What is Klonopin?
Klonopin is a drug used to treat panic disorders, anxiety, and seizures. Otherwise known as clonazepam, it is a depressant that falls under the umbrella of benzodiazepines, which means that it slows the central nervous system (CNS). The drug enhances the inhibitory neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) to calm a system that has become overstimulated. In other words, it helps people manage their panic attacks, anxiety, or seizures because it suppresses the central nervous system and allows the body to calm down.
Klonopin may also be prescribed to manage the symptoms of mania, tardive dyskinesia (a condition where one performs uncontrollable bodily movements), and insomnia. Although it has been approved by the FDA to be prescribed and is a schedule IV drug (which means that it has a low potential for abuse), it is still misused by people craving its pleasant after-effects.
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What Affects How Long Klonopin Stays In My System?
As with every drug, there are various factors that affect how long Klonopin will stay in your system.
- Age/ overall health- younger, healthier people usually have more efficient metabolisms, which means that the body will more easily flush the drug out of the system. Health issues usually present in older people also considerably slow down the metabolization of medicines.
- Metabolism- Regardless of age, the metabolism of a person is genetic. This means that a young person can have a slower metabolism than an elderly person, which will cause the Klonopin to remain in the body for longer.
- Dosage and duration- People who frequently consume high doses of Klonopin will have a harder time ridding their bodies of the drug. Those who have a history of abusing Klonopin usually increase their dosages with time and develop a tolerance, which makes it harder for the body to eliminate the drug.
- Mixing with other substances- Misusing Klonopin while also using alcohol or other illicit and recreational substances increases the chances Klonopin remains in their bodies for a longer duration of time. This is due to how other substances, specifically alcohol, interact with the Klonopin and make it more difficult for the body to rid itself of the drug.
How Long Does Klonopin Last?
The duration of Klonopin’s effects vary based on several factors, including the individual’s metabolism, age, liver function, dosage, and how long they’ve been taking the medication. People with slower metabolisms or impaired liver function often experience longer-lasting effects, while those who metabolize medications quickly feel the effects wear off sooner.
Klonopin usually starts to take effect within 20 to 60 minutes after being taken by mouth, with its peak impact felt between one and four hours later. The calming or anti-anxiety effects generally last from 6 to 12 hours, though some people continue to feel residual sedation or relaxation for up to a full day.
Does Klonopin Show Up on a Drug Test?
If you are taking Klonopin at the recommendation of a doctor, you should present a doctor’s note when you take a drug test, as, depending on the method of testing, the drug can be detected for quite some time. There are different ways to be drug tested, and the duration in which it can be detected varies with each type of test.
Does Klonopin Show Up in a Urine Drug Test?
Yes, Klonopin can be detected on a standard urine drug test. How long does Klonopin stay in your urine? The drug can be detected in urine for approximately 3-6 days after the last dose of Klonopin is consumed, although it can show up for up to two weeks.
Blood Test
A prevalent form of testing is through a blood test. The presence of Klonopin can be detected for up to three days after the last dose is taken, although it could be longer depending on the metabolism of the person taking the test.
Saliva Test
Another way it can be detected in the body is through a saliva sample. Klonopin will show up on a saliva test for around 5-6 days after the last dose. However, saliva tests are less accurate and less sensitive than urine or blood tests, and sometimes produce false negatives because clonazepam and its metabolites are present in much lower concentrations in saliva than in urine or blood.
Hair Drug Tests
This form of testing has by far the longest detection window, with the ability to detect Klonopin up to approximately 30 to 90 days after the last dose was taken. The results, however, can depend on how much hair was collected for the sample, and if it’s hair that was grown while the drug was still in the person’s system.
Klonopin Half-Life
In order to understand how long Klonopin lasts in the system, it’s important to understand the half-life process of drugs in the body.
How long 0.5 mg Klonopin stays in your system, or how long 2mg of Klonopin stays in your system, is determined by the half-life of Klonopin. The half-life of a drug is the time it takes for the concentration of the substance in the body to decrease by half. The half-life of Klonopin is dependent on its active ingredient, clonazepam. Clonazepam has a half-life of about 30 to 40 hours, translating into one to two days for half the concentration of Klonopin to leave the body. This is considered a long half-life relative to other substances.
After the first half-life of Klonopin in the body, the drug continues to half its concentration until it is removed from the body entirely. It is estimated that around five half-lives are needed until the substance is flushed out of the body, which can take anywhere from 6 to 9 days.
What are the Side-Effects of Klonopin?
Although Klonopin is an effective medication for various disorders, people who misuse the drug can become addicted. Some of the side-effects include:
- Insomnia
- Anxiety
- Flu-like symptoms
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Extreme drowsiness
- Lack of coordination
- Increased heart rate
- Low blood pressure
- Loss of consciousness
- Coma
- Suicide ideation
People who mix Klonopin with other substances to increase the effectiveness of the drug risk more severe symptoms. Certain illicit substances can cause overdose and death when abused together with Klonopin.
Sexual Side Effects of Klonopin
Klonopin (clonazepam) has been known to cause sexual side effects in people, though not everyone experiences them. It’s related to the drug’s action as a central nervous system depressant, which reduces overall arousal and interferes with sexual function. Reported issues include reduced libido (sex drive), difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection, delayed orgasm, and in some cases, reduced sexual satisfaction.
Long-Term Side Effects of Klonopin
Long-term use of Klonopin (clonazepam) can lead to several physical, cognitive, and psychological side effects, especially when taken for months or years without careful medical supervision.
Cognitive and Psychological Effects
- Memory problems (especially short-term memory and recall difficulties)
- Slowed thinking and reduced concentration
- Emotional blunting or feeling detached
- Depression, irritability, or mood swings
- Dependence and withdrawal symptoms if the drug is stopped suddenly
Physical Effects
- Fatigue and drowsiness that may persist through the day
- Muscle weakness or lack of coordination (ataxia)
- Dizziness or balance problems, increasing fall risk in older adults
- Tolerance, meaning higher doses are needed over time for the same effect
- Physical dependence, which can make stopping the drug difficult
Klonopin Withdrawal Symptoms
After the pleasant effects of the drug wear off, the user will feel adverse withdrawal symptoms, which cause them to use more of the drug so they are relieved of the symptoms. People who are addicted to Klonopin may try to quit completely on their own, but this can cause serious and even dangerous effects. Here are some of the withdrawal effects:
- Hallucinations
- Anxiety
- Stomach and muscle cramps
- Seizures
- Tremors and shaking
- Confusion
- Insomnia
- Headache
- Sweating
Rather than trying to stop taking Klonopin cold turkey, reach out to a mental health professional who can help you gradually reduce your dose while using different resources to manage the withdrawal symptoms.
Klonopin Addiction Treatment
Once a psychiatrist has diagnosed a Klonopin addiction, it is important that the person does a medical detox as soon as possible with the help of a medical center, such as an accredited drug rehab center.
Once the Klonopin has been flushed out of the system and you are no longer experiencing the withdrawal effects, follow-up intervention is needed to ensure you don’t fall into the cycle of addiction again.
Addiction is difficult to overcome, but with the right guidance and support it is entirely possible. We have helped thousands of people break free of their addiction, and we can help you too. Reach out to Avenues Recovery today to discover a world of support that can guide you along the journey to a drug-free, sober life. Take your first step right now, towards a brighter and healthier future, where you, not your addiction, is in control.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How long does Klonopin stay in your system?
Klonopin usually stays in your system for several days, but the exact amount of time depends on your body and how often you take it. People who take higher doses or use it regularly may have traces in their system for longer.
How long does Klonopin stay in your urine?
Urine tests are the most common way to check for Klonopin use. The drug can usually be detected for 3 to 6 days after the last dose, but in people who take it often or in higher amounts, it can sometimes show up for up to two weeks.
How long does Klonopin stay in your blood?
Klonopin can be detected in blood for about 2 to 3 days after your last dose. Because clonazepam leaves the bloodstream faster than it leaves the body’s tissues, blood tests are most useful when checking for recent use rather than long-term use.
What affects how long Klonopin stays in your system?
Several things can change how long Klonopin lasts in your body, including your age, metabolism, liver function, dosage, how long you’ve been taking it, and whether you’ve used other substances like alcohol. Generally, people with slower metabolisms or liver problems take longer to clear it, while healthy adults with faster metabolisms process it more quickly.
Will Klonopin show up on a drug test if I have a prescription?
Yes, it will still show up on most standard benzodiazepine drug tests, even if you’re taking it legally. If you’re being tested, tell them about your prescription ahead of time and bring documentation from your doctor.
Can a drug test tell how much Klonopin I’ve taken?
No. Drug tests can only show whether Klonopin or its metabolites are present in your system, not how much you took or when exactly you took it. The concentration can vary widely based on your dose, metabolism, and time since your last use.
Can anything make Klonopin leave your system faster?
Nothing safe can get Klonopin out of your system faster. While hydration and good overall health can support your body’s natural detox process, there’s no reliable way to speed up how quickly your system clears it out.