Short and Long-Term Effects of Clonazepam Abuse

Like all prescription drugs, clonazepam can produce short-term side effects in some people.1 Many of these effects may be more noticeable when starting the medication or with higher doses.1 Here are some common short-term effects of clonazepam:

• Lethargy2
• Fatigue2
• Sedation2
• Drowsiness2
• Motor impairment (i.e., dizziness, impaired coordination, impaired balance)2

Side effects, like confusion, blurred vision, loss of libido, worsening depression, irritability, and lack of motivation, are less common but can also occur. Clonazepam can also cause unintended excitement, rage, and impulsive behavior, particularly in older people. Still, these Klonopin side effects are considered rare.2

When you misuse clonazepam, its adverse effects can be worse or more likely to happen.1 Misusing this drug can increase the physical and mental health risks of clonazepam.1 It can also make withdrawal more challenging and unpredictable.1 These are some effects of Klonopin abuse:

• Respiratory depression1
• Increased motor impairment1
• Significant physical and psychological dependence1
• Increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior1
• Withdrawal symptoms1
• Overdose1

With continued use of clonazepam (Klonopin), you may start to build a tolerance. That said, you’ll need more of the substance to experience the same desired effects. Abusing clonazepam for extended periods can lead to dependence, addiction, and other serious health risks.1

For example, one study found that participants reported prolonged neurological and psychological symptoms after stopping benzos, such as Klonopin. For more than half, these effects continued for a year or longer.3

The following are commonly reported long-term effects of clonazepam use:

• 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

Mixing Klonopin with other drugs or alcohol also significantly increases its adverse effects.1 Many benzodiazepine overdoses involve other substances, like opioids and alcohol.1 According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), of the 8,761 poison control center calls involving benzos in 2017, 63% involved other substances, including opioids, stimulants, or alcohol.4

Clonazepam dangers heighten when other substances are involved. Let’s take opioids, for example. Both opioids and benzos act on different receptor sites in the CNS that regulate breathing. Mixing the two can result in extreme drowsiness, respiratory depression, coma, and death.1

Similarly, using Klonopin with alcohol, other CNS depressants, or barbiturates can significantly interfere with brain and body function. Combining these substances can increase drowsiness, slow your breathing, and worsen coordination problems. It also raises the risk of overdose, even if each drug is taken at a normal prescribed dose.1

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

Clonazepam (Klonopin) Overdose Symptoms

Abuse and misuse of benzos, like Klonopin, commonly involve using higher doses than recommended or mixing them with other substances.1 This increases the likelihood of experiencing adverse clonazepam side effects, including overdose.1 Here are some clonazepam overdose signs:

• Confusion1
• Excessive drowsiness1
• Respiratory depression1
• Sedation1
• Delayed responses1
• Trouble speaking or slurred speech1
• Poor coordination1
• Weak or floppy muscles1
• Coma1

If someone is experiencing clonazepam overdose symptoms, always call 911 and remain with them until help arrives.

When you’re dependent or addicted to Klonopin, you’ll experience withdrawal symptoms when stopping use or reducing your typical dose.1 The effects of Klonopin withdrawal can be dangerous and typically require medical attention to detox safely.1 You may notice these symptoms during clonazepam withdrawal:

• Insomnia1
• Anxiety1
• Irritability1
• Depression1
• Tremors1
• Seizures1

While these symptoms are often short-term, some can experience protracted withdrawal syndrome. This occurs when symptoms continue for an extended period after stopping Klonopin, lasting for a few weeks up to a year or longer.1

Quitting clonazepam can seem challenging, but help is available to reach stabilization safely. Medical detox provides 24/7 support and monitoring to help you withdraw from clonazepam before transitioning to an addiction treatment program.6

Many treatment programs offer medication-assisted treatment (MAT) to supplement your journey depending on the substances used. This approach uses FDA-approved medications to manage withdrawal symptoms and cravings while reducing the chances of relapse.6

Starting recovery from Klonopin can be a life-changing step in your pathway to wellness. At Empowered Recovery Center in Atlanta, we’re here to offer support and guidance throughout your journey. Our team provides personalized care that meets you where you are and helps you build skills for lasting recovery.

We offer different types of rehab programs, including partial hospitalization programs (PHPs), intensive outpatient programs, and standard outpatient care. You can access a wide range of services, including medical detox and MAT if applicable.

Our rehab admissions team can help you find the best fit for your unique situation. We’re also here to answer any questions you may have about getting started with treatment. From understanding the cost of rehab to paying for rehab with insurance, we can help you explore your options and simplify the process. Contact Empowered Recovery Center to check your insurance and discover your path to a happier, healthier life.

References

1. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2023). KLONOPIN TABLETS. Retrieved on January 6, 2026, from https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2023/017533s062lbl.pdf
2. Basit, H., Kahwaji, C. (2023). Clonazepam. Retrieved on January 6, 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 January 6, 2026, from https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10309976/
4. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2020). FDA Drug Safety Communication. Retrieved on January 6, 2026, from https://www.fda.gov/media/142368/download
5. U.S. Centers for Disease Control. (2024). Polysubstance Use Facts. Retrieved on January 6, 2026, from https://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 January 6, 2026, from https://nida.nih.gov/sites/default/files/podat-3rdEd-508.pdf