Klonopin (Clonazepam) for Sleep & Side Effects
Clonazepam (also known as Klonopin) is a commonly prescribed benzodiazepine for addressing sleep-related issues. If you have epilepsy or panic disorders, Klonopin may be highly recommended by your doctor. This type of drug works by altering brain activity so you can function better.
Unfortunately, clonazepam and similar prescription drugs can affect your sleep quality. This article provides you with information on how Klonopin may be affecting your sleep.
The team at Zinnia Health understands the struggle many people have with addiction. That’s why we offer a range of substance abuse treatment options designed to help you with recovery efforts. Give us a call today at (855) 430-9439. We’re available 24/7.
What Is Klonopin (Clonazepam)?
Klonopin is the brand name for the prescription medication clonazepam. This and similar antidepressants are often used to help relieve panic attacks. However, it’s more commonly used to control different types of seizures in people with epilepsy, including:
- Absence seizures
- Generalized tonic-clonic seizures
- Myoclonic seizures
- Partial seizures
The drug is also often used for off-label purposes, which means any use other than what’s on the prescription drug package approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. These conditions include mania, restless leg syndrome, tardive dyskinesia (muscle spasms), insomnia, and REM sleep behavior disorder.
Clonazepam is a benzodiazepine, a class of meds that decrease activity in the brain that’s considered abnormal. Even though Klonopin helps diminish the effects of seizures and panic attacks, it can lead to adverse effects, such as sleeping disorders. Klonopin is not an opioid, but it’s a narcotic that’s known to be habit-forming.
How Klonopin Affects Sleep
Klonopin can be used for obstructive sleep apnea in REM behavior disorder. Rapid eye movement (REM) behavior disorder (RBD) is a condition that makes you lose control of your muscles during the REM sleep phase. REM behavior disorder is found in about 2% of the elderly population.
Those with Parkinson’s disease, dementia, and similar disorders have a higher risk of this type of sleep apnea. Males over 50 are the most impacted by this condition.
People with this disorder frequently act out in response to their dreams, causing them to kick, punch, shout, and fall out of bed without realizing what they’re doing. Not only does this lower the quality of sleep, but you could injure yourself and your significant other.
This can affect everything from your personal relationships to work performance. Although clonazepam is an option to treat sleep apnea, it can be dangerous for elderly patients at risk of falling.
Despite this, there are risks involved with clonazepam and other benzodiazepines, particularly when used long-term. These prescription drugs have been known to increase the likelihood of cognitive impairment, motor vehicle crashes, and hip fractures.
Even more striking is that while Klonopin is used to treat insomnia, the effects tend to wear off after several weeks. In addition, these supposed sleep aids can cause daytime sleepiness and even make sleep apnea worse.
Don’t be tempted to take more medications or supplement with other substances. This can be dangerous and even life-threatening. Get in touch with your physician and seek treatment for any substance abuse or addiction.
Other Adverse Effects of Clonazepam
Clonazepam is effective at treating symptoms of epilepsy and anxiety disorders, although it’s not a cure for these conditions. When used as directed by your physician, it’s relatively safe. However, you could experience a range of side effects that can harm your overall health and well-being. If you’re currently using Klonopin or plan to, be aware of the potential adverse effects.
Following is a list of the most common side effects of Klonopin:
- Blurred vision
- Coordination problems
- Drowsiness or dizziness
- Frequent urination
- Increased saliva
- Unsteadiness
- Difficulty thinking or memory loss
- Muscle or joint pain
- Changes in sex drive or ability
For quite some time, Klonopin has been used as a sleeping pill to treat insomnia and sleep disturbances associated with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Studies have shown that clonazepam can increase sleep times. In fact, many people consider clonazepam and similar benzodiazepines to be “wonder drugs” that help them sleep better.
Ironically, some end up experiencing more issues with sleep after taking Klonopin. This can further influence the misuse and abuse of these types of meds, which can lead to addiction and risk of overdose. In some cases, people experience mood swings and suicidal thoughts.
Clonazepam should never be mixed with opioids, which are powerful narcotics. This includes prescription cough meds and pain pills such as hydrocodone, oxycodone, morphine, methadone, and many others. That’s because the combination is very dangerous.
The FDA put out a warning about the serious risk and death of opioids and benzodiazepines like Klonopin. When taken together, you put yourself at risk of experiencing slowed or difficult breathing, which can be fatal. Unfortunately, both are commonly prescribed. The FDA reported that 81 million patients were prescribed an opioid and 30 million patients were prescribed a benzodiazepine in a single year.
Are you or a family member dealing with substance abuse? Zinnia Health offers treatment designed to help you get on the road to recovery. Contact us today and learn more about our customized programs.
Get Treatment for Your Clonazepam Addiction
Klonopin and other benzodiazepines are often prescribed by healthcare professionals to treat a range of conditions, from seizures to panic attacks. Many people find relief from chronic insomnia, sleep disorders, and other sleep problems. However, clonazepam use can actually make daytime sleepiness and sleep apnea worse.
In turn, many people might be tempted to increase the dose or take it more frequently. This can put them at risk of becoming addicted and overdosing. When combined with opioids, the effects can be fatal.
As such, it’s crucial to get help right away whenever you’re dealing with drug misuse or addiction. There are many ways people find the support that helps them have a better quality of life.
You don’t have to struggle with substance abuse alone. Zinnia Health has treatment facilities and programs designed to help you recover from addiction. Whether you need outpatient, inpatient, residential, or other programs, we’ve got you covered. Reach out online or give us a call at (855) 430-9439 today.
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