Clonazepam (Klonipin®) is one of the most abused drugs because it's readily available and has the potential to give users a high. The drug is prescribed only to be taken only by mouth, so if you snort it to try to enhance its effects, this is by definition a form of drug abuse. Snorting oral clonazepam can lead to nasal problems and serious consequences of drug abuse, including addiction, overdose and death, especially when abused with other prescription or illicit drugs.
Clonazepam Snorting and Addiction
Clonazepam is relatively safe when taken as prescribed to treat problems such as anxiety and panic disorders, epilepsy, and insomnia, as reviewed by a 2000 American Family Physician (AFP) article, but not when the drug is snorted. According to Addiction Campuses, crushing and snorting oral clonazepam is the most common way users abuse the benzodiazepine (benzo).
Why Snorting
People who snort clonazepam hope to get a faster absorption and a quicker and greater high or sedation by this route. Note the following facts:
Some people turn to snorting when they develop tolerance to the oral drug and want to try to get a higher effective hit.
In general, snorted drugs go straight into the blood and therefore get to your brain more quickly than by mouth but there is no direct evidence this is true for clonazepam or other benzos.
There are no studies that directly compare blood absorption of snorted versus oral clonazepam or whether snorted clonazepam, or other abused benzos such as alprasolam (Xanax), get to the brain faster than when taken by mouth.
A 1995 study in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology did show a quicker peak blood concentration of the drug by nasal route compared to when given between gum and cheek (buccal route). This study also showed that when you snort the drug you swallow some and therefore get a second peak of the drug in your blood because of later absorption from your gut. This can prolong the effects of clonazepam.
Addiction
Chronic, daily abuse of high doses of clonazepam by snorting it can be a sign that you are addicted to the drug as well as to other drugs of abuse. Drug abusers who snort clonazepam are likely to use bigger and bigger doses and to do it more frequently as tolerance to the drug develops. Frequent, long-term use of higher doses of the drug can lead to physical and psychological dependence and addiction.
The Dangers of Snorting Clonazepam
Clonazepam is less addictive than other drugs, such as opioids. However there are additional dangers, especially when used with other drugs of abuse, according to MedlinePlus.
There is little information on the risks of chronic snorting of high doses of clonazepam. However, the dangers will be similar to those of the effects of snorting Xanax or other benzos, including:
Acute changes in behavior, such as agitation, lowered inhibition, and increased risk-taking
Slowing of heart rate, which increases the risk of cardiac arrest
Depression of the central nervous system (CNS) and respiratory center, leading to cessation of breathing and unconsciousness
Enhanced CNS effects when combined with other depressant drugs such as alcohol and opioids, as abusers often do
Psychological symptoms, such panic attacks, violent behavior, depression, withdrawal from others, and suicidal thoughts
Accidental overdose and death as the user increases the amount of the benzo snorted in an effort to overcome increasing tolerance for the drug
In addition, snorting clonazepam can cause irritation and erosion of the nasal lining and throat. It can also erode the bony structure of the nose, common to snorting any benzodiazepines or any other drug.
Accidental Overdose From Snorting Clonazepam
Snorting clonazepam or abusing it by any route increases the risk of an overdose. According to drugabuse.com, as your tolerance develops and you snort bigger and bigger doses, the risk of an accidental or intentional fatal dose increases. Call 911 if you notice the following symptoms of clonazepam overdose:
Respiratory depression leading to slow, shallow breathing
Low blood pressure, and weak, rapid pulse, and clammy skin
Impaired muscle coordination, balance, and reflexes
Sedation and drowsiness because of depression of the central nervous system
Confusion and disorientation and in and out of consciousness from intoxication
Intoxication leading to coma and death from clonazepam and other benzos is uncommon except when a large dose is used or when combined with other drugs of abuse.
When mixed with other drugs of abuse, clonazepam users are at greater risk for becoming dependent and addicted to the benzo, in addition to the increased risk of death. Among other goals, substance abusers often misuse benzos to:
Increase the effects of substances such as alcohol and methadone
Decrease the withdrawal symptoms of other drugs, such as heroin and alcohol
Lessen the side effects of drugs such as cocaine and methamphetamines
Clonazepam is a popular street drug among addicts on methadone maintenance drug treatment, according to the reference. A DEA information sheet also notes, of the patients who visited emergency rooms in 2010 because of adverse benzodiazipine interactions, clonazepam was the second most common benzo used after Xanax.
Your Recovery
The withdrawal symptoms from clonazepam are unpleasant and might be difficult to tolerate, depending on your degree of drug abuse. It is better not to try to withdraw cold turkey without medical supervision, especially after prolonged use of high doses. You can have significant withdrawal symptoms, which include the following, according to American Addiction Centers:
Anxiety, panic and hallucinations
Jitteriness and agitation
Fatigue and headaches
Palpitations and dizziness
Seizures
Insomnia
Suicidal thoughts
Rather than cold turkey withdrawal, it is best if you taper the dose of the drug over days to weeks under a doctor's guidance. This will diminish the withdrawal symptoms and decrease the risk of a poor outcome such as suicide.
Finding Help
Many addicts are unable to recover from clonazepam drug abuse by themselves. These users can benefit from psychological and social support manage the drug withdrawal phase and stop using and stay off clonazepam long-term. Treatment is available through an addiction specialist or a drug rehab treatment center located all over the world.
You can find outpatient or inpatient treatment resources by searching the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) behavioral health treatment services locator. You can also contact SAMHSA through their referral line, 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
Control Your Life Again
Snorting clonazepam to abuse it puts you at risk for the adverse outcomes. This risk increases if you also do other drugs whether prescribed or illicit. Seek out the help you need to take control of your life and end your drug abuse before addiction or death becomes your fate.
