How Long Does Klonopin Stay In Your System
Also known as clonazepam, Klonopin is a benzodiazepine used to calm panic disorders and to treat seizures. It is a strong medication with certain side effects and contraindications and is not meant for use in people under the age of 18. The medication is quite effective and, because of that, is sometimes abused by people with addiction problems. If you are taking Klonopin or are thinking about taking Klonopin, the information here will help you learn more about the drug and will also answer the commonly asked question, “how long does Klonopin stay in your system?”
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What Is Klonopin?
Klonopin works by affecting the chemicals in your brain when they come unbalanced for any reason. It is most often prescribed for treating panic disorders in adults as well as seizure disorders including epilepsy, Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, and absence seizures. It is usually only used for short periods of time since it can be habit forming (it is not recommended to take this for more than nine weeks unless explicitly directed by a doctor).
If you have been prescribed this medication or if you’re considering taking it, it’s important to take it exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take more than the recommended dose or longer than the designated amount of time you were told to take it. When taking Klonopin swallow the whole tablet with a full glass of water for the proper effect. Avoid stopping Klonopin suddenly as it can lead to withdrawal symptoms including convulsions/seizures.
You doctor will help you taper off the medication properly when they feel it’s time for you to come off of the medication. You may also have to undergo different medical tests while you take Klonopin in order to make sure the medication isn’t affecting you in adverse ways.
It is also important to store this medication in a safe place. Since Klonopin is habit forming and abused by addicts frequently, you must make sure not to share this medication or leave it where a known addict can easily find it. Keep track of your pills and count them to make sure that you aren’t missing any if you’re worried about someone misusing your prescription.
Side Effects Of Klonopin?
If you miss a dose of Klonopin, take it as soon as you remember unless it’s too close to your next dose. If it is too close, skip the missed dose and continue on schedule. If you mistakenly overdose on the medication seek emergency help immediately. Overdose symptoms include:
- Confusion
- Fatigue/drowsiness
- Muscle weakness
- Coma/Fainting
While taking this medication you should avoid drinking alcohol. You should also avoid operating heavy machinery or driving until you are sure of how the medication will affect you. Some may experience ongoing dizziness or fatigue while taking this which may cause accidents.
Like any medication, Klonopin does have side effects that you may experience as you take it. Some of the common side effects are:
The regular, expected side effect of Klonopin is the sedative effect that it has. This can last longer in older patients and can lead to accidental trips or falls in elderly patients. For that reason, older patients should use more caution when taking Klonopin in order to avoid accidental injuries.
There may also be other more serious side effects including those related to an allergic reaction to the medication. Allergy symptoms include swelling of the mouth, face, tongue, and throat, hives, and difficulty breathing. Other concerning side effects including irregular heartbeats/a fluttering feeling in the chest, panic attacks, insomnia, involuntary eye movements, mood swings, general behavior changes, or suicidal thoughts should be reported to a doctor immediately.
New or worsening seizures should also be reported. Advise your family of these adverse side effects, especially those regarding your mood or behaviors so they can report any noticeable changes to your or your health provider. Your doctor may also check you regularly for these changes as well as for depression and suicidal thoughts.
You may also run into issues if you’re taking Klonopin along with other medications. If you take this with sleeping aids, narcotics, cough medicines, muscle relaxers, or antidepressants, you may experience breathing problems or extreme fatigue. Discuss other medications with your doctor before starting Klonopin. You should also discuss over-the-counter medications including herbal supplements or vitamins as those may also interfere with Klonopin in adverse ways.
You shouldn’t take Klonopin if you are allergic to other benzodiazepine medications, if you have severe liver or kidney disease, or if you have narrow-angle glaucoma. People with breathing problems or enzyme disorders may not be able to take Klonopin either.
If you are pregnant or thinking about conceiving, talk to your doctor first. If you are already on Klonopin and you get pregnant, disclose this to your doctor right away so they can help you along the way. The medication might cause harm to your unborn baby and lead to feeding or breathing problems in newborns. In general, the belief is that seizure disorders during pregnancy are more harmful than the effects of the Klonopin on mother and child, but you should be monitored carefully throughout the pregnancy.
You may also be tracked on a pregnancy registry in order to track your treatment and the health of your baby once it is born. Similarly, Klonopin can pass through breast milk and cause harm to your baby. You should not nurse your child while taking Klonopin.
How Long Does Klonopin Stay In Your System?
Now that you know a little more about Klonopin, the question “how long does Klonopin stay in your system?” In order to best determine this, the half-life of the medication has to be considered. This is the amount of time it takes for half of one dose of Klonopin to be eliminated from your system. Klonopin has a half-life of 30 to 40 hours. It is quite long when compared to other medications. Remember, this is only for half of a single dose. Using this estimation it can be assumed that Klonopin stays in your system completely from anywhere from six to nine days after taking the final dose.
There have been some differing reports, however, that say that the half-life of Klonopin can be closer to 18 to 60 hours which means the time it takes to leave your system completely will be anywhere from four to 14 days. Most drug tests will detect Klonopin up to 14 days after the last dose. If you’re legally taking Klonopin and have a prescription, be sure to produce the valid prescription and a letter from your during a drug test as proof.
There are variable that can affect how long Klonopin stays in your system, however. Some of these are:
- Age of the patient
- Weight of the patient/Body mass/Body fat
- Height of the patient
- Genetics
- Diet/food habits
- Liver and kidney function
- Metabolic rate
- The dosage of the prescription
- Frequency/duration of use
- Urinary pH
Conclusion
You now have all of the information you need to safely take Klonopin under your doctor’s supervision. You also have an answer to the question “how long does Klonopin stay in your system?” Remember to always follow your doctor’s orders and to keep an eye out for worrisome side effects. If you have been abusing Klonopin or are worried that a loved one may be doing so, speak to an addiction expert or to a doctor immediately for help.
