Clonazepam Uses, Effects, and Risks

Clonazepam is a type of benzodiazepine, which is a powerful class of medications that can both help and harm. While this prescription medication offers relief for many people with anxiety disorders and seizures, its potential for dependence means that anyone taking clonazepam should be well-informed about its potential effects, benefits, and complications.

What is Clonazepam?

Clonazepam functions like many other benzodiazepines in that it acts on the brain and central nervous system to enhance the effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). This neurotransmitter helps calm nerve activity. As such, clonazepam, which is sold under the brand name Klonopin, is widely prescribed for a variety of conditions such as panic disorders and seizures ^[1]. In fact, according to the 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), more than 23.89 million people aged 12 or older used prescription benzodiazepines such as clonazepam in the past year ^[2]. 

Along with its therapeutic effects, however, clonazepam can produce intense relaxation and euphoria. As such, it can be misused to achieve a high, and continued misuse can lead to dependence and addiction ^[3]. Of those who use prescription benzos such as clonazepam, 3.69 million reported misusing them during the last year ^[2]. Perhaps not surprisingly, clonazepam is classified as a Schedule IV substance by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), which means it has accepted medical uses but also carries a risk for misuse and dependence ^[4]. 

Given the benefits and risks of clonazepam, healthcare providers must carefully evaluate each patient’s needs before prescribing clonazepam. As an added precaution, clonazepam dosage typically starts low, with gradual increases until the desired therapeutic effect is achieved. This careful approach helps minimize side effects and the risk of dependence. 

Common Uses for Clonazepam 

Healthcare providers primarily prescribe clonazepam for two major categories of conditions: mental health conditions and neurological disorders. In mental health treatment, clonazepam plays a significant role in managing panic disorder, and it’s sometimes used in the treatment of acute mania ^[1]. 

When it comes to neurological disorders, clonazepam’s ability to calm overactive brain circuits makes it particularly effective for treating various types of seizure disorders, including ^[1]: 

• Acute epilepsy
• Continuous seizures (i.e., nonconvulsive status epilepticus)
• Minor motor seizures in childhood 
• Psychomotor seizures
• Myoclonic epilepsies
• Grand mal seizures
• Focal motor seizures 

However, thanks to its calming effects, clonazepam is also prescribed to treat restless leg syndrome, teeth grinding, and akathisia, which is a movement disorder where people feel an intense and constant urge to move. That said, these applications are less common and typically reserved for cases where other treatments have proven ineffective ^[1]. 

Clonazepam Side Effects

Some of clonazepam’s more common side effects occur when people initially start taking the medicine, but tend to dissipate within the first couple of weeks. Common side effects of clonazepam use include ^[3]: 

• Drowsiness
• Fatigue
• Lightheadedness
• Dizziness
• Impaired coordination
• Difficulty concentrating

Various other side effects are also possible. Rare and more serious side effects of clonazepam include ^[3]:

• Extreme fatigue
• Dizziness, headache
• Trouble speaking
• Shortness of breath
• Increased heart rate
• Memory impairment
• Irritability
• Loss of consciousness

Additionally, clonazepam can interact with a host of other medications. In particular, the use of opioids, alcohol, and other sedating medications can cause severe adverse effects, including respiratory depression and death ^[3]. 

Clonazepam Misuse and Addiction

Despite this medicine’s therapeutic benefits, clonazepam risks include the potential for misuse and addiction. The medication’s calming and euphoric effects can lead some people to take higher doses than prescribed or use it more frequently than recommended. This pattern of misuse can develop into a sedative, hypnotic, or anxiolytic use disorder, a medical condition characterized by problematic patterns of use that cause significant impairment in daily life ^[5]. 

The path from prescribed use to addiction often begins subtly. As the body adapts to clonazepam’s presence, tolerance may develop, meaning larger doses are needed to achieve the same therapeutic effect. This tolerance can lead to physical dependence, where the body relies on the medication to function normally. 

Signs of a developing substance use disorder can include persistent cravings for the medication, inability to cut down or stop use despite wanting to, continued use despite adverse consequences, and neglecting responsibilities at work, school, or home. While the development of tolerance and withdrawal symptoms does not necessarily mean someone is addicted, when combined with the symptoms mentioned above, they suggest the presence of a substance use disorder ^[5].

Withdrawal and Overdose

When someone has used benzodiazepines like clonazepam for a prolonged period, their brain and body become accustomed to the medication’s effects. Suddenly stopping or rapidly reducing clonazepam use can trigger withdrawal symptoms, which can include both physical and psychological symptoms. 

Physical symptoms can include weakness, headaches, fatigue, seizures, tremors, gastrointestinal symptoms, and more. Meanwhile, psychological symptoms can include depression, anxiety, insomnia, delirium, hallucinations, and psychosis ^[6]. These symptoms illustrate why medical supervision is important during any attempt to stop or reduce clonazepam use.

The risk of overdose is another serious concern. Taking too much clonazepam, especially in combination with other depressants, can slow breathing and heart rate to dangerous levels. Signs of overdose can include loss of consciousness, discolored skin, constricted pupils that don’t react to light, and slow, shallow, or difficult breathing ^[7]. 

To address a potential overdose, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the following steps ^[7]: 

• Administer an overdose reversal medication like naloxone (if available) and call 911.
• Try to keep the person awake and breathing.
• Lay the person on their side to prevent choking.
• Stay with the person until emergency assistance arrives.

Polysubstance Use

Polysubstance use is never safe, as the effects of two substances can be particularly unpredictable. However, the combination of clonazepam with alcohol, opioids, or other depressants is particularly hazardous, as these substances can intensify each other’s effects on the central nervous system. This dangerous interaction can lead to severe respiratory depression, where breathing becomes dangerously slow or stops completely ^[8]. 

Treatment for Clonazepam Addiction

If someone develops clonazepam addiction, treatment is available, and recovery is possible. Treatment often starts with medically supervised withdrawal, as stopping the medication abruptly can trigger intense withdrawal symptoms and sometimes dangerous complications. Medically monitored detox allows professionals to design gradual tapering schedules that enable the body to adjust safely, reducing the risk of severe symptoms or relapse. 

After a medically supervised detox, several levels of care can help address both the physical and psychological aspects of addiction. Inpatient programs provide a structured environment with 24/7 medical and emotional support, which can be especially helpful for those with severe dependence or co-occurring mental health conditions.

As a step down in intensity from inpatient care, partial hospitalization programs (PHPs) and intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) offer intensive therapy and support while allowing people to return home at night. Outpatient care, the lowest level of formal treatment options, may be suitable for those with mild to moderate dependence or strong support systems at home.

Therapeutic approaches such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), other forms of therapy, and group support are essential components of ongoing recovery. These strategies help people build coping skills, address the underlying reasons for misuse, and maintain long-term well-being. 

Safe Use of Clonazepam 

Safe clonazepam use begins with an open and honest conversation with a healthcare provider. It’s important to discuss all symptoms, medical and psychological history, current medications, substance use, and more to ensure that clonazepam use is safe and recommended for a person’s specific situation. If clonazepam is prescribed, careful adherence to dosages and regular communication with healthcare providers are essential.

Medical professionals typically prescribe this medication for short-term use or intermittent dosing to reduce the risk of dependence. Nevertheless, patients should watch for early warning signs of dependence, such as needing higher doses to achieve the same effect or experiencing anxiety between doses. 

It’s also important to avoid alcohol and illicit drug use due to the aforementioned dangers of polysubstance use. Use of other sedating medications alongside clonazepam can be similarly dangerous. Thus, ongoing communication with a healthcare provider is essential ^[3]. 

Clonazepam Use in Special Populations

Clonazepam can be prescribed for people in different stages of life, but its risks and benefits may vary depending on age, medical history, and unique health needs. For example, older adults face distinctive challenges when using clonazepam. Age-related changes in metabolism can make seniors more sensitive to its effects, increasing the risk of confusion, dizziness, falls, or balance problems ^[1]. 

Pregnancy and breastfeeding add another layer of complexity. Clonazepam can pass into breast milk, potentially affecting babies. Therefore, using while breastfeeding isn’t recommended. Similarly, pregnant people are generally advised to avoid benzodiazepines unless the benefits outweigh the risks, as exposure may increase the risk of birth defects. Plus, the use of clonazepam in late pregnancy can lead to decreased muscle tone or withdrawal symptoms in newborns ^[1]. Thus, shared decision-making with a healthcare provider is essential during pregnancy and breastfeeding to weigh the safest options for both parent and child. 

Key Takeaways About Clonazepam Use

Clonazepam is a powerful medication that can offer meaningful relief for people struggling with anxiety, seizures, and other conditions. However, its therapeutic value comes with significant risks, especially when misused or combined with other substances. Dependence, withdrawal, and overdose are also significant concerns that underscore the need for cautious prescribing and close medical supervision.

The key to safe and effective use lies in open communication with a healthcare provider, strict adherence to dosing guidelines, and awareness of potential side effects or warning signs of dependence. Plus, special populations, such as older adults and pregnant women, should work closely with medical professionals to assess the medication’s risks and benefits. Ultimately, however, when used responsibly and under appropriate care, clonazepam can be part of a safe and successful treatment plan for a host of conditions.