Klonopin is the brand name for a prescription benzodiazepine called clonazepam. Clonazepam is often prescribed to treat anxiety conditions like panic disorder or to manage seizures.[1] While Klonopin is effective in treating these conditions, it is known to be habit-forming and addictive.
Up to 17.2% of all people who use benzodiazepines like Klonopin are misusing their medication.[2]
When someone abuses Klonopin, they will begin building tolerance, so the substance will not affect them as greatly as it once did. This may cause an individual to try new methods of administration to increase the potency, such as snorting or insufflation. Snorting Klonopin can be incredibly dangerous and increases the risk of addiction.
Why Do People Snort Klonopin?
Most people who abuse benzodiazepine pills like Klonopin swallow them to experience a high. However, after you continually abuse the substance, you will develop a tolerance, so the drug will not cause as potent of an effect as it used to.
As a result, some people graduate from swallowing Klonopin pills to snorting them. Snorting involves crushing up the pill into a powder and inhaling it through the nose. When you snort a substance, it is absorbed rapidly, causing faster, stronger effects.
Effects of Snorting Klonopin
When compared to swallowing, snorting Klonopin causes faster results. If you were to swallow Klonopin, the peak effects could take up to 4 hours to occur.[3] However, snorting causes peak effects within 15 to 20 minutes.
The effects of snorting Klonopin will be the same as swallowing the drug, just more powerful. These effects include:[4]
- Dizziness and drowsiness
- A rush of euphoria
- Unsteadiness
- Issues with coordination
- Trouble thinking or remembering
- Increased salivation
- Muscle and joint pain
- Frequent urination
- Blurry vision
- Changes in sex drive or ability
People who are allergic or intolerant of Klonopin may experience severe side effects like rashes, hives, swelling of the face, and difficulty breathing or swallowing. If you experience any of these side effects, contact your doctor or emergency medical services immediately.
What are the Dangers of Snorting Klonopin?
Klonopin is not intended to be snorted, and using it this way is considered substance abuse. When you begin abusing a substance by snorting it, the first risk you will encounter is the development of addiction. And because snorting Klonopin increases its potency, you could become addicted to it rather quickly.
Even further, since the effects of Klonopin are increased once you snort it, your breathing could become severely depressed, and you could experience an overdose.
Other dangers associated with snorting Klonopin include:
- Frequent nose bleeds
- Congestion or frequent runny nose
- Sinus infections
- Sores and infections in nasal tissue
- Loss of sense of smell
- Septum perforation
- Sore throat or hoarse voice
- Lung infections
- Chronic coughs
- Addiction
- Respiratory depression and overdose
If you or a loved one misuse Klonopin in any manner, you must seek help from a drug rehab program. Klonopin addiction can lead to an array of adverse health problems, especially when you begin snorting it. An addiction treatment center can provide you with the tools and support you need to achieve long-term sobriety.
Signs of a Klonopin Overdose
If you or a loved one snort Klonopin, it’s important to be aware of the signs of an overdose.
Symptoms of a Klonopin overdose include:[5]
- Extreme drowsiness or unconsciousness
- Confusion
- Slowed or non-existent reflexes
- Impaired coordination
- Slurred speech
- Loss of consciousness
- Coma
If you or a loved one are displaying the signs of a Klonopin overdose, contact 911 immediately. Without professional help, benzodiazepine overdoses can be fatal.
Find Help for Klonopin Abuse and Addiction
Klonopin addiction can be incredibly difficult to overcome, especially if you have been abusing the substance for quite some time. At Mandala Healing Center, we understand the complexities of Klonopin addiction and are dedicated to providing comprehensive treatment programs that cater to your specific needs.
Our compassionate team of experts is committed to supporting you every step of the way. We offer a range of evidence-based therapies and interventions, including medically supervised Klonopin detox, individual counseling, group therapy, educational workshops, and personalized aftercare planning. We believe that true healing involves not only addressing physical dependence but also nurturing emotional well-being and empowering you to create a fulfilling life without Klonopin.
By choosing Mandala Healing Center, you’re taking a courageous step towards a healthier future. Reach out to us today to learn more about our Klonopin addiction treatment programs and start your journey to recovery.
References:
- The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): Clonazepam, Retrieved July 2023 From https://www.nami.org/About-Mental-Illness/Treatments/Mental-Health-Medications/Types-of-Medication/Clonazepam-(Klonopin)
- The National Library of Medicine (NLM): Benzodiazepine Use and Misuse Among Adults in the United States, Retrieved July 2023 From https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30554562/
- The National Library of Medicine (NLM): Absorption of clonazepam after intranasal and buccal administration, Retrieved July 2023 From https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1365135/
- Medline Plus: Clonazepam, Retrieved July 2023 From https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682279.html
- The National Library of Medicine (NLM): Benzodiazepine Toxicity, Retrieved July 2023 From https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482238/