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How Long Does Klonopin Stay in your System?
Published: January 12, 2024

Klonopin’s detectability in drug tests varies, ranging from 1 to 30 days after the last use.

This length of detectability differs based on the individual and the type of drug test. Urine drug tests can detect Klonopin for two to four weeks after the last dose, saliva tests for five to six days, hair tests for up to 30 days, and finally blood tests have a high degree of variability without a clear average duration of detectability.

  • Klonopin is detectable in urine tests for between two and four weeks on average.
  • Klonopin is detectable in hair tests for between three and four weeks on average.
  • Klonopin is detectable in saliva tests for five to six days on average.
  • Because of the variability, there is no average detectible window in blood tests.

The detectability of Klonopin in your system hinges on several factors, such as the type of drug test used, the frequency and dosage of Klonopin taken, the specific formulation of the medication, metabolic rates, and the individual’s overall health. This information offers a general guideline, but the exact duration that Klonopin remains detectable varies.

Learn more about the different drug tests and the duration Klonopin can be detected below.

Getting Treatment for Klonopin Abuse

If you’re concerned about how long Klonopin stays in your system due to upcoming drug tests, it may be time to consider changes.

With the help of addiction treatment offering you support, medication, and mental health therapy, you can began a better life in long-term recovery. With support from our addiction counselors, alumni, and peers who are in recovery too, you can overcome and improve your lifestyle.

At Cornerstone of Southern California, our commitment to your recovery is reflected in the quality of care and support we offer. We specialize in treating benzodiazepine dependencies, including Klonopin, starting with an initial assessment with options for drug detox, inpatient drug rehab, and intensive outpatient rehabilitation programs, each personalized to the client’s needs.

At our community-focused addiction and mental health treatment center, we’ve built an environment where long-term recovery is the goal of our team. To get back to your best self, talk with a addiction counselor today.

For more details, check out our prescription drug addiction treatment program or view our Steps to Klonopin Addiction Treatment at Cornerstone of Southern California.

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Call us and speak to one of our caring addiction counselors.
Call Today (714) 547-5375

How Long Does Klonopin Stay in Your Body?

Klonopin begins to be broken down in the body immediately after it is taken and transported around the body.

If taken correctly Klonopin reaches peak effectiveness approximately four hours after its taken. Around 90% of the drug will be metabolized by the body in this time.

The effects of this substance at peak concentration in the body include:

  • Sleepiness
  • Lightheadedness
  • Disorientation
  • Coordination issues
  • Loss of concentration

The effects of this substance can be felt for up to twelve hours after taking the drug, which means that any activities which require high levels of attention such as driving or working machinery should be avoided. The half-life of Klonopin – the time taken for the quantity of a substance’s active properties to reduce by half in your body – is approximately thirty to forty hours.

The addictive properties of Klonopin result in many individuals experiencing withdrawal symptoms, even if they are using the drug as a prescription medication. However, due to the considerably long half-life, symptoms of withdrawal may not appear until days after stopping use.

What Drug Tests Detect Klonopin?

Tests detecting the presence of Klonopin can show positive results for between five and thirty days, depending on which test is used. It can be a complex process accurately detecting Klonopin because each benzodiazepine appears differently in tests. Because of this, rather than testing for the presence of the drug itself, the test giver will look for the metabolites of the group of drugs instead.

Unfortunately the accuracy of these tests does vary; usually, labs will take the approach of running alternate tests to confirm any positive results.

The metabolite of Klonopin is called 7-aminoclonazepam (7AC). This metabolite does not necessarily show up in regular drug tests, and therefore, labs must specifically screen for Klonopin or its metabolite.

There are four typical drug tests which can be used to detect Klonopin. They include the following:

  • Urine tests
  • Hair tests
  • Blood tests
  • Saliva tests

Urine Drug Tests for Klonopin and Benzodiazepines

Urine tests are a common method to detect benzodiazepines, including Klonopin and Xanax. They are preferred for their accuracy and longer detection window. Klonopin can be detected in urine typically from two to four weeks after use, providing a reliable timeframe for identifying usage.

How Long Does Klonopin Stay in Your Urine?

Klonopin and its metabolites can be detected in urine for an average duration of two to four weeks, making it a practical choice for long-term detection of drug use.

Hair Follicle Drug Tests for Benzodiazepines and Klonopin

Hair follicle tests offer a longer window for detecting Klonopin usage. While less reliable than urine or blood tests, they can identify drug usage for up to a month after consumption.

How Long Does Klonopin Stay in Your Hair?

Klonopin’s metabolites can be identified in hair samples for an average duration of three to four weeks, though this can vary based on individual factors.

Blood Drug Tests for Klonopin, Xanax, and Benzodiazepines

Blood tests are effective in detecting Klonopin soon after consumption, with its metabolites present for several days post-use. These tests provide variable results but are useful for short-term detection.

How Long Does Klonopin Stay in Your Blood?

There is no specific average window for Klonopin detectability in blood tests due to variability, but the drug’s metabolites have a half-life of up to four days in the bloodstream.

Lick Saliva Drug Tests for Klonopin and Xanax

Saliva tests detect the presence of Klonopin itself rather than its metabolites, making them suitable for identifying recent use, typically within five to six days post-consumption.

How Long Does Klonopin Stay in Your Saliva?

Klonopin is detectable in saliva for approximately five to six days, offering a shorter detection window compared to urine or hair tests but useful for identifying recent drug use.

Detox for Benzodiazepines

One of the first steps of recovery from any prescription drug is detoxification. This is a chance for your body to cleanse itself completely of substances and toxins, allowing you to work through the challenges of your physical dependence. Detox can take anywhere from a couple of days to weeks, depending on how regularly you used the substance, what dosage you used, and if you were combining Klonopin with other drugs.

Benzodiazepines are notoriously difficult to detox from and it’s not uncommon for individuals to relapse in the initial days. If you are taking Klonopin and you are ready to access help, seek professional medical advice before going forward.

Klonopin Withdrawal Symptoms

Klonopin withdrawal impacts everybody differently but it can be a very distressing and uncomfortable process. Detoxing under the guidance of licensed medical professionals is strongly advised so they can care for you and monitor your progress along the way.

It’s likely you will taper off Klonopin gently to reduce the intensity of withdrawal. This gives your body time to get used to functioning without the presence of drugs.

Common withdrawal symptoms include the following:

  • Anxiety
  • Lightheadedness
  • Tremors and shakes
  • Sleep problems
  • Vivid dreams and nightmares
  • Excessive sweating
  • Disorientation
  • Coordination issues
  • Muscle pain
  • Gastrointestinal issues
  • Fluctuating mood
  • Concentration issues
  • Headaches
  • Hallucinations
  • Seizures

Medical care is crucial at this time, but just as important is psychological support. Following a successful detox, you will begin therapeutic work to tackle the challenges which led to your substance abuse in the first place. If you are living with a co-existing mental health disorder, it’s important that you work through this in order to achieve long-term recovery.

How Long Does Klonopin Last?

In general, the effects of Klonopin can last for 6 to 8 hours, although some people may experience longer-lasting effects. The length of time that Klonopin lasts can vary depending on a number of factors, including your age, weight, metabolism, and the specific formulation of the medication you are taking. It is important to follow your healthcare provider’s instructions for taking Klonopin and to avoid taking it in larger doses or more frequently than prescribed.

What is Klonopin?

Klonopin, the brand name for clonazepam, is a central nervous system (CNS) depressant used in a variety of medical settings. Klonopin is a widely recognized anti-anxiety medication used in the short-term treatment of anxiety and panic disorders, alcohol withdrawal, insomnia, as well as a symptom management medication for seizure disorders.

Klonopin is part of a wider group of substances called benzodiazepines, or “benzos,” and as a CNS depressant, has the ability to slow down the brain and nervous system.

Although Klonopin does have a number of legitimate uses, the calming properties of the drug make it very easy for individuals to become dependent on it. Here we look at the question: how long does Klonopin stay in your system?

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Drugs in the benzodiazepine family are widely used in the treatment of a number of conditions. Individuals living with severe anxiety disorders often find life overwhelming and exhausting, and medications like Klonopin can give them the ability to lead normal lives. However, the risks are considerable due to the effects of this drug; therefore any prescription should be closely monitored by a medical professional.

Klonopin works by slowing the central nervous system (CNS) through activating and binding to the GABA receptors in the brain. GABA is a neurotransmitter that we naturally produce in real-life stressful situations to counteract the adrenaline running through our bodies. GABA is referred to as an “inhibitory neurotransmitter” as it works by interrupting chemical messages and slowing the stimulation of brain nerve cells.

This results in a slowed heart rate, reduces blood pressure, and calms distressing emotions. Individuals with Bipolar or panic disorder can benefit greatly from these effects if the drug is used correctly. Additionally, people with epilepsy or those who experience seizures could also see symptom improvement using Klonopin.

The calming effects of this sedating drug can increase the risk of abuse, even for people who have originally been prescribed the substance by a genuine healthcare provider.

We’re here any time of the day to talk

Call us and speak to one of our caring addiction counselors.
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How is Klonopin Used?

As a Schedule IV drug, and categorized as having “low abuse potential, low risk of dependence and addiction but carries risks,” prescriptions should be monitored and only administered under certain conditions. As a person’s symptoms progress or improve, the medication should be adjusted and whenever a tolerance arises, they should be weaned off the substance.

As prescribed, Klonopin should be swallowed in tablet form. This is the slowest way for the drug to enter the bloodstream, with peak concentration usually around four hours after ingestion.

The powerful nature of Klonopin, unfortunately, makes it one of the most widely abused benzodiazepines. Although there are not accurate figures on the number of people abusing the substance, in 2011, SAMHSA research suggested that more than 61,000 emergency room admissions were linked to Klonopin.

Klonopin users are likely to find their tolerance builds, resulting in higher doses being used to achieve the same high they once did. For some people, this “high” is achieved through snorting the drug.

Snorting Klonopin causes a much faster onset of symptoms with the peak blood concentration around twenty minutes after use, in contrast to four hours after swallowing a tablet. This is a result of the structure of the nose; the mucous membrane is permeable with a decent blood supply, allowing Klonopin to quickly enter the bloodstream after inhaling through the nostrils.

Unfortunately, developing a Klonopin addiction is fairly common regardless of how the drug was originally used and regardless of the purpose. Over time the presence of the drug can change the brain’s structure as it relies on the substance to function.

Some common side effects of Klonopin abuse include the following:

  • Dizziness
  • Slowed cognition
  • Confusion
  • Disorientation
  • Loss of coordination
  • Forgetfulness
  • Low sex drive
  • Fainting
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Heaviness or numbness in arms and legs
  • Slowed reactions
  • Problems sleeping

How Long Does Klonopin Stay in Your Body?

Among the group of benzodiazepine drugs, Klonopin belongs to the “long-acting” category, alongside diazepam and chlordiazepoxide. These are different from other benzodiazepines which belong to the “short-acting” category, such as triazolam and midazolam. A third category, “intermediary-acting” benzos, includes lorazepam and alprazolam (commonly known by its brand name, Xanax).

Despite these distinctions, benzos work in a similar way, by affecting the way neurotransmitters behave. Depending on what Klonopin is prescribed for and a number of other factors, the dose will vary. The following gives an indicator of dosages:

  • Adult Epilepsy – 1mg increasing to 4mg to 8mg over the period of one month
  • Child Epilepsy – varies depending on age, increased incrementally over the period of one month
  • Adult Muscle Spasms – 1mg increasing to 4mg to 8mg over the period of one month
  • Panic Disorder – 1 -2mg every day

Klonopin begins to be broken down in the body immediately after it is taken and transported around the body.

If taken correctly Klonopin reaches peak effectiveness approximately four hours after its taken. Around 90% of the drug will be metabolised by the body in this time.

The effects of this substance at peak concentration in the body include:

  • Sleepiness
  • Lightheadedness
  • Disorientation
  • Coordination issues
  • Loss of concentration

The effects of this substance can be felt for up to twelve hours after taking the drug, which means that any activities which require high levels of attention such as driving or working machinery should be avoided. The half-life of Klonopin – the time taken for the quantity of a substance’s active properties to reduce by half in your body – is approximately thirty to forty hours.

The addictive properties of Klonopin result in many individuals experiencing withdrawal symptoms, even if they are using the drug as a prescription medication. However, due to the considerably long half-life, symptoms of withdrawal may not appear until days after stopping use.

Klonopin Half-Life

For individuals considering an addiction treatment program, or those who are subject to drug testing, how long Klonopin stays within the system is a common question. To answer this question, we need to understand the half-life of Klonopin’s main ingredient, clonazepam.

Clonazepam has a long half-life. This refers to the length of time it takes for a dose of a drug to halve in the body. The half-life of clonazepam is somewhere between thirty and forty hours. In practical terms, it means after one or two days just 50% of Klonopin will leave the system.

With any substance, regardless if it has a short or very long half-life, it can take approximately five half-lives for it to completely leave your body.

Given that clonazepam has a half-life of around thirty to forty hours, Klonopin is likely to stay in your system for approximately six to nine days after your last dose.

Addiction Treatment for Benzodiazepines

The first stage of recovery from any prescription drug is detoxification. This is a chance for your body to cleanse itself completely of substances and toxins, allowing you to work through the challenges of your physical dependence. Detox can take anywhere from a couple of days to weeks, depending on how regularly you used the substance, what dosage you used, and if you were combining Klonopin with other drugs.

Benzodiazepines are notoriously difficult to detox from and it’s not uncommon for individuals to relapse in the initial days. If you are taking Klonopin and you are ready to access help, seek professional medical advice before going forward.

Klonopin Withdrawal Symptoms

Klonopin withdrawal impacts everybody differently but it can be a very distressing and uncomfortable process. Detoxing under the guidance of licensed medical professionals is strongly advised so they can care for you and monitor your progress along the way.

It’s likely you will taper off Klonopin gently to reduce the intensity of withdrawal. This gives your body time to get used to functioning without the presence of drugs.

Common withdrawal symptoms include the following:

  • Anxiety
  • Lightheadedness
  • Tremors and shakes
  • Sleep problems
  • Vivid dreams and nightmares
  • Excessive sweating
  • Disorientation
  • Coordination issues
  • Muscle pain
  • Gastrointestinal issues
  • Fluctuating mood
  • Concentration issues
  • Headaches
  • Hallucinations
  • Seizures

Medical care is crucial at this time, but just as important is psychological support. Following a successful detox, you will begin therapeutic work to tackle the challenges which led to your substance abuse in the first place. If you are living with a co-existing mental health disorder, it’s important that you work through this in order to achieve long-term recovery.

Steps to Klonopin Addiction Treatment

The path to overcoming Klonopin addiction begins with an initial assessment, which determines the recovery setting and personalized treatment plan.

Initial Assessment: Understanding Klonopin Addiction

An initial assessment sets the stage for a personalized care plan for Klonopin addiction. Our compassionate addiction counselors offer a confidential and supportive environment, allowing clients to freely express their issues and lay the foundation for recovery. This stage is pivotal in determining the appropriate treatment setting and outlining the steps for an effective addiction treatment plan.

Personalized Klonopin and Mental Health Treatment

Recognizing the uniqueness of each recovery journey, and how both mental health and physical addiction play roles in recovery, Cornerstone of Southern California crafts individualized treatment plans, addressing both Klonopin addiction and any coexisting mental health issues. This comprehensive approach enhances our client’s chances for sustainable, long-term recovery.

Identifying the Appropriate Klonopin Treatment Setting

The assessment outcomes guide the selection of the most suitable treatment setting:

  • Medically Assisted Benzodiazepine Detox Treatment: For clients needing assistance with withdrawal symptoms, our professionals supervise a medically-managed detox, possibly incorporating medications to mitigate cravings.
  • Inpatient Klonopin Rehab Program: Clients requiring intensive support are directed to our inpatient rehab in Orange County, providing a thorough treatment program, including mental health counseling.
  • Day Treatment: A step down from inpatient rehab, the Day Treatment rehabilitation program provides treatment activities during most of the day while residing at home at night, offering a balance between intensive care and personal independence.
  • Intensive Outpatient Rehabilitation Program (IOP): Those progressing in Klonopin recovery but needing substantial support can benefit from our IOP, offering flexible yet robust therapy and support.
  • Outpatient Program (OP): A step down from IOP, our outpatient program offers flexible rehabilitation services, involving regular therapy sessions , allowing individuals to maintain their daily commitments while receiving ongoing support for recovery.

Post-Treatment and Ongoing Care for Klonopin Addiction:

Our post-treatment care at Cornerstone of Southern California ensures continuous support and resources for enduring recovery and coping with post-treatment life challenges:

  • Sober Living Homes: Access to certified sober living homes in Orange County, CA, ensures a seamless transition after treatment.
  • Extended Care Program (ECP): Our ECP offers additional support to prevent relapse following initial treatment.
  • Recovery Support Groups: Peer-guided groups offer continuous backing, shared experiences, and community spirit.
  • Relapse Prevention Therapy (RPT): This cognitive-behavioral approach equips clients with strategies to manage potential relapse triggers.
  • Alumni Program: Connects former clients, promoting a supportive network for ongoing recovery encouragement.

Cornerstone in Southern California provides comprehensive recovery services, including detoxification, residential care, extended care, day treatment, outpatient programs, and licensed recovery homes.

We acknowledge the complex nature of addiction and tailor our treatment to your unique needs. Begin your journey to recovery today at our Mental Health and Addiction Treatment Center in Orange County, Southern California. “Our team at Cornerstone is here to provide the support and guidance you need on your path to recovery.

Reviewed & Approved

This content has been reviewed for accuracy and comprehensiveness by Dr. Michael Stone, MD, FAAFP, ABAM, FASAM, Founder, and Phil Kosanovich, MBA, President & CEO of Cornerstone of Southern California. If you have any questions or notice any inaccuracies, please contact us at [email protected].

Sources

  1. Basit, H., & Kahwaji, C.I. (2023). Clonazepam. In StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing. Last update: May 13, 2023. Available at: NCBI Bookshelf
  2. Storhaug, L.W., Enger, A., Hjelmeland, K., Øiestad, E.L., & Vindenes, V. (2012). Prolonged excretion of 7-aminoclonazepam in urine after repeated ingestion of clonazepam: a case report. Forensic Science International, 222(1-3), e33-5. doi: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2012.06.018. PubMed
  3. Nordal, K., Øiestad, E.L., Enger, A., Christophersen, A.S., & Vindenes, V. (2015). Detection Times of Diazepam, Clonazepam, and Alprazolam in Oral Fluid Collected From Patients Admitted to Detoxification, After High and Repeated Drug Intake. Therapeutic Drug Monitoring, 37(4), 451-60. doi: 10.1097/FTD.0000000000000174. PubMed
  4. Chèze, M., Villain, M., & Pépin, G. (2004). Determination of bromazepam, clonazepam and metabolites after a single intake in urine and hair by LC-MS/MS. Application to forensic cases of drug facilitated crimes. Forensic Science International, 145(2-3), 123-130. doi: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2004.04.066. PubMed

We’re here any time of the day to talk

Call us and speak to one of our caring addiction counselors.
Call Today (714) 547-5375
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