Klonopin is the brand name for clonazepam, a benzodiazepine medication that is used to treat certain types of seizure disorders and anxiety disorders. Due to its long half-life, it can stay in your system for several weeks. Some studies have shown that drug tests can detect Klonopin in urine for up to a month.
This article will explore how long Klonopin stays in the body.
What you will learn:
- How long the effects of Klonopin last
- How the body metabolizes Klonopin
- How long it stays in your system
- How long Klonopin can be detected by a drug test
If you or a loved one are struggling with Klonopin addiction, please contact Alamo Behavioral Health today to learn about your treatment options.
How Long Do the Effects of Klonopin Last?
Clonazepam, sold under the brand name Klonopin, is a prescription sedative used to manage panic disorder and certain seizure disorders. It targets conditions such as Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, as well as specific types of seizures like akinetic and myoclonic seizures. Klonopin belongs to the benzodiazepine group of medications and works by increasing the effectiveness of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a key neurotransmitter that helps to regulate brain activity.
Klonopin may cause side effects, including:
- Depression
- Feelings of tiredness
- Irritability
- Dizziness
- Coordination and balance issues
- Problems with concentration
- Memory and attention problems
- Nausea
- Loss of appetite
Klonopin is taken by mouth in pill form. The effects of Klonopin (clonazepam) can vary in duration depending on factors such as dosage, individual metabolism, and whether the person has developed a tolerance to the medication. Typically, Klonopin has a relatively long duration of action compared to some other benzodiazepines, with effects lasting around 6 to 12 hours. This means that a single dose can provide relief from symptoms for a significant portion of the day.
Klonopin Metabolism and Half-Life
Klonopin is absorbed by the gastrointestinal tract and metabolized by the liver. The liver converts it into metabolites like 7-amino-clonazepam.
Clonazepam has a long elimination half-life, which means it takes quite a while for the body to process it. The elimination half-life of clonazepam ranges from 30 to 40 hours. This means that it can take between one to two days for half of a dose of Klonopin to be cleared from your system.
To completely eliminate a drug from your body, it generally takes about five half-lives. Based on clonazepam’s estimated half-life of 30 to 40 hours, Klonopin can remain detectable in your system for approximately six to nine days after your last dose.
Both Klonopin itself and its metabolite 7-amino-clonazepam can be detected in urine for about four days after the last use.
Factors that Affect How Long Klonopin Stays in Your System
Several factors can influence how long Klonopin (clonazepam) stays in your system:
- Dosage – Higher doses of Klonopin can take longer to metabolize and eliminate from the body compared to lower doses.
- Frequency of use – Regular use of Klonopin can lead to accumulation in the body, prolonging its presence in the system.
- Individual metabolism – Each person metabolizes medications differently based on factors such as age, genetics, liver function, and overall health. Variations in these factors can affect how quickly or slowly Klonopin is cleared from the body.
- Liver function – The liver is primarily responsible for metabolizing clonazepam. Any condition affecting liver function, such as liver disease or impairment, can affect the metabolism and clearance of Klonopin.
- Other medications – Concurrent use of other medications, particularly those that affect liver enzymes (like CYP3A4 inhibitors or inducers), can influence the metabolism of Klonopin and alter how long it stays in your system.
- Body mass and body composition – Body composition can play a role in drug distribution and metabolism. For example, a higher body fat percentage can lead to longer retention of substances like Klonopin.
- Hydration and urinary pH – Hydration levels and urinary pH can affect the excretion of Klonopin through urine. Higher urinary pH may lead to faster elimination.
- Age – Metabolic rate generally decreases with age, potentially prolonging the elimination of Klonopin in older adults.
- Duration of use – The longer Klonopin has been used, the longer it will stay in the body.
How Long Does Klonopin Show Up on a Drug Test?
Due to the long half-life of Klonopin, it stays in the body for several days. The detection window for Klonopin (clonazepam) on a drug test can vary depending on the type of drug test and the individual’s metabolism. Below are estimates for the average individual.
- Urine test – Klonopin and its metabolites can typically be detected in urine for about 5 to 7 days after the last use. However, in some cases, it may be detectable for up to 4 weeks, especially with chronic use or higher doses.
- Blood test – Klonopin can usually be detected in blood tests for 1 to 3 days after use. Blood tests are less common for benzodiazepines like Klonopin compared to urine tests.
- Saliva test – In saliva, Klonopin can be detected for about 1 to 4 days after use. This timeframe may vary depending on the sensitivity of the test and individual factors.
- Hair test – Hair tests can detect Klonopin for a longer period, typically up to 1 to 3 months after the last use. This is because traces of the drug and its metabolites can remain in hair follicles as the hair grows.
How to Detox From Klonopin
The only way to get Klonopin out of your system is to stop using it and allow your body to detox. However, if you have been taking Klonopin regularly for any extended amount of time, you may experience potentially dangerous withdrawal symptoms if you stop taking it cold turkey. As a result, Klonopin detox should be done under the guidance and supervision of a healthcare professional.
At a detox facility, a team of healthcare professionals will assess your needs and ensure a safe, comfortable detox. Since abruptly stopping Klonopin can lead to withdrawal symptoms and potential health risks, individuals are usually tapered off it. Tapering involves gradually reducing the dosage over a period of time to minimize withdrawal effects. Your doctor will create a tapering schedule based on factors such as your current dosage, length of use, and individual response.
Potential symptoms of Klonopin withdrawal include anxiety, insomnia, tremors, sweating, and seizures. Medical supervision ensures that these symptoms are managed effectively and that any complications are addressed promptly.
Throughout the detox process, your doctor will monitor your progress closely to ensure that the tapering schedule is effective and that withdrawal symptoms are managed appropriately. Regular check-ins and adjustments to the tapering plan may be necessary based on your response.
Get Help for Klonopin Abuse and Addiction Today
Alamo Behavioral Health is a licensed dual-diagnosis long-term addiction treatment facility. We focus on the physiological rebalancing of the individual through medical, physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual care. At our detox center, we can prescribe medications that alleviate your symptoms and offer 24-hour support and supervision, ensuring your safety and comfort during the detox process.
To learn more about our treatment programs or to get started with a confidential, risk-free assessment, please contact us today.
References:
- Food and Drug Administration (FDA): Klonopin Tablets
- National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): Clonazepam (Klonopin)
- University of Rochester Medical Center (URMC): Benzodiazepines (Urine)
- National Institute of Health: Deposition of 7-aminoclonazepam and clonazepam in hair following a single dose of Klonopin
- American Academy of Family Physicians: Addiction: Part I. Benzodiazepines—Side Effects, Abuse Risk and Alternatives