Klonopin (Clonazepam) Withdrawal & Detox
Klonopin is a type of benzodiazepine and the brand name for clonazepam, a commonly prescribed medication used to treat panic and seizure disorders. Withdrawal from benzodiazepines (or “benzos”) like Klonopin can be severe and uncomfortable.
Read on to learn more about what happens when a person suddenly stops or reduces their use of Klonopin and how medical detox can help keep a person safe and comfortable during clonazepam withdrawal.
Klonopin (Clonazepam) Withdrawal
Klonopin withdrawal results from physical dependence on the drug. Dependence develops as the body becomes so used to a drug being present in its system that it feels like it needs this drug to function normally.1
Once dependence develops, a person will experience Klonopin withdrawal symptoms if they attempt to suddenly stop or reduce their use.2,3
Klonopin use or misuse for as little as 2 weeks can lead to dependence and the associated withdrawal symptoms.4
Dependence and addiction are not the same thing. But dependence and the resultant withdrawal syndrome can compel a person to restart or continue substance use to avoid withdrawal symptoms, which also promotes compulsive use and addiction.1,3
Withdrawal from Klonopin and other benzos can be severe and is one of the withdrawal syndromes for which a supervised medical detox is generally recommended.3,5
Klonopin Withdrawal Symptoms
Klonopin withdrawal symptoms can range from mildly uncomfortable to serious and life-threatening. These symptoms may include:2,3
- Elevated vital signs (e.g., increased heart rate, blood pressure, and temperature).
- Sweating.
- Hand tremors.
- Insomnia.
- Nausea or vomiting.
- Agitation.
- Anxiety.
- Depression.
- Hallucinations.
- Seizures.
Misusing Klonopin in high doses for extended periods of time may lead to more severe or prolonged (and dangerous) withdrawal symptoms.3,4
Is Klonopin Withdrawal Dangerous?
Yes, in severe cases, Klonopin withdrawal can be dangerous and may include seizures or other potentially life-threatening symptoms.3,5
Can You Quit Klonopin Cold Turkey?
No, attempting to stop regular Klonopin use cold turkey is not recommended and may increase the risk of serious medical complications. Treatment professionals typically advise that people stop using Klonopin under medical supervision, where providers can monitor acute symptoms and prescribe a medication regimen as needed.3,5
How Long Does Klonopin Withdrawal Last?
The withdrawal timeline for Klonopin and other benzodiazepines varies depending on the specific drug and its half-life.2
For short-acting benzodiazepines (e.g., Ativan, Xanax), withdrawal effects typically begin 6–8 hours after the last use, peak around the second day, and start to resolve by the fourth or fifth day.2,3
For longer-acting benzodiazepines (e.g., Valium), withdrawal effects may not develop for more than a week after the last use, peak ahead of the second week, and markedly improve during the third or fourth week.2
But these are just general estimates. Some people who suddenly stop taking benzos may experience mild withdrawal symptoms that persist for months.2,3
These lingering withdrawal symptoms can include anxiety and depression, as well as trouble concentrating, remembering, and sleeping.2,3
Medically Supervised Klonopin Detox
Due to the risk of severe withdrawal symptoms, treatment professionals generally recommend that people discontinue the use of Klonopin and other benzodiazepines in a hospital or other inpatient setting with 24-hour medical care.5
During medical detox, providers monitor patients and provide supportive care. As needed, doctors may also gradually taper a person’s dose of Klonopin over time or substitute Klonopin with another drug and gradually reduce the dose of that medication.5
Medical detox helps ensure patient safety and comfort throughout the withdrawal process. Patients receive support, supervision, and immediate medical attention if any complications arise.5
Klonopin Detox in Florida at Recovery First
If you or a loved one is struggling with an addiction to Klonopin or other benzos, professional treatment can help.
At Recovery First, our inpatient addiction treatment facility near Miami offers different types of rehab designed to meet the individual needs of each patient.
To learn more about our programs, paying for rehab, or using insurance to pay for rehab, contact our admissions navigators at . They can answer all your questions and help you start treatment today.
You can also check whether we accept your specific insurance by filling out this quick and confidential .
When you’re ready, we are ready to provide the support you need and deserve to recover from addiction.
American Addiction Centers (AAC) is committed to delivering original, truthful, accurate, unbiased, and medically current information. We strive to create content that is clear, concise, and easy to understand.
While we are unable to respond to your feedback directly, we'll use this information to improve our online help.