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Klonopin (clonazepam) is a prescription medication belonging to the benzodiazepine class. It is commonly prescribed to treat anxiety, panic disorders, and seizures. While effective for short-term use, prolonged use of Klonopin can lead to physical dependence and, in some cases, addiction.

Abruptly stopping the use of Klonopin can lead to uncomfortable, sometimes life-threatening withdrawal symptoms. In this article, we’ll discuss the Klonopin withdrawal timeline by considering the firsthand accounts of Reddit users to see what people really experience when quitting Klonopin.

What Causes Klonopin Withdrawal?

Klonopin (clonazepam) withdrawal occurs when someone who has been taking the medication regularly, especially at higher doses or over a long period, suddenly stops or significantly reduces their dose.

Like other benzodiazepines, Klonopin enhances the effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter that calms the brain and nervous system. Prolonged use can make the brain rely on the drug to regulate GABA. When the drug is removed, GABA activity drops, causing overactivity in the nervous system and withdrawal symptoms like anxiety and seizures.

Even when taken as prescribed, using Klonopin for more than a few weeks can lead to physical dependence. The brain adjusts to the drug’s presence, and sudden cessation disrupts this balance, resulting in withdrawal symptoms.

Common Symptoms of Klonopin Withdrawal

Withdrawal can cause a range of physical and psychological symptoms, including:

• Anxiety and panic attacks
• Insomnia or disturbed sleep
• Irritability
• Mood swings
• Muscle pain and stiffness
• Sweating
• Rapid heartbeat
• Tremors or shaking
• Nausea and vomiting
• Seizures (in severe cases)

If you or someone you know is facing Klonopin withdrawal, it’s essential to seek medical guidance. A healthcare professional can create a tapering schedule to reduce the drug gradually and minimize withdrawal symptoms.

What to Expect During Klonopin Withdrawal According to Reddit

Whether they’re quitting Klonopin that they’ve been abusing or are no longer taking their medication, users regularly turn to Reddit to share and learn about first-hand experiences with detoxing.

Saywhatevrdiewhenevr shares their experience:

“So the physical withdrawal symptoms lasted 2-3 weeks for me, but the mental stuff was a solid 6 months (weird brain fog/dizziness/anxiety/not feeling like myself/struggling with disassociation/more extreme panic attacks/generally more on edge. This did subside after 6 months…”

Frostbitefaerie also experienced symptoms for several months, stating, “On/off for me for… months? I had fishbowl vision & was very flustered a lot.”

Another user, urnotmydad23, describes the “fishbowl vision”. “Oof… the fishbowl vision is the worst. It feels like Im looking at everything through a screen or something. I’ve been trying my hardest to reassure myself that once I get through this I’ll never have to do it again, but it’s been rough.”

Even when attempting to taper off, people often experience withdrawal symptoms. Lurknessm0nster writes, “I was on 2mg, three times a day for years. I tapered fairly quickly to a low dose, then jumped to get it over with. Full blown withdrawal hit around day 3, insomnia, wrestless legs, anxiety lasted about 10 days, the worst of if being the first week. After that, the symptoms slowly dissipate. The insomnia was the most difficult part of it.”

Breaking Down the Klonopin Withdrawal Timeline

Klonopin withdrawal can last a long time, with most Reddit users reporting their symptoms lasting several weeks or months. People who were taking Klonopin in higher doses or for longer periods of time often experienced longer-lasting and more severe withdrawal symptoms.

For the average person, withdrawal may occur as follows:

• 6-12 hours after the last dose – Early withdrawal symptoms may start, especially for those on lower doses or with shorter-term use. Mild anxiety, restlessness, and irritability are common.
• 1-4 days after the last dose – Symptoms peak as rebound anxiety, insomnia, irritability, headaches, muscle aches, and nausea may occur. Seizure risk also begins to increase, especially for those with high-dose or long-term use.
• 5-14 days – Severe anxiety, panic attacks, tremors, sweating, heart palpitations, and heightened seizure risk continue, especially for heavy users. Others may notice a reduction in their symptoms.
• 2-4 weeks – Symptoms start to subside but can still be significant. Sleep disturbances, mood swings, and lingering anxiety may persist.
• 1+ month – Post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS) or protracted withdrawal may include mild anxiety, depression, and difficulty sleeping and can last for several months.

Risks of Self-Detox

Self-detoxing from Klonopin (clonazepam) can be dangerous and even life-threatening, especially for individuals who have been using the drug for an extended period or at high doses.

Additionally, stopping Klonopin “cold turkey” or reducing the dose too quickly increases the risk of withdrawal symptoms. As Reddit user carterfestival says, “Gotta be real careful coming off benzos. Best done in a medical detox.”

The potential dangers of detoxing from Klonopin at home include:

• Seizures
• Severe panic attacks
• Hallucinations and psychosis
• Heart problems, like tachycardia and high blood pressure
• Depression and suicidal thoughts

At a medically supervised detox center, medical professionals can guide individuals through the detox process and help them slowly taper off Klonopin. By gradually reducing their dose and administering other medications to alleviate withdrawal symptoms, people can detox safely.

Find Treatment for Klonopin Addiction Today

If you or a loved one is struggling with Klonopin dependence or withdrawal, don’t wait to get help. Professional Klonopin detox and treatment can make all the difference in ensuring a safe and effective recovery. Contact Moving Mountains Recovery today to learn about personalized treatment options and take the first step toward recovery.

References:

1. Science Direct: Clonazepam
2. National Institute of Health (NIH): Clonazepam
3. NIH: The benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome
4. Sage Journals: Experiences with benzodiazepine use, tapering, and discontinuation: an Internet survey