Your doctor could write you a prescription for clonazepam, or Klonopin, to manage health issues like panic disorder, anxiety or seizures. This medication usually comes in tablet form, and can look different depending on the manufacturer and dosage. The various shapes and colors serve the purpose of helping pharmacists and patients identify the differences at a glance.
How Does Clonazepam Work?
Clonazepam is a benzodiazepine, which belongs to a class of prescription medications with a sedative effect. It affects your brain and central nervous system by releasing a higher-than-usual amount of a chemical called gamma-aminobutyric acid. As a result, your body can relax and find relief from the constant tension that accompanies anxiety.
Benzodiazepines are legal to have and use if you have a doctor’s prescription. However, that does not mean there is no risk involved with taking them. Because benzodiazepines alter your brain chemistry, they can be addictive, especially when people disregard their prescription instructions and start taking more than prescribed. Combining clonazepam with alcohol or other prescription drugs can lead to an overdose, which may slow breathing and result in a coma or death.
Clonazepam Colors
The FDA requires approved medications to have unique identifiers that allow people to tell prescription pills apart. A combination of color, shape and imprint indicates variables like the drug’s manufacturer and strength. Clonazepam colors include blue, pink, yellow, white and green.
When taking benzodiazepines, maintaining a safe dosage is essential to preventing a drug dependency. Your doctor will prescribe how much clonazepam you should take daily based on variables including your symptoms and how well you respond to treatment.
Warning Signs of Klonopin Addiction
Depending on how long you take prescription clonazepam, you may notice it seems less effective over time as your body gradually builds a tolerance. If you notice this phenomenon, talk with your doctor as soon as possible. A health professional can prescribe an alternative medication or suggest drug-free ways to manage your symptoms and minimize your risk of developing an addiction.
Once you get used to having benzodiazepines in your system, you may experience uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms when you try to taper off your dosage or quit using them. However, withdrawal is only one red flag of a worsening addiction. Here are some other signs to look for.
- Unpredictable mood changes
- Clouded judgment and decision-making
- A willingness to take someone else’s Klonopin when you run out
- Using the medication in a non-prescribed way, such as crushing and snorting pills
- Visiting multiple doctors in hopes of getting more benzodiazepines
- Compromised ability to carry out your daily activities
- Spending more and more time getting and using clonazepam, then recovering from its effects
Prescription Drug Addiction Treatment in California
At Pillars Recovery, we understand how a substance use disorder revolving around prescription medications can adversely affect your life. Our medication-assisted treatment program allows men and women to detox from benzodiazepines or other drugs safely, without the nausea, body aches, insomnia and other adverse effects that may otherwise accompany the withdrawal process.
To learn more about our safe, comfortable and confidential drug rehab facilities in Orange County, contact us today. Our professionals are here to support you at every step of your journey to recovery.
