What is High Dose of Klonopin

The drug Klonopin is from the benzodiazepine group of sedatives. Because it is a central nervous system depressant, it is important to follow the prescribed dosage. There are a couple of reasons why you might wonder what a high dose of Klonopin would be. You might be addicted to Klonopin, may desire to drink while on the drug, or may have thoughts of suicide. Any of these would be reasons to seek out help.

What is Klonopin?

Klonopin is the brand name of a benzo called clonazepam. The action of this drug is to slow the nerve activity in the central nervous system. Because the drug produces feelings of relaxation, euphoria, and sleep-inducing properties, it is prone to abuse.

Klonopin is used to treat panic disorder, agoraphobia, seizures, insomnia, and restless leg syndrome. Doctors prescribe Klonopin for a short duration, such as two weeks, as the drug has a high risk of dependence. The Klonopin half-life is 18-50 hours, which is longer than most benzos. Because the drug remains present in the body so long, it can increase the risk of overdose.

Klonopin Dosing

A doctor determines the correct Klonopin dosing by taking into account various factors. These factors include body weight, age, gender, and which specific condition is being treated. The drug comes in .5 mg. to 2.0 mg strengths. Depending on the daily dose prescribed, Klonopin may be taken one to three times a day. In most cases, the daily dosage should not exceed 4 mg. Dosages higher than that are considered a high dose of Klonopin.

There are clear warnings for patients taking Klonopin to not consume alcohol, as the two depressants can cause respiratory distress or failure. Also, doctors should not prescribe Klonopin if the patient is taking an opioid, such as for pain management. This is for the same reason as not combining the drug with alcohol, as opioids are also depressants.

Adverse Effects of Klonopin

As with any drug, there are some risks linked to Klonopin. These include:

• Slowed cognitive and motor skills.
• Drowsiness
• Dizziness
• Mental confusion.
• Impaired judgment.
• Uncoordinated and clumsy.
• Memory problems.
• Reduced sex drive.
• Fainting
• Constipation
• Heaviness or numbness in arms and legs.
• Slowed reaction time.
• Oversleeping

Signs of Klonopin Abuse or Addiction

Klonopin can be used safely when the patient takes it only as prescribed and for a short time. However, for those patients who are predisposed to addiction through genetics or other risk factors, there is a risk of addiction. The drug lends itself to addiction via the increased tolerance that develops with extended use. This causes the person to abuse the drug in order to achieve the desired effects.

Signs of Klonopin abuse may include:

Behavioral signs:

• Doctor shopping to obtain more refills.
• Recreational abuse of  Klonopin.
• Withdrawing from family and friends.
• Loss of interest in normal activities.
• Obsessive drug-seeking behaviors.
• Increased agitation.
• Restlessness
• Insomnia

Physical symptoms:

• Racing heart rate.
• Numbness in extremities.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Sensitivity to lights and sounds.
• Increased salivation.
• Rashes or hives.
• Seizures
• Difficulty breathing.

Psychological symptoms:

• Keep using Klonopin despite the negative consequences.
• Klonopin cravings.
• Auditory hallucinations.
• Mental confusion.
• Short-term memory loss.
• Change in personality.
• Psychosis
• Suicidal thoughts.

Warning Signs of Klonopin Overdose

If someone ingests more Klonopin than the body can safely metabolize, it can cause an overdose. The most common cause of Klonopin overdose, however, involves taking this drug with alcohol or opiates. The depressive effects of these substances can become toxic.

Taking a high dose of Klonopin may cause these symptoms:

• Extremely slowed breathing.
• Extreme sleepiness.
• Mental confusion.
• Slurred words.
• Severe dizziness.
• Loss of consciousness.

Klonopin Detox and Withdrawal

As a drug class, benzo withdrawal can be somewhat risky. Attempting to quit Klonopin on your own could lead to serious withdrawal symptoms. When seeking to enter treatment for a Klonopin addiction, a medical detox is the safest route.

With a trained detox team guiding you through detox, you can be assured your safety is the top priority. For this reason, the doctor will slowly reduce the dosage of the drug to allow your body to adjust. This prevents dangerous withdrawal symptoms, like seizures and hallucinations.

Still, you will encounter some discomfort during the tapered detox. These symptoms include:

• Anxiety
• Dizziness
• Tremors
• Headache
• Insomnia
• Nightmares
• Sweating
• Confusion
• Angry or hostile behavior.
• Impaired coordination.
• Muscle and joint pain.
• Irritability
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Mood swings.
• Trouble concentrating.

Treatment for Klonopin Addiction

Following the Klonopin detox, you will embark on the treatment phase of recovery. An evidence-based treatment program is essential for helping you overcome the Klonopin addiction cycle.

Here’s what you can expect in rehab:

• Talk therapy. During private sessions with a licensed therapist, you will explore the thought patterns that have led to compulsive substance abuse. There are many types of therapy that can be accessed during therapy, with the most popular being CBT, DBT, and motivational interviewing.
• Group counseling. Small groups of peers join together for these support group sessions. A therapist provides the topics and leads the discussion.
• Psychiatry. When a mental health disorder is at the root of the Klonopin abuse, it will be addressed and treated during treatment.
• Addiction education. You’ll attend classes that teach you about how addiction develops in the brain, and then how to avoid a relapse. Useful recovery tools are taught as well.
• Holistic activities. When an anxiety disorder is present, learning how to achieve a relaxed, calm state of mind will help you avoid returning to benzos. While you are in treatment you’ll learn how to practice yoga, mindfulness, and to keep a journal.

Like all benzos, Klonopin is a powerful drug that can be, and often is, abused. If you are ready to tackle your Klonopin dependence or addiction, please reach out for help today.

Elevation Behavioral Health

Elevation Behavioral Health can help you break free from Klonopin dependence or addiction. If you are curious about what a high dose of Klonopin is, you may be in danger of overdose. Please reach out to our team today at (888) 561-0868.