WHAT IS CLONAZOLAM?
Clonazolam was first introduced by Sandoz Pharmaceuticals Incorporated in 1972 under the trade name Klonex. It was approved by the FDA in 1974 for treatment of seizures associated with Lennox Gastaut Syndrome or Dravet syndrome. In addition, clonazolam is indicated for treating panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, social phobia, posttraumatic stress disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, acute stress reaction, and premenstrual dysphoric disorder.
Clonazolam, also known as Clonitrazolam is a medium-duration psychoactive drug that also belongs to the class of benzodiazepines. It produces anxiolytic, sedative, hypnotic, muscle relaxant, anticonvulsant, depressant, and amnesic effects. It is a derivative of the FDA-approved benzodiazepines clonazepam and alprazolam.
Compared to the other mentioned drugs, however, clonazolam has been reported to be more fast-acting and its effects can be felt within 20 to 60 minutes. It also has the reputation of being highly potent as it produces very strong sedation and effects even when taken in small doses such as 0.5 mg. As such, it may be more dangerous than the other benzodiazepines available in the market.
As with most benzodiazepines, abrupt discontinuation of use can pose serious threats to the frequent users including seizures and sudden death. It is medically recommended that one’s dose is tapered off gradually before it is stopped altogether. Quitting clonazolam abruptly may produce intensive withdrawal effects.
Benzodiazepine Drug Saliva Test Kits can help to gradually wean users off their prescribed medications.
CLONAZOLAM ANTI-PSYCHOTIC EFFECTS:
The anti-psychotic effects of clonazolam are due to its ability to block the benzodiazepine receptors on GABA neurons. Benzodiazepines act as partial agonists at these receptor sites; that means they produce some enhancement of inhibitory neurotransmission, while also producing sedation, amnesia, muscle relaxation, etc.
The result is a reduction in excitability and an increase in sleepiness. Because the brain’s own natural chemicals can cause similar results, it has been dubbed “the Valium of drugs” because many people feel better when taking them than when drinking alcohol.
However, there are significant differences between the two classes of medications. While both work well against insomnia, one causes drowsiness during waking hours, while the other does not. One produces tolerance rapidly, while the other induces dependence slowly. Also, unlike valproate, which interferes with normal liver function, clonazepams do not have this effect. They therefore may be preferred over older anticonvulsants like phenytoin or carbamazepine since their side effects are less severe.
There are no known serious interactions with any medications used commonly today except for those listed below.
What is Clonazolam and Why is it Dangerous?
Another drug that has recently become popular among benzodiazepine users is one called Clonazolam. This is currently being sold online as a designer drug and is easily accessible through online vendors. Various forums and threads such as those found on Reddit discuss accounts.
Clonazolam was first introduced by Sandoz Pharmaceuticals Incorporated in 1972 under the trade name Klonex®. It is an imidazo benzothiazole derivative which belongs to the group of medications called Benzodiazepines. These medications were originally designed for use in conditions such as epilepsy, anxiety disorders, depression and alcoholism where patients experience excessive nervousness and/or agitation.
Clonazolam is mainly prescribed for short term relief from mild to moderate forms of anxiety and to treat symptoms of generalised anxiety disorder. This medication reduces levels of adrenaline in the body. By doing so, it helps reduce feelings of tension and restlessness. With continued usage however, the patient develops physical dependence.
Physical dependence occurs after prolonged use of clonazolam and requires medical intervention to prevent withdrawal symptoms if discontinued suddenly. Some of the common adverse reactions include dizziness, nausea, vomiting and headache. Clonazepamine may lead to addiction. Severe cases require hospitalisation to manage overdose. Overdose leads to respiratory arrest and death.
SOME OF THE BENEFITS & RISKS OF USING CLONAZOLAM FOR TREATING ALCOHOLISM ARE…
Some of the benefits of using clonazolam for treating alcoholism are reduced cravings, lowered risk of relapse, increased motivation towards abstinence and improved mood.
On the flipside, long-term use of clonazolam may be linked to cognitive impairment, memory loss, confusion, impaired judgment, decreased coordination and balance problems. Clonazolam should only be taken for brief periods of time.
Effects
Clonazolam’s effects are similar to other benzodiazepines, such as anxiolysis , disinhibition, lethargy, muscle relaxation, and euphoria . While no dose of clonazolam is considered “safe” due to its lack of research and extreme potency, doses higher than 0.5 mg can cause benzodiazepine overdose in some individuals.
The effects of a benzodiazepine overdose include sedation, confusion, insufficient breathing, loss of consciousness, and death. Because dependence can occur in a short period of time, or even with a large initial dose, withdrawal symptoms (including seizures and death) may occur acutely following the period of intoxication. Subjective effects
Benzodiazepine drugs contain a benzene ring fused to a diazepine ring, which is a seven membered ring with the two nitrogen constituents located at R. The subjective effects listed below are based upon the Subjective Effect Index. A rating from 1–10 indicates either no effect or slight effect while 11–21 means moderate effect, 22–31 means strong effect, and 32–40 means very strong effect.)
1 – Euphoria
2 – Calmness
3 – Sleepy
4 – Relaxed
5 – Happy
6 – Content
7 – Talkative
8 – Excited
9 – Confident
10 – Intoxicated
Other Uses Clonazolam Liquid:
The most common uses for clonazolam liquid are anxiety disorders, insomnia, panic disorder, epilepsy, alcohol addiction/dependence, depression, obsessive compulsive disorder, premenstrual dysphoric disorder, posttraumatic stress syndrome, generalized social phobia, acute stress disorder, and treatment of agitation associated with schizophrenia.
Tolerance and addiction potential
– Rebound anxiety is a commonly observed effect with anxiety relieving benzodiazepines etizolam. However, it is potentially lethal when mixed with depressants alcohol opioids It is strongly recommended that one use harm reduction practices, such as volumetric dosing, when using this substance to ensure the accurate administration of the intended dose.
Tolerance and addiction potential
The tolerance and addictive properties of clonazepam have not been well studied. However, there are some anecdotal accounts suggesting that tolerance does occur after prolonged usage. There also appears to be no evidence of withdrawal symptoms occurring if someone stops taking the drug abruptly. The risk of developing dependency seems very small.
Clonazolam Overdose / acute poisoning
Symptoms of clonazolam overdose include confusion, agitation, hallucinations, seizures, coma, respiratory depression, death. Overdosage of clonazolam should be treated immediately by calling 911 or getting medical attention right away. If you suspect an overdosage, call your poison control center first thing.
They will tell you what to do. You must know how much has been ingested before deciding on treatment. In case of accidental ingestion, induce vomiting promptly. Do NOT give anything by mouth unless instructed to do so by emergency personnel or Poison Control Center personnel. Get immediate medical help if any of these signs of overdose appear: slow pulse, shallow respirations, cold/clammy skin.
Mechanism of action of Clonazolam Liquid
Although clonazolam is structurally related to other medications used to treat mental health conditions, like alprazolam and lorazepam, it differs significantly chemically. Unlike those compounds, however, clonazolam acts primarily on GABA receptors rather than on serotonin.
This suggests that it works differently from typical SSRIs, but more similarly to typical antipsychotics like haloperidol. For example, unlike 5HT reuptake inhibitors, clonazepams don’t seem to affect mood-elevating dopamine activity. Although they bind to both GABAA and benzodiapine receptor subtypes, their binding affinity for each subtype varies between different species.
Clonazolam Effectiveness in treating certain psychiatric disorders
Clonazolam is effective at reducing severe anxiety and may be helpful at alleviating suicidal thoughts. When taken during pregnancy, clonazolam can cause birth defects. Clonazolam is often prescribed for people who suffer from insomnia. While it’s generally considered safe to take while pregnant, because of its possible teratogenicity, doctors usually advise against doing so.
Clonazolam may be useful in preventing nightmares following surgery. Its anti-psychotic qualities make it suitable for treating patients suffering psychosis due to schizophrenia. Also, clonazolam helps prevent anxiety caused by childbirth. The exact mechanism behind its effectiveness remains unclear.
Some studies suggest that clonazolam liquid binds to specific sites within the hypothalamus and amygdala which reduce excessive excitatory neurotransmitter release. Other research shows that it reduces neuronal firing rates via activation of gamma aminobutyric acid type A receptors.
Dangers & Clonazolam side effects
Long term usage of clonazolam increases the chance of liver failure and heart attack. Due to reduced blood flow into brain cells, long term users experience memory loss, inability to learn new things, poor judgment, lack of coordination, problems sleeping, and even dementia.
These negative consequences may last for years or decades. Short term Clonalozam usage doesn’t carry nearly as many risks, although still carries enough to warrant caution. Long term usage of clonazeopm could lead to dependence, especially among heavy drinkers.