How Long Does Clonazepam Stay In Your System (And Why)?

Exact Answer: Up To 28 Days 

Clonazepam, a benzodiazepine medication, is prescribed to treat panic disorder and other conditions. How long Clonazepam stays in one’s system may vary depending on the individual, but some general guidelines are to be followed. 

Generally, the drug clears from the system within six days after stopping use. However, certain users may find that Clonazepam acts as a ‘lubricant’ for other medications and slows their body’s desire to recycle medication through urine or waste. 

In this case, it can take up to one month for the drug to fully clear from the system. This is why it can stay up to 28 days in the hair test.

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How Long Does Clonazepam Stay In Your System?

ClonazepamDuration
Saliva test5 to 6 days
Hair testUp to 28 days

Clonazepam is a benzodiazepine, which counteracts anxiety and increases one’s ability to fall asleep. This is the drug most commonly prescribed for people who have panic disorders.

Clonazepam stays in the system for 5 to 6 days in case of a saliva test. It may go up to 28 days in case of a hair test. 

It is important to note that there are no scientific studies on the long-term management of clonazepam abuse and dependence online. Taking too much dosage may make one addicted to the drug.

After weeks or months of use, some people stop feeling better but still feel like they need Clonazepam to function normally. Some may become tolerant of the drug and experience diminishing effects over time if regular doses do not compensate for tolerance or are discontinued abruptly. 

Some at-risk withdrawal symptoms include insomnia, tachycardia (high heartbeat), tics (jittery movements), mood swings, changes in appetite (i.e., binging), gastrointestinal problems (upchucking) and more.

The side effects of clonazepam drug in one’s system include:

  1. Feelings of tiredness
  2. Loss of appetite
  3. Irritability
  4. Dizziness
  5. Problems with concentration
  6. Depression
  7. Memory and attention problems
  8. Nausea
  9. Coordination and balance issues

Clonazepam has a long elimination half-life. The removal half-life of a medication is the time it takes for 50% of the drug in one dose to leave the body. Clonazepam’s elimination half-life ranges from 30 to 40 hours, which will take between one and two days.

Why Would Clonazepam Stay In Your System For So Long?

Like many benzodiazepines, Clonazepam is highly lipophilic. It accumulates in fatty tissues of the body and takes a long time (weeks or months) to clear from the system.

Benzodiazepines like Clonazepam stay within the system for months at a time and can cause weight gain after prolonged use. They also increase appetite and slow digestive motility due to muscle relaxation in the gut wall. One study found that all twenty panicked patients given Clonazepam intravenously were in higher calorie balance two years later when their panic disorder had been successfully dealt with. 

There are lifestyle changes for managing these effects once they’ve established any conditions which maintain anxiety.

Clonazepam can be a very addictive medication because it affects neurotransmitter levels in the brain. It stimulates receptors that have a calming effect on depression and anxiety symptoms, similar to benzodiazepines such as Valium or Restoril. 

In addition, Clonazepam increases serotonin levels by blocking its reuptake, meaning that one will need more serotonin from within their own body for its effects to wear off.

The prolonged use of this drug may result in withdrawal symptoms when trying to withdraw from Clonazepam that will last up to a few weeks after discontinuing use in some cases.

Drug interactions with other medications may also contribute to the duration of Clonazepam in the system. Tell a doctor or pharmacist about all medications one takes so they can give one specific instruction for safe use of these medicines together to switch to different drugs if necessary.

Conclusion

Overall, it’s because Clonazepam has a long elimination half-life which makes it stay in one’s system for so long – with people who have small amounts still showing in the system. 

The main areas for these chemical reactions are in the liver, where oxidative processes prevail due to different forms of liver enzymes.

Some of the life-threatening symptoms of Clonazepam include anxiety, insomnia, irritability, dizziness, sweating. If the withdrawal symptoms are too serious, it is better to get medical help and treatment. It can become dangerous if proper medical care is not sought after.

References

  1. https://www.nejm.org/doi/pdf/10.1056/NEJM197810122991505 
  2. https://europepmc.org/article/med/6407539 

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Here at the EHL, it's all about delicious, easy recipes for casual entertaining. So come and join me at the beach, relax and enjoy the food.

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