Clonazepam Overdose Symptoms, Dangers & Treatment
Clonazepam (Klonopin) is a prescription benzodiazepine used to treat panic disorders and seizures.1 While clonazepam can be effective when used as directed, misusing it (e.g., combining it with alcohol) or taking too much can lead to a dangerous and potentially life-threatening overdose.1 This page will help you learn the signs and symptoms of clonazepam overdose, what to do if you suspect one, and how to find addiction treatment if you are struggling with clonazepam misuse.
If you or someone you’re with is experiencing an overdose or medical emergency, call 911 immediately.
What Is Clonazepam and What Is It Prescribed For?
Clonazepam (Klonopin) is a prescription benzodiazepine used to treat panic disorders and certain types of seizures. While it can be effective when used as directed, clonazepam carries a risk of misuse.1 Clonazepam misuse can be dangerous, especially when taken in high doses or combined with other substances like alcohol.1
Can You Overdose on Clonazepam?
Yes, it’s possible to overdose on clonazepam. Benzodiazepines like clonazepam are commonly misused, in part because of the desirable effects they produce (euphoria, relaxation, sedation) and how easy they are to access.2 Although many people take clonazepam as prescribed for short-term medical use, it may be misused in higher doses or for longer periods than intended. This increases the risk of accidental overdose.1
An overdose involving only benzodiazepines like clonazepam is less likely to be fatal compared to other substances; however, it can still be dangerous and requires immediate medical attention. The risk of overdose increases significantly when clonazepam is combined with other central nervous system (CNS) depressants such as alcohol or opioids.3 According to the FDA label for clonazepam, using benzodiazepines with opioids can lead to profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and death. Polysubstance use involving clonazepam is a major contributor to overdose fatalities.4
Signs of Clonazepam Overdose
Signs of clonazepam overdose may include:4
- Drowsiness.
- Confusion.
- Impaired coordination.
- Slow reflexes.
- Slowed or stopped breathing.
- Coma (loss of consciousness).
- Death.
Call 911 immediately if you or someone you know has taken an excess of clonazepam and has collapsed and/or stopped breathing.
What to Do If You Overdose on Clonazepam
If you think you have overdosed on clonazepam, call 911 immediately. Because of the drug’s effects, you may need immediate medical care. If you know someone who has overdosed, here are some important steps to take:5
- Check the person’s airway, pulse, and breathing.
- Begin CPR, if needed.
- If the person is unconscious, place them in the recovery position (gently roll them onto their side and bend the top leg so their hip and knee are at right angles).
- Try to keep the person calm.
- Call for medical help right away.
Some medications can help reverse the effects of a clonazepam overdose. Clonazepam overdose treatment may involve flumazenil, which works by preventing benzodiazepines from binding to the GABA receptor to halt the inhibitory effects.6
How to Prevent Clonazepam Overdose
Understanding the risk factors for clonazepam overdose can help prevent a medical emergency. Common risk factors for clonazepam overdose include:
- Taking higher doses than prescribed.
- Using clonazepam more frequently or for longer than directed.
- Combining clonazepam with other CNS depressants like alcohol or opioids.
- Having a history of substance use disorder.
- Obtaining the drug without a prescription.
To reduce your risk of clonazepam overdose, it’s important to follow your doctor’s instructions and never change your dosage on your own. Inform your healthcare provider about all other medications and supplements you’re taking, and avoid drinking alcohol while taking the medication or mixing clonazepam with other depressants, such as opioids.
If you’re worried about your clonazepam use, or someone else’s, know that support is available. Addiction treatment programs can provide care and support to help reduce the risk of overdose and promote recovery.
Is Clonazepam Safe?
When taken as prescribed and under medical supervision, clonazepam is generally safe. Always inform your doctor of any side effects or changes in your health, and be honest about your medical history and other substances you use.1 Clonazepam becomes dangerous when misused, especially when combined with alcohol or opioids. According to the FDA, this combination can cause severe side effects, including dangerously slowed breathing, extreme drowsiness, unresponsiveness, and even death.4
Is Clonazepam Addictive?
Yes, clonazepam can be addictive, especially when used for longer than prescribed or taken in higher doses.1 As a benzodiazepine, it’s typically recommended for short-term use due to its potential for dependence and misuse. Using clonazepam for an extended period of time can lead to tolerance development. Tolerance is when your body becomes so used to the drug that it diminishes clonazepam’s effects, causing you to need more of the drug to feel its previous effects.4 It’s important to note that returning to clonazepam after a period of not using it, especially at your previous dose, can increase your risk of overdose. This is because your tolerance may have decreased, making your body more sensitive to the drug.
While addiction is a complex, chronic condition, with the right support, recovery is possible. Professional addiction treatment can help people stop using substances and rebuild a meaningful life. Common treatment options include:7
- Medical detox: As the initial period of benzodiazepine withdrawal can be dangerous, you may benefit from the help of a professional sedative detox program to keep you as comfortable and safe as possible.
- Inpatient addiction treatment: This can be a desirable form of treatment, especially if your addiction is relatively severe or you struggle with co-occurring or dual diagnosis disorders. These facilities offer supportive and intensive care 24/7 so that you receive the attention you need, no matter the time of day.
- Outpatient addiction treatment programs: Outpatient treatment is a great choice if you prefer to live at home while you receive treatment. These facilities offer a variety of programs that you can choose from. With each option, you will meet with a behavioral health counselor on a regular schedule.
In all forms of addiction treatment, you may engage with a number of different types of therapies to help address the underlying reasons for your addiction, including:7
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): This type of therapy is offered at most drug addiction treatment centers. CBT can help you understand and respond to situations that will trigger you to use clonazepam so that you feel confident and ready as you transition out of treatment.
- Motivational interviewing: This type of therapy can help you realize your own goals and move toward them. In the end, you are the only person who can change your behavior and turn your life around. Motivational interviewing is a great tool to help you advance your own self-efficacy.
- Contingency management: This approach uses healthy rewards and incentives to motivate you to remain drug-free. If you meet certain goals in treatment, you will be rewarded with a voucher that you can use to get healthy items that are not associated with drug use.
Start Your Recovery Today
If you or someone you love is struggling with clonazepam misuse, you don’t have to do it alone. Professional treatment can provide the care and support you need to stop misusing substances and start building a healthier future. If you are ready to find treatment options for yourself or a loved one, get started right now with our free rehab locator tool. Find addiction treatment facilities that take insurance, inpatient rehabs, outpatient rehab programs, and more.