A Glimpse on Klonopin, its Proper Use and Abuse
Background:
Klonopin is a benzodiazepine that is used as a strong anticonvulsant, amnestic, and anxiolytic. Klonopin is used as a treatment for epilepsy, anxiety disorders, panic attacks, RLS, hallucinogen persisting perception disorder, chronic fatigue syndrome, night terrors, and Tourette syndrome. Klonopin is also used to treat mania in conjunction with other drugs like lithium, haloperidol, and risperidone. Klonopin is marketed by Roche in the US as Klonopin. Klonopin is a Schedule IV controlled substance in the US and has a potential for abuse. Like other benzodiazepines, which are known CNS depressants, it is speculated to augment the inhibitory neurotransmitter Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) that acts on the central nervous system. Klonopin is a weak sedative despite its strong anticonvulsant and anxiolytic properties.
Proper Dosage and Use:
Klonopin is available in the market in tablet, oral wafer, and liquid form. Klonopin tablets are available in 0.25. 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 mg formulations. The Klonopin oral wafers are marketed in 0.25, 0.5, and 1.0 mg doses. The liquid Klonopin is available in 2.5 mg/ml formulations, while Klonopin injectibles are formulated at 1mg/ml.
Klonopin is used to treat and prevent epileptic seizures. As a management of epileptic seizures, 1mg of Klonopin is given intravenously, with intervals ranging from 10 to 20 minutes between doses, until the epileptic attacks cease. Klonopin may also be used as a palliative, giving doses ranging from 1mg to 20mg of Klonopin to prevent epileptic seizures. Klonopin has proven to be effective in managing forms petit-mal epilepsy or absence seizures. However there is a tendency to develop tolerance to the drug, invoking the need to increase doses given to epileptic patients, and even slowly tapering and replacing Klonopin with another anticonvulsant.
In divided doses, 0.5mg to 10mg of Klonopin is given daily to treat anxiety and panic disorders. Restless Legs Syndrome may be managed by giving doses of Klonopin ranging from 1mg to 2mg at bedtime. As a treatment for mania, a daily dose of 20mg may be given divided throughout the day.
As with other drugs, the use of Klonopin should be followed precisely as the doctor ordered. If you are not getting the desired results from Klonopin, consult with your physician first before increasing the dose of the drug. Klonopin interacts with other drugs. So, if you are currently under other medications, it is important to check with you doctor first before you start using Klonopin.
The use of Klonopin is not advised for patients with conditions such as Myasthenia gravis, a neuromuscular disease with acute onset, characterized by sever muscle weakness that may be observed in facial expression, speech impediment, swallowing difficulty and depressed breathing. People with ataxia are also another condition where Klonopin should not be taken. People with depressed respiration and liver deficiencies should also not use Klonopin. It is also important to check a patient’s history for allergy to benzodiazepines and a history of substance abuse, because Klonopin has a potential for abuse.
Side Effects:
The drug Klonopin is known to cause the following side effects:
- Nervousness, depression, decreased coordination
- Watering of the mouth
- Constipation
The following are severe reactions to the drug, in which the cessation of Klonopin treatment and immediate medical attention is imperative.
- Any allergic reactions such as difficulty of breathing, swelling of the lips, tongue or face, hives
- Seizures
- Somnolence (difficulty staying awake)
- Hypotension
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and/or eyes)
Klonopin Abuse:
Like other benzodiazepines, Klonopin also has a potential for abuse. Benzodiazepines are usually used by substance abusers together with other drugs or alcohol. This practice is very hazardous because of substance synergy, augmenting each other’s effects. This may lead to disastrous effects, such as coma and even death. Klonopin is also hepatotoxic in very high doses, meaning that it can damage the liver permanently if the drug is abused. Klonopin is also abused by substance abusers to decrease the bad after-effects of other drugs.
Klonopin Addiction Rehabilitation:
Klonopin rehabilitation should always be facilitated by medical professionals. Klonopin withdrawal symptoms such as behavioral disorders, hallucinations, psychosis, abdominal and muscle cramps, and others, could be severe and even fatal.
Klonopin Addicts should undergo detoxification under medical supervision, which involves gradually tapering the drug’s dosage. After detoxification, it is also important that the patient receive counseling and group therapy to address underlying factors of the addiction and to formulate the ideal intervention. This ensures a lasting solution and elimination of the dependence from these substances.
What Klonopin Addiction Rehabilitation Patients say about Malibu Horizon
The identities of the people writing these testimonials have been withheld to protect their inalienable right to privacy. The names that follow are fictional names of the author’s choosing.
"During a depressed period in my life, I made the stupid decision to use drugs to escape from it all. I used Klonopin to come down, but pretty soon, I knew what I was doing was only making things worse for me. I was doing anything to better myself and I knew that I wanted a fresh start. I came to Malibu Horizon and sure enough, they helped me reform and now I have a brighter outlook in life." –Chase
"I was an alcoholic among other things. I also used other stuff. One time, I did a dumb thing and took these pills after having a drink. Turns out it was Klonopin, and I had a hard time breathing. If my friends didn’t come in time, I’d probably be dead. Now, I’m sober for more than 2 years after I went to Malibu Horizon." –Alex
"Malibu Horizon is where I was able to start over. And that is something that is priceless." –Andre
"More than anything else, I’d like to thank Malibu Horizon for bringing my son back to me. He got with the wrong crowd and, as a parent, I had a hard time on thinking of the best thing to do. It’s a good thing their rehabilitation clinic is so efficient that, now, my son is free from the ghosts of his past." –Mary
"In the beginning, I was trying to get off my bad habit on my own, but it proved to something that’s more than I can handle. I’d get off for 2-3 days then start using that stuff again… I knew I can’t do it alone, so I came to Malibu Horizon and I was amazed that they delivered that I can’t dream possible going at it alone." -Carlos