The effects of clonazolam are similar to those produced by other benzodiazepines. Effects include muscle relaxation, reduced anxiety, fatigue, drowsiness and euphoria. Physical dependence is not the same as addiction. Addiction is characterized by a number of compulsive behaviors that are difficult to control, such as using clonazolam in risky situations or using the drug when it is known to cause other serious health problems. It is quite possible to become dependent on clonazolam, especially after prolonged use. NPS belonging to the benzodiazepine (BZD) class, such as “legal/synthetic BZDs”/”research chemicals”, have recently appeared on the drug market (mainly online/virtual). The effects of clonazolam are similar to those of other benzodiazepines, such as anxiolysis, disinhibition, lethargy, muscle relaxation and euphoria. Although no dose of clonazolam is considered “safe” due to its lack of research and extreme efficacy, doses greater than 0.5 mg can cause benzodiazepine overdose in some people. The effects of a benzodiazepine overdose include sedation, confusion, inadequate breathing, loss of consciousness and death. Since addiction can occur in a short period of time or even at a high initial dose, withdrawal symptoms (including seizures and death) can occur acutely after intoxication. BZDs are a class of medications commonly prescribed for the short-term treatment of anxiety, epilepsy, muscle spasms, alcohol withdrawal and insomnia. However, BZDs can also be abused and/or abused by different groups of substance users, mainly in combination with other addicts (e.g.
opioids, psychostimulants, etc.). [152, 215]. Their wide application and use facilitate the dissemination and growth of wide interest in the study of their chemical structures, pharmacological properties and clinical effects by encouraging the development of a wide range of active ingredients that have not been granted marketing authorisation and are now being rediscovered and sold online as “legal alternatives to prescribed BZDs only”. actually NPS (aka `Designer/Synthetic/New BZDs`) [10]. Despite the limited information available so far for most of these “designer BZDs”, a current trend in the NPS market seems to be a greater prevalence of this class [10]. It could be argued that a possible explanation may depend on the country, i.e. in some countries, such as the United Kingdom, it is indeed extremely difficult to be prescribed BZDs; Other explanations may be that this dramatic increase is related to higher rates of anxiety disorders, particularly among substance users, and an increased number of self-medicated individuals [220]. In addition, synthetic BZDs can also be an attractive target for people who frequently abuse other substances (e.g.
opioids, psychostimulants, etc.). The recent increase in the spread and seizure of this new class of NPS in recent years raises significant concerns about the health risks associated with its intake, particularly among vulnerable individuals who consume other substances [211, 221]. In fact, combining synthetic BZDs with other drugs (e.g., ethanol, marijuana, stimulants, opioids and other psychoactive substances) is risky, especially since there are no reliable data on possible synergistic and antagonistic effects. These withdrawal symptoms can begin between one and seven days after the last dose of clonazolam and last for two to eight weeks or more. Factors that can affect how long clonazolam is withdrawn include the amount used, how often clonazolam is used, and whether it has been used with other substances such as alcohol or opioids. Other factors that can affect clonazolam`s withdrawal schedule include metabolism, physical activity, and diet. The Swedish Health Authority proposed to classify clonazolam as a hazardous substance on 1 June 2015. [12] Very little is known about this substance, but it has recently become readily available through online suppliers of research chemicals, where it is sold as a synthetic drug. [5] [6] Due to its extremely high efficiency, it is often found on blotting paper or in volumetric solutions. Taking raw clonazolam powder is dangerous because of its effectiveness in the microgram range and the ease with which it can lead to power outages lasting several days. A quality addiction treatment center will customize your rehabilitation program by selecting only therapies that can address your unique situation regarding clonazolam dependence.