How Long Does Klonopin (Clonazepam) Stay in Your System?

Klonopin – clonazepam – is a medication prescribed to treat anxiety, panic disorders, and seizures [1]. While it can manage symptoms effectively, it also triggers long-lasting effects on the body.

This page explores the factors affecting how long does Klonopin last in the system and the risks associated with its use. Like all Schedule IV controlled drugs, Klonopin should be used only as directed to avoid dependence and addiction [2].

How Long Does Klonopin Stay in Your System?

Klonopin is a long-acting benzodiazepine, which means it can stay in the body for a considerable time [3]. Exactly how long does clonazepam stays in the system can depend on how much is taken, how often it’s used, and overall health. According to the drug test used to identify Klonopin, traces of the medication are detectable for different lengths of time.

How long does Klonopin stay in your urine?

Klonopin can be found in urine for 2 to 4 weeks. Urine tests are one of the most common methods used to detect the presence of drugs because they have a prolonged detection window. However, the length of time Klonopin can stay in your urine may vary based on the amount taken, how frequently it’s used, and individual metabolism.

How long does Klonopin stay in saliva?

Saliva tests cannot detect Klonopin for as long as urine tests. Klonopin is normally detectable in a person’s saliva for 5 to 6 days after the last use. Saliva tests are often used for more recent drug use because they can show results sooner after consumption.

How long does Klonopin stay in blood?

Blood tests can find traces of Klonopin for 4 to 5 days. While blood tests are less commonly used for drug screening than urine tests, they can be useful when a more immediate result is needed.

How long does Klonopin stay in hair?

Klonopin can be found in hair for 30 days or more. Hair tests are often used to look for long-term drug use because drugs remain in hair follicles for weeks or months after use. These tests are less reliable for pinpointing recent use, though, as they focus on long-term exposure to the drug. 

Klonopin Half-Life

The half-life of Klonopin expresses the duration for 50% of the benzo to exit the body [4]. Clonazepam half-life is longer than the half-life of most benzodiazepines – the half-life of clonazepam 0.25mg is between 30 and 40 hours, meaning it can take 2 days for half of the dose to leave the system. Because of this, Klonopin can stay in the body for several days, and it may take a week or more to be fully eliminated.

It takes five elimination half-lives until 95% of benzos like Klonopin leave the body. For Klonopin, this means that it could stay in the body for 6 to 9 days. However, the half-life can vary from person to person based on overall health and metabolism. 

What Factors Affect the Result of Klonopin Staying in Your System?

How long Klonopin stays in the body can vary depending on several factors, including:

• Age: As people age, their bodies tend to process medications less efficiently [5] Older adults may have a slower metabolism and reduced liver and kidney function, which can cause Klonopin to stay in their system longer than it would for a younger person.
• Liver function: The liver breaks down most drugs, including Klonopin. If someone has liver problems or diseases, their body may not be able to metabolize Klonopin as quickly, leading to the drug staying in their system for longer.
• Metabolism: People with faster metabolisms generally process and eliminate drugs quicker. Activity levels, body weight, and genetics influence metabolism. Those with slower metabolisms may find that Klonopin takes longer to leave their system.
• Dosage and frequency: Taking higher doses of Klonopin or using it more frequently can result in the drug staying in the system for longer periods. The more Klonopin is used, the more it can build up in the body, leading to longer detection times.
• Length of use: If Klonopin has been used for a long time, especially at higher doses, the drug may accumulate in fatty tissues [3]. This can make it take longer for the body to clear it out. People who have used Klonopin for a short period will likely eliminate it quicker than those who have used it for months or years.
• Overall health: A person’s overall health, especially the function of their kidneys and liver, can greatly impact how long Klonopin stays in the system. Healthy individuals may process and eliminate the drug faster, while those with health issues may experience slower clearance times.
• Use of other medications: If Klonopin is taken with other drugs, it may affect how quickly the body can metabolize and eliminate the drug. Certain medications can slow down the body’s ability to process Klonopin, causing it to stay in the system longer.

These factors play a major role in determining how long Klonopin can be found in the body. Understanding them can help people make more informed decisions about their health, especially when it comes to ongoing substance misuse or potential drug testing.

Duration of Effects

Klonopin’s effects can last for several hours, but the exact duration depends on the dose, individual health, and how often the drug is taken. The medication usually starts working within 1 to 4 hours after it’s taken. The medication reaches its peak effectiveness during this time, meaning that the calming effects on the body and brain are at their strongest.

Once Klonopin takes effect, the feelings of relaxation and reduced anxiety can last for 6 to 12 hours. This is why it’s often prescribed for anxiety and panic disorders that require longer-lasting relief. However, the sedating effects, like drowsiness and tiredness, may linger beyond this time, and people should avoid activities such as driving or operating machinery until the effects fully wear off. 

Even though the immediate effects of Klonopin can last for hours, the drug can remain in your system for much longer due to its long half-life. Follow your doctor’s instructions and avoid taking more than the prescribed amount, as the drug can build up in the body if misused or taken too often.

What Are the Effects of Klonopin (Clonazepam)?

Klonopin (clonazepam) calms the brain and body. It enhances the activity of a neurotransmitter called GABA, which slows nerve signals in the brain [6]. This can be beneficial for people who experience anxiety, panic attacks, or seizures. The effects of Klonopin can vary depending on the person, but common effects include:

• Calming or relaxing feelings: One of the main reasons people take Klonopin is to feel calmer or less anxious. By slowing brain activity, Klonopin can help reduce feelings of fear, nervousness, or panic – this is why it’s commonly prescribed for anxiety and panic disorders.
• Drowsiness and fatigue: Klonopin has sedating effects and often makes people tired. This drowsiness can be helpful for people who have trouble sleeping or relaxing, but it can also disrupt daily activities.
• Dizziness or lightheadedness: Some people may feel dizzy or unsteady on their feet after taking Klonopin. This can happen because the drug slows brain activity, affecting coordination and balance.
• Impaired coordination and concentration: Klonopin slows the CNS (central nervous system), making it hard to focus or complete tasks that require mental sharpness. This is why people taking Klonopin are advised not to drive or operate heavy machinery.
• Memory problems: Some people experience memory issues while taking Klonopin, especially if they’ve been using it for a long time [7]. This can make it difficult to remember or focus.
• Feelings of relaxation and reduced muscle tension: Klonopin can help relax muscles, which may help people who experience muscle spasms and tension from anxiety or panic.

While Klonopin can be effective in treating certain conditions, it can also cause side effects. Some people may experience more serious reactions, such as difficulty breathing, changes in mood, or unusual thoughts. Long-term use or misuse of Klonopin can lead to dependence – take the medication only as prescribed by a doctor.

How Long Does Clonazepam Last?

Clonazepam, the active ingredient in Klonopin, is known for its long-lasting effects. After taking a dose, the drug begins working within 1 hour, and its calming effects can last up to 12 hours. This makes clonazepam ideal for treating conditions like anxiety, panic attacks, and seizures that require longer-lasting relief. 

Because clonazepam has a long half-life of 30 to 40 hours, it remains in the body for several days after the last dose. This means that even though the immediate effects may wear off within 12 hours, traces of the drug can still be detected in the body for much longer. For most people, clonazepam can take anywhere from 6 to 9 days to fully leave the system, depending on age, health, and how much of the drug was taken. 

Follow the prescribed dosage and do not take more than recommended, as this can increase the risk of side effects or dependence. 

How To Detox from Klonopin?

Detoxing from Klonopin should always be done under medical supervision, especially for people who have been taking the drug for an extended period or in high doses [8]. The medication can trigger the development of physical dependence, so stopping suddenly can lead to serious withdrawal symptoms, some of which can be life-threatening.

The safest way to detox from Klonopin is through a gradual tapering process [12]. This means the dosage is slowly reduced over time, allowing the body to adjust to lower levels of the drug. Tapering helps minimize withdrawal symptoms and makes the detox process safer. A doctor will create a tapering schedule based on the person’s current dose and how long they’ve used the drug.

Alongside tapering, medical detox programs can provide support and monitor for complications. These programs may also offer medications to help manage withdrawal symptoms like anxiety, insomnia, or seizures. Detoxing at home without medical help is risky, so seek professional care when trying to quit Klonopin. 

Klonopin Risks

While Klonopin can help treat certain conditions, it comes with several risks, especially if it’s not taken as prescribed. Some of the most significant risks include addiction, withdrawal symptoms, and overdose. Knowing these risks can help people make more informed decisions about their medication use. 

Addiction Risk

Klonopin has a high potential for addiction, especially when taken for long periods or in larger doses than prescribed. The drug works by calming the brain, but over time, the body can become dependent on it to function normally. This is known as physical dependence, and it can lead to addiction if the drug is misused or abused [9]. 

Addiction can develop when people take Klonopin in higher doses to feel a stronger effect or when they use it more frequently than prescribed. Signs of Klonopin addiction include cravings for the drug, needing more to achieve the same effect, or continuing to use it even when it causes problems in daily life.

Long-term use of Klonopin can make it difficult to stop without experiencing withdrawal symptoms. For this reason, the medication should be used only under a doctor’s guidance at the recommended dose.

Overdose Risk

Taking too much Klonopin can lead to a dangerous overdose, which may cause serious health problems or even be life-threatening [10]. Overdose is more likely if Klonopin is mixed with other substances, such as alcohol, opioids, or other sedative medications. This combination can significantly sedate the central nervous system, leading to respiratory depression, where breathing becomes dangerously slow or even stops. 

Symptoms of a Klonopin overdose include:

• Extreme drowsiness or sedation
• Confusion and trouble thinking
• Slowed reflexes
• Breathing complications
• Unconsciousness or coma 

If you feel someone is overdosing on Klonopin, seek emergency medical help immediately. Overdose can be fatal, especially if left untreated. Medical professionals may use treatments like flumazenil, which can reverse some of the effects of benzodiazepine overdose, but quick action is essential [11]. 

By understanding these risks, individuals can take measures to use Klonopin responsibly and reduce the chances of addiction or overdose. 

Receive Compassionate Addiction Treatment at Renaissance Recovery

If you or someone you know have been misusing prescription medications like Klonopin, we can help you get back on track at Renaissance Recovery. We have welcoming luxury rehabs in California and Florida, where we treat all addictions and mental health issues. 

The outpatient nature of treatment at Renaissance means you can continue at home, work, or school while getting effective and compassionate treatment for prescription drug addiction. 

Every addiction is unique, and this is reflected in the personalized treatment plans delivered at Renaissance. Therapies may include: 

• Talk therapies
• Counseling
• Motivational therapies
• MAT (medication-assisted treatment)
• Group therapy
• Family therapy
• Holistic therapies
• Aftercare 

When you’re ready to address Klonopin addiction, call 866-330-9449.

Sources 

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK556010/
2. https://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/schedules/schedules.html
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3684331/
4. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1687613/
5. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7495267/
6. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/6147796/
7. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1357612/
8. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK64119/
9. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8583742/
10. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482238/
11. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2025471/
12. https://www.oregon.gov/oha/HPA/DSI-Pharmacy/MHCAGDocs/Tapering-Benzodiazepines.pdf