the battery of drug tests, Klonopin, is more problematical than screening for alcohol, and offers the individual similar physical effects of being drunk. Sold on the street for only two to five dollars, Klonapin has more harmful effects than alcohol, and dangerous results when the two are used simultaneously.
Dependency on Klonapins can be difficult to determine because of its status as a legal pharmaceutical drug. Professionals suggest writing down frequency of usage and amount, the amount and variety of pharmacies filling your prescription, and opening your ears to suggestions, concerns, and help from loved ones.
Breaking free from Klonopin addiction is deeply challenging but aided with professional help, support groups, and a Klonopin Rehabilitation Center, the addicted individual can achieve sobriety.