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How to Discontinue Klonopin

Last Updated on September 20, 2022 by Carol Gillette

Alternative to Meds Editorial Team
Medically Reviewed by Dr Samuel Lee MD

One does need a plan for how to discontinue Klonopin successfully. Finding help that is compassionate, methodical, and familiar with this drug can make all the difference. Benzodiazepines can cause strange side effects, such as sleep-driving, sleep-shopping, and other activities the person will have no recollection of after the fact. These are some good reasons to have guidance and monitoring in place while managing Klonopin discontinuation.1

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How Long Does it Take to Discontinue Klonopin?

The answer is different for every person. Many factors would be taken into account, as well as applying a fluid but an attentive approach to changes that occur. You don’t want the process to exceed a person’s tolerance level for discomforts that may come about, especially noticeable if the process is moving along too quickly.

Timeline for Symptoms of Benzodiazepine Discontinuation
  • Days 1-4:  immediate symptoms will feel like a return of original symptoms*
  • Days 5-28:  intensified symptoms, widely considered the most intense period
  • Several months to years:  symptoms may linger on without proper help.
  • *According to the DEA (Drug Enforcement Agency) benzo drugs are classified as low risk for abuse and dependence. The above timeline suggests quite a different reality.

A Better Approach to Coming Off Benzodiazepines

lab testing in benzo withdrawalAt Alternative to Meds Center, we do not practice sudden or abrupt withdrawal of medication, except where indicated as needed to prevent life-threatening drug reactions, such as serotonin syndrome. All other cases will need a gradual, extremely gentle discontinuation to avoid harsh side effects. Without this slow approach, and without neurotransmitter repair and the other steps in our program, the timeline of sudden withdrawal effects (not recommended) is ruinous.

To summarize, a person has to be allowed enough time to adjust to the dosage reduction comfortably. The length of time a person has been taking Klonopin would need to be factored in, as well as dosage, age, physical health, emotional stamina, etc. Generally, the slow approach ends up being the “fast” approach by avoiding the pitfalls from a too-aggressive approach that will usually end in a relapse. All drugs have some of this liability, but benzodiazepines are notoriously punishing where discontinuation is attempted too quickly.2

Preparing Before Stopping Klonopin

Klonopin discontinuation at Alternative to Meds Center is made comfortable through the strategic use of pre-tapering steps. Pre-tapering prepares the person for Klonopin tapering, and gets them to a place where they are feeling relief, more stable, sleeping a bit better, and capable of enduring the coming gradual discontinuation of their medication. A forceful or too eager approach is not recommended.3

how to discontinue klonopinThen, tapering is managed in conjunction with multiple medical and holistic therapies. Before, during, and after tapering, there are several treatments, techniques, and therapies provided to eliminate and soften reactions that may arise.

We can also gauge when to begin to address the underlying causes of anxiety or other symptoms that Klonopin was originally prescribed for.

Our diverse methods effectively ease the protracted discontinuation effects that one typically faces during an at-home withdrawal. Many benzodiazepine users attempt, at some point, to reduce or stop their medication without qualified support.

Depending on the dose, length of time taking the medication, the severity of anxiety, age, health, and other factors; trying to come off Klonopin without guidance can be close to impossible. Some of the common symptoms when weaning off this medication are severe anxiousness, insomnia, and seizures. Since benzodiazepines are what Alternative to Meds Center most frequently helps people get off of, we are very familiar with the possible complications and how to properly prevent them.

Lab Testing Identifies Potential Problems Prior to Klonopin Discontinuation

Our program for how to discontinue Klonopin successfully does more than relieve withdrawal. It is our goal to help correct the root cause of the symptoms for which this medication was prescribed. We accomplish this with the use of lab testing that allows us to identify toxic buildup, deficiencies, imbalances, and other causes of symptoms.

Neurotoxin removal,5 lifestyle changes, customized diets, orthomolecular medicine, IV and other nutrient treatments, group therapy, peer support, counseling, and other individualized therapies are targeted to meet each person’s distinctive needs.

Natural Methods Proven Effective

The methods we employ are gradual, never forced, and clients are included in decision making all along the way. Support during this transition is extremely beneficial.4 Team meetings ensure that all your caregivers and you are well-informed on your current steps and strategies as the process moves along. Therapists in the center are close at hand to assist you as needed.

Using medical, holistic, corrective, and preventative techniques, we are able to identify and target the sources of anxiety and other symptoms as well as relieve effects from Klonopin withdrawal

How to Discontinue Klonopin Gradually

in-patient discontinuation KlonopinCase management, lab testing, and ongoing assessments ensure that if any discomfort arises during discontinuation, it can be immediately addressed. Aftercare, which is offered following successful completion of discontinuation, includes many of the same therapies that are employed throughout withdrawal and will help one transition from the luxurious and safe atmosphere of our treatment center into home-life.

We have assisted thousands of people through this process in an in-patient setting that affords the correct management of symptoms and therapeutic treatments.

If you want authentic solutions for anxiety and guidance on how to discontinue Klonopin successfully, please call the number on this page for a free consultation.


1. NAMI “(Clonazepam) Klonopin” Information Sheet [Internet] 2019 Jan [cited 2020 Oct 13]

2. Petursson H, “The Benzodiazepine Withdrawal Syndrome.” PubMed ID 7841846 [Internet] 1994 Nov, 89(11):1455-9. doi: 10.1111/j.1360-0443.1994.tb03743.x. [cited 2020 Oct 13]

3. Professor Ashton C H, “Benzodiazepines – How They Work and How to Withdraw, aka The Ashton Manual.” Revised 2002 Aug [cited 2020 Oct 13]

4.  Ashton H. The treatment of benzodiazepine dependence. Addiction. 1994 Nov;89(11):1535-41. doi: 10.1111/j.1360-0443.1994.tb03755.x. PMID: 7841868. [cited 2021 Oct 2]

5. Genuis SJ. Toxic causes of mental illness are overlooked. Neurotoxicology. 2008 Nov;29(6):1147-9. doi: 10.1016/j.neuro.2008.06.005. Epub 2008 Jun 24. PMID: 18621076.


Originally Published Sep 19, 2018 by Diane Ridaeus


This content has been reviewed and approved by a licensed physician.

Dr. Samuel Lee

Dr. Samuel Lee is a board-certified psychiatrist, specializing in a spiritually-based mental health discipline and integrative approaches. He graduated with an MD at Loma Linda University School of Medicine and did a residency in psychiatry at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and University of Washington School of Medicine in Seattle. He has also been an inpatient adult psychiatrist at Kaweah Delta Mental Health Hospital and the primary attending geriatric psychiatrist at the Auerbach Inpatient Psychiatric Jewish Home Hospital. In addition, he served as the general adult outpatient psychiatrist at Kaiser Permanente.  He is board-certified in psychiatry and neurology and has a B.A. Magna Cum Laude in Religion from Pacific Union College. His specialty is in natural healing techniques that promote the body’s innate ability to heal itself.

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How to Discontinue Klonopin
Medical Disclaimer:
Nothing on this Website is intended to be taken as medical advice. The information provided on the website is intended to encourage, not replace, direct patient-health professional relationships. Always consult with your doctor before altering your medications. Adding nutritional supplements may alter the effect of medication. Any medication changes should be done only after proper evaluation and under medical supervision.

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