Short & Long-Term Effects of Clonazepam Abuse

Clonazepam, branded as Klonopin, is a benzodiazepine generally used to treat seizure disorders and panic disorders. This medication can be beneficial for people struggling with these conditions, but clonazepam carries a risk of misuse, abuse, and dependence.1

The effects of clonazepam abuse can be both short-term and long-term.1 Keep reading to learn more about Klonopin effects and how to start your recovery journey at our rehab center in Kansas City.

Short-Term Effects of Clonazepam (Klonopin) 

Clonazepam, like most prescription drugs, can have general side effects. Klonopin side effects don’t occur in everyone.1 If they do, they’re typically short-term and may be mild for many people when used as prescribed.1 Here are some common short-term effects of clonazepam2:

• Lethargy
• Sedation
• Drowsiness
• Motor impairment (e.g., dizziness, impaired coordination, impaired balance)

Some less common side effects include blurred vision, confusion, lack of motivation, loss of libido, worsening depression, and irritability. Klonopin can also cause unintended paradoxical reactions such as increased agitation, irritability, or aggression. While possible, these clonazepam side effects are considered rare.2

Adverse effects can be worse and more likely to happen when misusing Klonopin. Misuse can mean taking more Klonopin than prescribed or mixing it with other drugs or alcohol. Abusing clonazepam can increase the mental and physical health risks associated with the drug. Withdrawal can also become more unpredictable and challenging if you misuse Klonopin. The following are some effects of clonazepam abuse1:

• Respiratory depression
• Increased motor impairment
• Significant physical and psychological dependence
• Withdrawal symptoms
• Overdose
• Increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior (a known risk associated with some anticonvulsant medications)

Long-Term Effects of Clonazepam (Klonopin)

Long-term Klonopin abuse can lead to dependence, addiction, and other serious health risks. It’s possible to build a tolerance with the continued use of any substance over time. Tolerance can develop over time, which may reduce the drug’s effectiveness leading users to take more frequent or higher doses to produce the same desired effects. This can put you at an increased risk of developing serious health risks from clonazepam and experiencing an overdose.1

Repeated Klonopin use can also cause you to become mentally and physically dependent on the drug. In other words, your body may begin to rely on clonazepam to function normally.1 One study found that participants experienced long-term changes in the brain and nervous system after stopping benzos, such as Klonopin.3 These effects persisted for more than a year for more than half of participants.3 Participants in one survey reported long-term symptoms such as:

• Low energy3
• Distractedness3
• Memory loss3
• Anxiety3
• Sleep disturbances3
• Sensitivity to sights and sounds3
• Digestive issues3
• Muscle weakness3
• Body aches and pains3
• Increased tolerance1
• Withdrawal symptoms1

Other Risks of Clonazepam Misuse

Mixing Klonopin with other drugs or alcohol can increase the likelihood of adverse effects and the risk of overdose.1 Many clonazepam overdoses involve other substances, like opioids or alcohol.1 In 2017, 63% of the 8,761 poison control center calls involving benzos involved other substances, including stimulants, opioids, or alcohol.4

When Klonopin is mixed with other benzos, opioids, or alcohol, it can slow breathing to dangerous, potentially fatal rates. These substances are all central nervous system (CNS) depressants. Although they act on different receptor sites that regulate breathing, taking them together can result in extreme drowsiness, respiratory depression, coma, and death.1

Using clonazepam with stimulants, like cocaine or meth, can also be dangerous. These substances can be unpredictable when used together. Sometimes the effects of one or both can be concealed and mask how impaired you really are. This can lead to taking more than intended, increasing the risk of overdose.5

Clonazepam (Klonopin) Overdose Symptoms

Clonazepam overdose is a risk of abusing or misusing the drug. People who misuse Klonopin often take higher doses than recommended or mix it with drugs or alcohol. Here are some common clonazepam overdose symptoms1:

• Confusion
• Excessive drowsiness
• Respiratory depression
• Sedation
• Delayed responses
• Coma

If someone is showing clonazepam overdose signs, be sure to call 911 immediately and remain with them until help arrives.

Clonazepam Withdrawal Symptoms & Treatment

When you become dependent or addicted to Klonopin, you may experience withdrawal symptoms if you stop or reduce your usual dosage. Clonazepam and other benzodiazepines produce dangerous withdrawal symptoms that can be life-threatening. These symptoms may be present if you’re experiencing Klonopin withdrawal1:

• Insomnia
• Anxiety
• Emotional distress
• Tremors
• Seizures

While withdrawal symptoms can be one of the effects of clonazepam addiction, they’re generally short-term.1 Still, at times, they can persist for weeks or longer.1 Medical detox can help you safely withdraw without clonazepam dangers. During medical detox, you’ll have ongoing access to care and monitoring to help you reach stabilization and remain as comfortable as possible throughout the process.6

After detox, most transition to another level of care, such as inpatient or outpatient treatment.6 These programs offer further treatment and can help you gain essential coping skills for lasting recovery.6 Addiction treatment facilities may also provide medication-assisted treatment (MAT) depending on the substances you are being treated for. This whole-person approach provides FDA-approved medications to help you manage withdrawal symptoms and cravings, while reducing the chances of relapse.6,7

Clonazepam (Klonopin) Addiction Treatment in Kansas City

If you or a loved one is struggling with the effects of Klonopin addiction, help is available at Empowered Recovery Kansas City. Our exceptional treatment facility offers various levels of addiction treatment, including partial hospitalization programs (PHPs), intensive outpatient programs (IOPs), and standard outpatient care.

If you have questions about going to rehab, our admissions team is here to offer guidance and support. We can work with you to choose the best type of program for your unique needs and help you understand your options for paying for rehab in Kansas City, including using insurance to pay for rehab. We accept several commercial insurance plans and offer other payment options, like payment plans.

Starting the road to recovery can open the doors to lasting healing and ongoing support. Contact Empowered Recovery Kansas City to check your insurance coverage and find suitable care for your situation.

References

1. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2023). KLONOPIN TABLETS. Retrieved on March 18, 2026, fromhttps://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2023/017533s062lbl.pdf
2. Basit, H., Kahwaji, C. (2023). Clonazepam. Retrieved on March 18, 2026, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK556010/
3. Ritvo, A., Foster, D., Huff, C., Finlayson, A. et al. (2023). Long-term consequences of benzodiazepine-induced neurological dysfunction: A survey. Retrieved on March 18, 2026, from https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10309976/
4. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2020). FDA Drug Safety Communication. Retrieved on March 18, 2026, fromhttps://www.fda.gov/media/142368/download
5. U.S. Centers for Disease Control. (2024). Polysubstance Use Facts. Retrieved on March 18, 2026, fromhttps://www.cdc.gov/stop-overdose/caring/polysubstance-use.html
6. National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2018). Principles of Drug Addiction Treatment: A Research-Based Guide (Third Edition). Retrieved on March 18, 2026, from https://nida.nih.gov/sites/default/files/podat-3rdEd-508.pdf
7. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2025). Substance Use Disorder Treatment Options. Retrieved on March 18, 2026, from https://www.samhsa.gov/substance-use/treatment/options