Clonazepam, also known by its brand name Klonopin, is a common prescription medication used to treat certain seizure disorders and panic attacks. It was first patented in 1960 and became generally available in the UK and the US from the mid-70’s. The NHS webpage has some good info on the drug.
What Is Clonazepam and How Is It Used?
Clonazepam is a member of a group of medications called benzodiazepines. It works by increasing the effects of the neurotransmitter GABA in the brain, which helps calm nervous system activity.
Doctors may prescribe Clonazepam to treat conditions like:
- Panic disorder
- Certain types of seizures like Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and myoclonic seizures
People take Clonazepam orally, usually twice or three times a day. The effects kick in relatively quickly, typically within an hour.
Effects and Side Effects
Clonazepam when taken correctly, helps control seizures or lowers the number and intensity of panic attacks. Yet, it can have side effects if misused. Possible side effects include:
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Loss of coordination
- Slurred speech
- Confusion
- Depression
- Unusual thoughts or behaviour
- Suicidal thoughts
Combining Clonazepam with alcohol or opioids is especially dangerous and can lead to severely slowed breathing, coma, or even death.
How Long It’s Detectable in Your System
Due to its long half-life of 20-50 hours, Clonazepam stays in your system longer than many other medications. The half-life is the time it takes your body to eliminate half of the dose.
So how long will Clonazepam show up on various drug tests?
- Urine tests: Up to 4 weeks
- Hair tests: Up to 4 weeks
- Saliva tests: Up to 1 week
However, results can vary substantially based on personal factors like your age, weight, metabolism and dosage taken. The more Clonazepam you take and the more frequently you take it, the longer it will be detectable.
Developing a Dependence
While Clonazepam is effective when used properly, it does carry a risk of dependence, tolerance and addiction – especially with long-term use. As you take it more regularly, your body adapts and needs higher doses to achieve the same effects. This makes stopping suddenly dangerous.
Signs of dependence include:
- Needing to take it daily to avoid withdrawal symptoms
- Taking more than prescribed
- Continuing to use despite negative consequences
- Spending a lot of time obtaining, using, or recovering from Clonazepam
Risks of Quitting Clonazepam Cold Turkey
Because of how Clonazepam affects your brain, stopping abruptly can cause severe withdrawal symptoms, including:
- Anxiety or panic attacks
- Hand tremors
- Muscle cramps and pain
- Insomnia
- Heart palpitations
- Seizures
This is why it’s extremely important to wean off Clonazepam slowly under medical supervision. Suddenly quitting cold turkey after taking it regularly opens you up to painful and dangerous withdrawal effects which could even kill you!
Seeking Help for Addiction
If you, a friend or relative has become hooked on Clonazepam, get help now. To stop taking it, you should always cut down under a doctor’s care.
For many, joining a rehab program is the best way to get clean and pick up new ways to handle anxiety or seizures without long-term Clonazepam use. The backup and medical watch can help you in getting sober and staying off the drug. Also, support groups offer ongoing help and keep you on track during and after treatment. Many of these groups and charities can be found by looking on our website, or from a Google search. Contact us if in doubt…
If you find yourself dependent on this drug and wish to quit, remember that you have support options. You don’t need to face this all on your own. Personalised support and some helpful guidance can help you to reduce your Clonazepam use and begin to create a healthy life without drugs.
Detecting Benzodiazepines with the 12 Panel T-Square Saliva Drug Test Kit
The T-Square Saliva Drug Test Kit offers a reliable way to detect benzodiazepines like Clonazepam in your system. This FDA-approved test screens for twelve different drug types, including common tranquillisers such as Valium and Xanax, alongside other substances like THC, cocaine, and opiates. What makes this test particularly useful is its quick results – you’ll know within 5 minutes whether benzodiazepines are present in someone’s system. The test uses cutting-edge immunoassay technology to deliver over 99% accuracy, making it perfect for both work or personal use.
At Zoom Testing, we’ve spent years helping UK customers find the right drug testing solutions for their needs.
We know our stuff and try to keep ahead of most drug trends and news. As specialists in drug testing, we often recommend the T-Square kit because it’s straightforward to use and provides clear results – two lines mean negative, one line means positive.
We like this test. The test’s CLIA waived status means you can use it at home or in the workplace without special training. Whether you’re an employer running a workplace testing programme, a healthcare provider, or someone concerned about prescription drug use, we’re here to help you choose the right test. You can reach out to our team anytime with questions about drug testing or to learn more about our complete range of testing solutions.
Photo: “Clonazepam” by Anthony Cunningham for Zoom Testing
Zoom Testing is a leading UK drug testing company and a supplier of Drug Test Kits.
This post was originally published in 2022. It was last updated in January 2025.
