Clonazepam Overdose: Symptoms, Prevention, and Treatment

Clonazepam is a medication used to treat and prevent panic disorder, anxiety, seizure, and movement disorders known as akathisia. It works by calming the brain and nerves.

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Symptoms of a Clonazepam Overdose

Clonazepam can be chronically abused beyond its intended prescription limit due to the fact that it is easily accessible and widely prescribed.

Signs and symptoms of an overdose may include: 

• Drowsiness or extreme fatigue
• Amnesia
• Confusion
• Hallucination
• Slurred speech
• Hypertension
• Slowed or stopped breathing
• Coma
• Death
• Physical weakness and lack of coordination

Clonazepam Addiction

Clonazepam has the potential for abuse and addiction. Taking more than the recommended amount of this drug is considered an overdose.

Drinking alcohol or consuming another central nerve depressant while taking clonazepam can lead to an overdose.

Some people develop clonazepam addiction a short while after starting a course of medication.

You can also suffer addiction to this kind of medication by taking the prescribed amount from the doctor. Clonazepam naturally blocks the brain’s receptors, creating a sense of calmness by reducing feelings of anxiety.

The intensity of Clonazepam Overdose Signs

Once the patient is addicted to this drug, the brain struggles to naturally regulate feelings and create relaxation without it.

This makes it so hard for addicts of this kind of drug to go about normal daily routines and functions without taking it.

Signs of an addiction include: 

• Losing interest in daily activities
• Having an aspiration to end the habit but lacking the willpower to do so
• Continued use despite negative consequences
• Persistent craving for clonazepam

Addiction begins with drug tolerance. The body gets used to medication if it is taken regularly. Drug tolerance usually develops when the medication is taken consistently with an increasing dose to achieve the same effect.

Addicted users develop withdrawal symptoms if they stop taking clonazepam. Withdrawal symptoms range from intense anxiety to seizures making it difficult and dangerous for users to quit without medical supervision.

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How to Prevent Clonazepam Overdose?

Clonazepam overdose may happen whether or not the doctor prescribes it. Therefore, prudent measures should be taken during consumption to minimize any possible risks that may arise. Here is a guide to help avoid any risk of an overdose.

• If you think you are addicted to clonazepam [1*] , talk to your doctor immediately.
• Avoid taking alcohol while under this medication because it enhances side effects.
• Avoid taking any other medication while under clonazepam or any other drug bought over the counter without first seeking a pharmacist or doctor’s advice.
• Swallow the tablets whole with water.
• Take the exact dose prescribed by the doctor. Do not increase or decrease the dosage without the doctor’s advice. Do not stop suddenly if you tend to experience side effects, as withdrawal can be severe.

Don’t Take Clonazepam With These Medications

Clonazepam Overdose Treatment

If a person suffers an overdose, it is important to call 911 immediately.

If the patient is conscious, keep them talking. Ensure the patient does not choke on their vomit. If the patient is unconscious, roll him to the sides.

Do not induce vomiting to remove the toxins. Do not give the patient any drug while waiting for emergency help or allow any form of alcohol intake.

Doctors may administer some medications, particularly flumazenil, once the patient is admitted to an emergency room. This medication works as a benzodiazepine antagonist which reverses the effects of an overdose within a few minutes.

It may not kill the effects of the drug but could be very effective.

Dangers of a Clonazepam Overdose

Like most drugs, clonazepam use causes both mild and severe side effects in different people. The side effects can depend on age, health conditions, or other medication you might be using.

• Suicidal thoughts. Clonazepam addicts are at a high risk of committing suicide. This is because they may be unaware of how much they are overdoing the drugs, leading to severe depression and suicidal thoughts.
• Clonazepam use may lead to abuse and addiction. Abuse and addiction are notorious dangerous precedents to overdose.
• The body may become accustomed to the drug so much that it may not work normally without it. This signals dependence, and it will be difficult to withdraw from the drug without adverse effects. A sudden stop in using clonazepam can lead to terrible withdrawal effects such as:
  • Insomnia
  • Memory lapses
  • Restlessness
• Mental and health problems. Long-term intake may cause problems with your coordination. These effects tend to be so severe in older adults. This may include
  • Memory problems
  • Depression
  • Agitations
• Sleepiness. Sleepiness is one of the most common side effects. It affects one’s ability to carry on his/her daily activities.

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Summary

Clonazepam overdose is rarely fatal. However, it will always put you at risk of overdose despite the availability of necessary treatment. Professional treatment is the most recommended way to break free of substance abuse.