Klonopin Withdrawal: An Introduction
Klonopin® (
clonazepam) is a prescription medication approved to treat
panic disorder and certain types of epileptic
seizures. It is part of a group of medications known as benzodiazepines. All benzodiazepines are controlled substances, which means that Klonopin can cause psychological and physical dependence. Because it can cause dependence, you should not suddenly stop taking Klonopin.
Klonopin Withdrawal Symptoms
Stopping Klonopin too quickly (especially if you have been taking high doses of Klonopin) can cause withdrawal symptoms. Klonopin withdrawal symptoms can include, but are not limited to:
- Numbness or tingling
- Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
- A rapid heartbeat (tachycardia)
- Heart palpitations
- Hallucinations
- Memory loss
- Panic attacks
- Dizziness
- Personality changes
- Sensitivity to sound or light
- Fever
- Headaches
- Anxiety
- Tension
- Depression
- Insomnia
- Restlessness or irritability
- Confusion
- Sweating.
As with other
epilepsy medications, stopping Klonopin too quickly can increase your risk of
seizures, or may even cause you to have a type of seizure you have never had before.