If you are being weaned or tapered off of clonazepam, you will likely experience clonazepam withdrawal symptoms. Clonazepam, classed as a medium-acting benzodiazepine, is considered to be highly addictive both physically and/or psychologically. There are many side effects when stopping the use of clonazepam that range from mildly irritating to medically urgent.
Clonazepam addiction and the resulting withdrawal symptoms are serious issues often requiring outside intervention from skilled professionals. Fortunately, some doctors and therapists specialize in helping guide you through this process.
The list below is not all-inclusive, as symptoms may vary from person to person, but here are some of the more common problems that people experience with clonazepam withdrawal symptoms, both physical and psychological:
Table of Contents
Common Physical Withdrawal Symptoms
- Difficulty sleeping, including waking repeatedly and nightmares.
- Loss of appetite and nausea
- Headaches
- Blurred vision or other optical disturbances
- Dizziness or unsteadiness
- General muscle aches and pains or muscle tension
- Seizures, including “grand mal”, a serious medical emergency
- Neuropathy a feeling similar to a “pins and needles” sensation
- Hypersensitivity to light and sound
- General flu-like symptoms
Common Psychological Withdrawal Symptoms
- Insomnia – difficulty falling or staying asleep
- Agitation and irritability
- Difficulty concentrating
- Depression or just feeling “blue”
- Anxiety or nervousness
- Confusion and poor memory
- Auditory and/or visual hallucinations
- Suicidal thoughts
General Timeline On Withdrawal Symptoms
Clonazepam withdrawal symptoms vary depending on the individual. How long you have taken clonazepam, and the amount you take will likely contribute to the length and severity of your symptoms. Withdrawal symptoms can last for days, weeks, months, or even years. Be aware that anxiety can last a year or longer, and users following withdrawal often have difficulty handling stressful situations without treatment.
Rebound symptoms, or the return of your original symptoms when you started taking clonazepam, are likely to return for an extended period without intervention. High-dose clonazepam users typically experience more severe symptoms, such as seizures and psychotic reactions, than those of lower dosages or short-term users.
Below is an approximate timeline based on information from addiction specialists so that you have some idea of what to expect on withdrawal symptoms possibly:
1-4 days: Withdrawal symptoms such as rebound anxiety and insomnia could begin.
10-14 days: This is the total withdrawal period for clonazepam, typically lasting for 10 to 14 days.
15 days plus: Users may experience long-term anxiety without some form of treatment or therapy.
Know What To Expect
There are risks in taking any medication and starting and stopping treatment. If you do plan on stopping treatment or medications, plan accordingly to minimize withdrawal symptoms. Clonazepam withdrawal symptoms affect many people both physically and emotionally every day. Knowing what to expect for signs and how long they could last will hopefully help you through this ordeal.
