Up to 80% of persons will experience Klonopin withdrawal symptoms.1 For many years, drug manufacturers have been allowed to suppress information about Klonopin side effects and symptoms of Klonopin withdrawal.9
Klonopin, generic clonazepam, has been classed as a Schedule IV drug due to its addictive and abuse potential. Klonopin withdrawals can be excruciatingly difficult to tolerate. Alternative to Meds Center has developed strategies and holistic alternatives that can greatly ease the process. Never abruptly attempt Klonopin withdrawal on your own.
Want to reclaim calm mental clarity, for real?
Alternative to Meds has documented its high rates of success over many years. While “hope” and “faith” are not at all bad, they are not a prerequisite for recovery when you have the correct tools to hand. Our programs are individually tailored, blending orthomolecular, environmental, and other evidence-based therapeutics for authentic relief. Our aim is to thoroughly investigate root causes for symptoms and handle them at source. These tools also work to alleviate withdrawal symptoms which clears the path for true, drug-free recovery.
15 Years Experience by Professionals Who Understand Your Journey.
Klonopin is scheduled as a Class IV benzodiazepine drug that targets GABA. It has strong addictive properties, because of the speed at which tolerance develops, and Klonopin withdrawal symptoms occur in up to 80% of consumers when the drug is stopped.1
Many consumers may have become acutely aware of the liability of Klonopin withdrawal when the drug manufacturer announced a wide recall of clonazepam from 2022 to 2024 due to mislabeling the dosage on the package. The FDA has also added Boxed Warnings to this class of drug, as of 2020.8
Below, more on GABA, and why benzos are prescribed for symptoms like anxiety and panic attacks, will be discussed. But first we’ll outline some of the most commonly reported Klonopin withdrawals that can occur.2-5,11
Common Klonopin withdrawal symptoms can include:
Suicidality, intense depression, dysphoria
Rebound anxiety, panic attacks, insomnia, often more intense than the original symptoms
Metallic taste, overwhelming super-sensitivity to smells, light, other sensory stimulation
Headache
Vertigo, dizziness, lightheadedness, loss of balance
Restlessness, involuntary motions like marching, pacing, rocking
Shooting pains in the neck, head, spine, limbs, postural hypotension
Tension/stiffness in the jaw, neck, feet, hands, limbs, back, etc.
Depersonalization, unreality
Such symptoms can range from mild and transitory to severe and protracted over months and even years if not managed properly. Alternative to Meds Center specializes in the most effective tapering and withdrawal management strategies, under medical supervision, flanked by holistic alternatives to support recovery.
What is Klonopin prescribed to treat?
Klonopin is a tranquilizer. It is FDA-approved to treat panic and seizure disorders. Off-label prescriptions occur for insomnia, anxiety, and numerous other reasons. The mechanics of how it works is, as the FDA label states, “unknown.” it is presumed to work by enhancing the effects of a neurotransmitter called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), thought to produce an enhanced calming effect. The neuroplasticity of the brain is a factor in how benzodiazepines create their effects. And is a prime factor in understanding why recovery in Klonopin withdrawal can be so difficult.10
Side Effects of Klonopin?
Klonopin, a benzodiazepine, should only be prescribed for a limited time frame. However, overprescribing is not uncommon, and a person may end up taking it for much longer than the several weeks maximum recommendation. The longer a person takes a benzodiazepine, the more likely it is that side effects will emerge, and dependence may develop. However, Klonopin side effects, including dependence, can occur within days or weeks of regular use.8
Below is a summary of common and some less common Klonopin side effects:4-7
Benzodiazepines are powerful drugs — so coming off Klonopin too fast can result in debilitating, long-lasting adverse effects. This is referred to as protracted withdrawal. In protracted withdrawal, even restarting the drug does not alleviate the syndrome. These symptoms are severe, and can be ruinous. The best way to avoid protracted withdrawal is to taper under medical counsel, and very, very gradually. In Klonopin tapering, even a .25 mg reduction can be devastating, especially when coming down to the end of a taper, when the cuts must be extremely small to avoid long-suffering outcomes, including the potential for brain injury.3,11
The Role of Orthomolecular Medicine in Klonopin Withdrawal
There are many tools used at Alternative to Meds Center to assist with Klonopin withdrawal. Orthomolecular medicine is a fundamental pillar in recovery at ATMC. Especially in the case of a compromised health condition, giving the body what it needs to repair and normalize is essential. Neurotransmitter rehabilitation is an important goal after drug injury, and is an area where orthomolecular medicine can greatly assist.
Holistic Recovery Options Offered at ATMC
At a certain point in recovery, psychological counseling may be helpful. But clearly, Klonopin addiction or dependence is in the main a physiological phenomenon. The recovery of physical health and easing mental health challenges are both of prime importance in Klonopin withdrawal.
Gradual Klonopin tapering is medically supervised, so the incremental dosage reductions can be achieved and monitored very precisely.
Alternative to Meds Center offers a very wide range of holistic recovery options that are described in great detail on our services overview pages. These have been developed over nearly 2 decades of assisting our clients with mental health recovery and successful Klonopin withdrawal treatment.
Holistic treatment options for Klonopin withdrawal can include:
Lab testing for nutritional deficiencies and other important health markers
Neurotoxin removal
Neurotransmitter rehabilitation
IV treatments
Equine therapy
Mindfulness & relaxation exercises
Meditation, yoga, Qigong, acupuncture
Clean diet and supplementation
Regular physical exercise
Adequate rest, improved sleep hygiene
CBT, EMDR therapy, trauma counseling
You will find detailed descriptions for each of the above and many, many more holistic treatment options on our services overview pages. Please call us directly for more information on the services we offer to assist you in your health quest. We are the experts in safe, gentle Klonopin withdrawal and recovery.
Originally Published February 10, 2025 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.
Diane is an avid supporter and researcher of natural mental health strategies. Diane received her medical writing and science communication certification through Stanford University and has published over 3 million words on the topics of holistic health, addiction, recovery, and alternative medicine. She has proudly worked with the Alternative to Meds Center since its inception and is grateful for the opportunity to help the founding members develop this world-class center that has helped so many thousands regain natural mental health.
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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Suicidality, intense depression, dysphoria
Holistic treatment options for Klonopin withdrawal can include:
