Last Updated: January 17, 2023

Klonopin is considered a benzodiazepine, which is a medication that is used to treat anxiety and panic disorders. Even if you are taking the drug as prescribed by your doctor, you should be aware of the potential side effects that you might experience.

It also may be helpful to understand Klonopin addiction symptoms and Klonopin addiction signs, particularly if you suspect that someone you love may be abusing Klonopin.

Klonopin Side Effects

Many physicians prescribe Klonopin to patients to treat anxiety or panic disorders. There are side effects that come with taking the medication, even if you aren’t abusing it and are only taking it as your physician has instructed you to. Typical Klonopin side effects can include:

• Feeling depressed
• Drowsiness
• Feeling tired
• Memory impairment
• Dizziness
• Problems with coordination and balance
• Slurred speech
• Headache
• Dry mouth
• Appetite and gastrointestinal issues
• Runny nose

For many people, the side effects of Klonopin and other benzodiazepines are similar to the effects of drinking alcohol.

Some people experience more severe side effects with Klonopin. These can include seizures, changes in mood or behavior, aggression, confusion, suicidal thoughts, hallucinations, involuntary eye movement and shallow breathing. These more severe side effects, however, are rare.

Long-Term Klonopin Addiction Symptoms

The effects of taking Klonopin long-term – particularly if abuse or addiction are involved – can be detrimental. The most common effect of taking Klonopin long-term is developing a dependence. A dependence is not the same thing as an addiction. Those who take Klonopin strictly as their doctors have prescribed will also develop dependence. This just means that you will experience withdrawal symptoms if you stop taking Klonopin. 

While everyone who develops a dependence does not necessarily have an addiction, everyone who has Klonopin addiction does have a dependence on the drug. If you have developed a dependence, it’s important that you find a medically-supervised detox program either at a detox center or a rehabilitation facility as the withdrawal symptoms of Klonopin can be dangerous and sometimes even life threating. 

Addiction is also a possibility for those who take Klonopin for an extended period of time. Unfortunately, there is a stigma associated with addiction in America. However, we know that addiction is simply a disease that needs to be treated like diabetes or cancer. 

For those who have taken Klonopin for a long time, there can be severe rebound symptoms when the medication is stopped. This can include severe anxiety, which can be a problem considering most people are initially prescribed Klonopin to treat anxiety.

Klonopin Addiction Signs

If you suspect someone you love may be addicted to Klonopin, you may be wondering what the signs of Klonopin addiction are. Here are some of the most common signs:

• Anyone who takes Klonopin without a prescription is abusing the medication, even for those who feel they are taking it in a controlled way.
• If you do have a Klonopin prescription, but you take more of it than prescribed in dosage or frequency, you may have an addiction.
• People who are addicted to Klonopin may be likely to doctor shop or pharmacy shop to try to get more than one prescription.
• Changes in behavior, isolation or uncharacteristic lying and stealing are all signs of a Klonopin addiction.

If you think someone you love may be abusing Klonopin, you may notice that they are acting groggy or tired frequently, having coordination or balance issues, or acting depressed frequently. While the abuse of Klonopin doesn’t always lead to addiction, the longer a person abuses Klonopin, the more likely they are to develop an addiction.

Klonopin addiction symptoms and Klonopin addiction signs should be handled as soon as possible. If you suspect someone you love is having a problem with Klonopin or if you yourself are having a Klonopin issue, it’s important that you seek treatment as soon as possible. For Ohio residents with Klonopin addiction, The Recovery Village Columbus is a great choice.