Fatal overdose may occur when benzodiazepines are combined with other depressants such as opiates, barbiturates, gabapentinoids, thienodiazepines, alcohol or other GABAergic substances. It is strongly discouraged to combine these substances, particularly in common to heavy doses.
Clonazolam has gained notoriety within online drug communities as one of the most potent and dangerous research chemical benzodiazepines. It is active at sub-milligram doses and is widely regarded in community discussions as having an exceptionally high risk of causing blackouts, rapid physical dependence, and severely impaired judgment. Community consensus frequently characterizes clonazolam as the research chemical benzodiazepine most likely to cause serious harm, and many experienced users explicitly advise against its use.
Safety at a Glance
High Risk- Volumetric Dosing Is Non-Negotiable
- Rapid Dependence Development
- Toxicity: Toxicity and Safety Profile Clonazolam presents a toxicity profile that is substantially more dangerous than that of ...
- Dangerous with: Atropa belladonna, Cake, Datura, Deschloroetizolam (+23 more)
- Overdose risk: Overdose - Czech Republic: Clonazolam is a Schedule I (List 4) substance. Used exclusively for li...
If someone is in crisis, call 911 or Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222
Dosage
oral
Duration
oral
Total: 6 hrs – 10 hrsHow It Feels
Clonazolam is a substance that operates at the edge of consciousness, and its power lies in how quickly and thoroughly it can redraw that edge. Within fifteen to thirty minutes of a dose measured in micrograms, a wave of sedation crashes over the mind with a force that is genuinely startling for those accustomed to milder benzodiazepines. The anxiety does not fade; it is simply deleted, as though someone had reached into the circuitry of worry and pulled the plug. In its place is a warm, blank calm that borders on oblivion.
The come-up brings a euphoria that is surprisingly strong for a benzodiazepine -- a deep, physical sense of well-being that radiates from the chest outward. The muscles go slack with an almost alarming completeness, and the body sinks into whatever supports it as though its bones had turned to warm sand. There is a pronounced disinhibition: social anxiety evaporates, and there is a reckless confidence that can lead to decisions the sober mind would never authorize. Speech begins to slur, not dramatically at first but with a looseness that betrays the depth of the intoxication. The eyes grow heavy, and the visual world takes on a slightly blurred, dreamy quality.
At the peak, memory begins to fragment. This is the hallmark of clonazolam: the blackout can arrive suddenly and completely, like a curtain dropping in the middle of a play. Hours can pass that leave no trace in memory, filled with actions and conversations that are accessible only through the accounts of others. Those who remain conscious at the peak describe a state of profound sedation and emotional numbness -- the world observed from behind thick glass, sounds arriving as though from underwater. Motor coordination deteriorates severely; walking becomes a stumbling, uncertain negotiation with gravity. There is a heaviness to the experience that goes beyond sedation into a kind of pharmacological gravity, pulling consciousness downward toward sleep with irresistible force.
The comedown is not so much experienced as reconstructed. You wake hours later, often in a location you do not remember reaching, with a groggy heaviness that can persist for an entire day. The residual sedation is thick and sticky, and the fog of amnesia may extend both forward and backward from the peak. There is often a lingering muscle relaxation and emotional blunting that takes a full day to clear, leaving behind only the unsettling awareness of lost time.
Subjective Effects
The effects listed below are based on the Subjective Effect Index (SEI), an open research literature based on anecdotal reports and personal analyses. They should be viewed with a healthy degree of skepticism. These effects will not necessarily occur in a predictable or reliable manner, although higher doses are more liable to induce the full spectrum of effects.
Physical Effects
Physical(10)
- Dehydration— A state of insufficient bodily hydration manifesting as persistent thirst, dry mouth, and physical d...
- Insomnia— A persistent inability to fall asleep or maintain sleep despite physical tiredness, often characteri...
- Motor control loss— A distinct decrease in the ability to control one's physical body with precision, balance, and coord...
- Muscle relaxation— The experience of muscles throughout the body losing their rigidity and tension, becoming noticeably...
- Nausea— An uncomfortable sensation of queasiness and stomach discomfort that may or may not lead to vomiting...
- Respiratory depression— A dangerous slowing and shallowing of breathing that can progress from barely noticeable reductions ...
- Sedation— A state of deep physical and mental calming that manifests as a progressive desire to remain still, ...
- Seizure— Uncontrolled brain electrical activity causing convulsions and loss of consciousness -- a life-threa...
- Stimulation— A state of heightened physical and mental energy characterized by increased wakefulness, elevated mo...
- Tremors— Involuntary rhythmic shaking of the hands, limbs, or body, ranging from fine tremor to gross shaking...
Cognitive & Perceptual Effects
Cognitive(9)
- Amnesia— A complete or partial inability to form new memories or recall existing ones during and after substa...
- Anxiety— Intense feelings of apprehension, worry, and dread that can range from a subtle background unease to...
- Anxiety suppression— A partial to complete suppression of anxiety and general unease, producing a calm, relaxed mental st...
- Compulsive redosing— An overwhelming, difficult-to-resist urge to continuously take more of a substance in order to maint...
- Confusion— An impairment of abstract thinking marked by a persistent inability to grasp or comprehend concepts ...
- Delusion— A delusion is a fixed, false belief that is held with unshakeable certainty and is impervious to con...
- Depression— A persistent state of low mood, emotional numbness, hopelessness, and diminished interest or pleasur...
- Disinhibition— A marked reduction in social inhibitions, self-consciousness, and behavioral restraint that manifest...
- Emotional blunting— Reduced capacity to experience the full range of emotions, resulting in flattened affect, commonly a...
Pharmacology
Pharmacology
Clonazolam (6-(2-chlorophenyl)-1-methyl-8-nitro-4H-[1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-a][1,4]benzodiazepine) is a triazolobenzodiazepine that was first synthesized in 1971 by the Upjohn Company as part of a systematic exploration of benzodiazepine structure-activity relationships, but it was never developed for clinical use and remained exclusively a research compound until its emergence on the designer drug market around 2014 .
GABA-A Receptor Modulation
Like all classical benzodiazepines, clonazolam acts as a positive allosteric modulator (PAM) at GABA-A receptors. It binds to the benzodiazepine site located at the interface between alpha and gamma subunits of the GABA-A receptor complex. This binding does not directly open the chloride channel but instead increases the frequency of channel opening events in response to GABA binding, thereby potentiating inhibitory neurotransmission throughout the central nervous system .
Extreme Potency
What distinguishes clonazolam from clinically used benzodiazepines is its extraordinary potency. The compound is pharmacologically active at doses as low as100-250 micrograms (0.1-0.25 mg), placing it among the most potent benzodiazepines ever synthesized. For comparison, a typical therapeutic dose of alprazolam is 0.25-0.5 mg (250-500 micrograms), meaning clonazolam achieves comparable or greater effects at roughly half to one-quarter the dose . Its potency is broadly comparable to or exceeds that of triazolam and flunitrazepam.
Subunit Selectivity and Binding Profile
Unlike some clinically developed benzodiazepines that show preferential affinity for specific GABA-A receptor subunit combinations, clonazolam appears to be non-selective across alpha-1, alpha-2, alpha-3, and alpha-5 containing GABA-A receptors. This non-selectivity likely contributes to its full spectrum of effects -- simultaneous anxiolysis (alpha-2/3), sedation and amnesia (alpha-1), and muscle relaxation (alpha-2/3/5) -- all occurring at very low doses .
Onset and Duration
Clonazolam has an onset of action typically between 20-60 minutes following oral administration, with peak plasma concentrations achieved within 1-2 hours. Its duration of action is estimated at 6-10 hours, though residual sedation and cognitive impairment may persist considerably longer, particularly at higher doses .
References
Moosmann B et al. Characterization of the designer benzodiazepine clonazolam. Forensic Toxicol. 2015;33(2):388-395. Sigel E, Ernst M. The benzodiazepine binding sites of GABAA receptors. Trends Pharmacol Sci. 2018;39(7):659-671. Manchester KR et al. Designer benzodiazepines: A review of toxicology and public health risks. Drug Test Anal. 2018;10(1):37-53. Rudolph U, Knoflach F. Beyond classical benzodiazepines: novel therapeutic potential of GABAA receptor subtypes. Nat Rev Drug Discov. 2011;10(9):685-697. Waters L et al. Novel Designer Benzodiazepines: Comprehensive Review of Evolving Clinical and Adverse Effects. Diseases. 2022;14(3):53.
Detection Methods
Standard Drug Panel Inclusion
Clonazolam is NOT included on standard 5-panel or 10-panel drug tests. As a designer benzodiazepine, it was synthesized to produce structural features that evade the antibodies used in conventional immunoassay screening. Standard immunoassay platforms frequently fail to detect clonazolam and its metabolites, producing false-negative results even at pharmacologically relevant concentrations. Studies have demonstrated detection rates as low as 20 to 40 percent on some commercial benzodiazepine immunoassay platforms. This makes clonazolam one of the most problematic substances for routine drug screening.
Urine Detection
When detection does occur, clonazolam and its primary metabolites (8-aminoclonazolam and 8-acetamidoclonazolam) can be found in urine for approximately 3 to 5 days after a single dose. Chronic users may test positive for 1 to 2 weeks. However, the unreliability of immunoassay detection means that targeted analytical methods are essential for definitive screening. Laboratories must specifically include clonazolam in their LC-MS/MS panels to achieve reliable detection.
Blood and Serum Detection
Clonazolam is detectable in blood for 1 to 3 days. Pharmacologically active concentrations are extremely low, often in the sub-nanogram range, reflecting the compound's extraordinary potency (active at doses as low as 0.25 mg). Blood concentrations in clinical toxicology cases typically range from 0.5 to 10 ng/mL, requiring highly sensitive analytical equipment.
Hair Follicle Detection
Hair analysis for clonazolam is technically feasible using ultra-sensitive LC-MS/MS methods but is not part of standard forensic hair panels. The low doses consumed mean hair incorporation is minimal, requiring limits of detection below 1 pg/mg.
Confirmatory Methods
Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) is the only reliable method for confirming clonazolam exposure. Standard GC-MS panels typically do not include this compound. Forensic and clinical laboratories must specifically add clonazolam and its metabolites to their reference libraries and validation protocols. Several published methods target the metabolite 8-aminoclonazolam as the primary urinary biomarker.
Reagent Testing
Reagent testing for clonazolam is unreliable for identification purposes. The Zimmermann reagent may produce a faint yellow-green color, but the reaction is often too weak to interpret at typical blotter or pellet doses. Fentanyl test strips are essential for any clonazolam obtained from unregulated markets, as cross-contamination with synthetic opioids is a significant risk in the designer benzodiazepine supply chain.
Interactions
| Substance | Status | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Atropa belladonna | Dangerous | Compounding CNS depression with anticholinergic effects; risk of cardiac events and respiratory failure |
| Cake | Dangerous | Combined CNS depression; risk of respiratory failure |
| Datura | Dangerous | Compounding CNS depression with anticholinergic effects; risk of cardiac events and respiratory failure |
| Deschloroetizolam | Dangerous | Combined CNS depression; risk of respiratory failure |
| Desomorphine | Dangerous | Severe respiratory depression; this combination is the leading cause of prescription drug overdose deaths |
| Diclazepam | Dangerous | Combined CNS depression; risk of respiratory failure |
| Diphenhydramine | Dangerous | Compounding CNS depression with anticholinergic effects; risk of cardiac events and respiratory failure |
| Dissociatives | Dangerous | — |
| Eszopiclone | Dangerous | Combined CNS depression; risk of respiratory failure |
| Etizolam | Dangerous | Combined CNS depression; risk of respiratory failure |
| Flubromazepam | Dangerous | Combined CNS depression; risk of respiratory failure |
| Flubromazolam | Dangerous | Combined CNS depression; risk of respiratory failure |
| Flunitrazepam | Dangerous | Combined CNS depression; risk of respiratory failure |
| Flunitrazolam | Dangerous | Combined CNS depression; risk of respiratory failure |
| Gaboxadol | Dangerous | Combined CNS depression; risk of respiratory failure |
| Harmala alkaloid | Dangerous | Unpredictable potentiation of CNS depression; risk of respiratory failure |
| Lorazepam | Dangerous | Combined CNS depression; risk of respiratory failure |
| Mephenaqualone | Dangerous | Combined CNS depression; risk of respiratory failure |
| Metizolam | Dangerous | Combined CNS depression; risk of respiratory failure |
| Midazolam | Dangerous | Combined CNS depression; risk of respiratory failure |
| Naloxone | Dangerous | Severe respiratory depression; this combination is the leading cause of prescription drug overdose deaths |
| Nicotine | Dangerous | Combined CNS depression; risk of respiratory failure |
| Nifoxipam | Dangerous | Combined CNS depression; risk of respiratory failure |
| Peganum harmala | Dangerous | Unpredictable potentiation of CNS depression; risk of respiratory failure |
| Pentobarbital | Dangerous | Combined CNS depression; risk of respiratory failure |
| Phenobarbital | Dangerous | Combined CNS depression; risk of respiratory failure |
| SAMe | Dangerous | Combined CNS depression; risk of respiratory failure |
| 3-Cl-PCP | Caution | Both cause CNS depression; increased risk of vomiting, unconsciousness, and respiratory depression |
| 3-FMA | Caution | Masks the effects of each drug; risk of overdosing when one wears off before the other |
| 3-HO-PCE | Caution | Both cause CNS depression; increased risk of vomiting, unconsciousness, and respiratory depression |
| 3-HO-PCP | Caution | Both cause CNS depression; increased risk of vomiting, unconsciousness, and respiratory depression |
| 3-MeO-PCE | Caution | Both cause CNS depression; increased risk of vomiting, unconsciousness, and respiratory depression |
| 1,3-Butanediol | Low Risk & Decrease | Depressants dull psychedelic effects; benzodiazepines are commonly used as trip-killers |
| 25E-NBOH | Low Risk & Decrease | Depressants dull psychedelic effects; benzodiazepines are commonly used as trip-killers |
| 2C-T | Low Risk & Decrease | Depressants dull psychedelic effects; benzodiazepines are commonly used as trip-killers |
| 2C-T-2 | Low Risk & Decrease | Depressants dull psychedelic effects; benzodiazepines are commonly used as trip-killers |
| 2C-T-21 | Low Risk & Decrease | Depressants dull psychedelic effects; benzodiazepines are commonly used as trip-killers |
History
Clonazolam belongs to the depressant class of psychoactive substances, which encompasses a diverse range of compounds that reduce central nervous system activity.
The history of CNS depressants in medicine stretches back millennia, from the ancient use of alcohol and opium to the development of barbiturates in the early 1900s and benzodiazepines in the 1960s. Each generation of depressant drugs was initially heralded as safer than its predecessors, only for patterns of dependence and misuse to emerge with wider use.
The development of benzodiazepines represented a significant improvement in the therapeutic index over barbiturates, though concerns about dependence and long-term cognitive effects have moderated initial enthusiasm. Newer GABAergic compounds, including the Z-drugs and various research chemicals, continue this pattern of iterative development.
Clonazolam is situated within this evolving pharmacological landscape, with its own specific history of development, clinical application, and patterns of use.
Harm Reduction
Harm Reduction
Clonazolam demands an exceptionally cautious approach due to its sub-milligram active dose range. The margin between a functional dose and a blackout dose is razor-thin, and standard harm reduction practices for other substances are insufficient here .
Volumetric Dosing Is Non-Negotiable
Because clonazolam is active at doses as low as 100-250 micrograms (0.0001-0.00025 grams), it is physically impossible to accurately measure these quantities with any consumer-grade scale.Volumetric dosing is the only safe method of administration. This involves dissolving a known quantity of the substance in a measured volume of solvent (typically propylene glycol or high-proof ethanol) and using an oral syringe to measure doses by volume rather than weight . For example, dissolving 25 mg in 25 mL of solvent produces a concentration of 1 mg/mL, allowing doses of 0.125 mg to be measured as 0.125 mL with a 1 mL syringe.
Never attempt to eyeball, divide, or estimate doses of clonazolam powder. The difference between 0.25 mg and 2.5 mg is invisible to the naked eye but represents the difference between mild sedation and a multi-day blackout with potentially fatal respiratory depression.
Rapid Dependence Development
Clonazolam produces physical dependence faster than most clinically available benzodiazepines, likely due to its high potency and non-selective receptor binding profile. Regular use for even3-5 consecutive days can initiate physiological adaptation. If dependence develops,abrupt cessation is medically dangerous and can cause seizures. A gradual taper under medical supervision is essential. Because clonazolam has no established taper protocol, clinicians often substitute a longer-acting benzodiazepine such as diazepam for managed tapering .
Cross-Tolerance Awareness
Clonazolam produces full cross-tolerance with all other benzodiazepines and GABAergic substances, including alcohol, barbiturates, and GHB. Individuals with existing benzodiazepine tolerance may underestimate the potency of clonazolam and take dangerously high doses. Conversely, clonazolam use will raise tolerance to prescribed benzodiazepines, potentially destabilizing therapeutic regimens .
Naloxone Does Not Reverse Benzodiazepine Overdose
A critical and potentially lifesaving distinction: naloxone (Narcan) is ineffective against benzodiazepine overdose. Naloxone is an opioid antagonist and has no activity at GABA-A receptors. The specific benzodiazepine reversal agent isflumazenil, which is available only in clinical settings and carries its own risks, including precipitating seizures in benzodiazepine-dependent individuals . If a clonazolam overdose is suspected, call emergency services immediately -- there is no home antidote.
Additional Critical Precautions
- Never combine with opioids, alcohol, GHB, barbiturates, or other sedatives -- the synergistic respiratory depression can be fatal
- Do not drive or operate machinery -- impairment may persist far longer than the subjective effects
- Lock away remaining supply before dosing -- amnesia-driven compulsive redosing is a commonly reported pattern
- Start with the lowest possible dose (0.125 mg or less) even with prior benzodiazepine experience
References
Manchester KR et al. Designer benzodiazepines: A review of toxicology and public health risks. Drug Test Anal. 2018;10(1):37-53. TripSit. Quick Guide to Volumetric Dosing. wiki.tripsit.me. Ashton CH. Benzodiazepines: How They Work and How to Withdraw. The Ashton Manual. 2002. Sigel E, Ernst M. The benzodiazepine binding sites of GABAA receptors. Trends Pharmacol Sci. 2018;39(7):659-671. Penninga EI et al. Adverse events associated with flumazenil treatment for the management of suspected benzodiazepine intoxication. Basic Clin Pharmacol Toxicol. 2016;118(1):37-44.
Toxicity & Safety
Toxicity and Safety Profile
Clonazolam presents a toxicity profile that is substantially more dangerous than that of clinically approved benzodiazepines, primarily due to its extreme potency, the absence of clinical safety testing, and the difficulty of accurate dosing in unregulated settings .
Accidental Overdose Risk
The most immediate danger of clonazolam is accidental overdose due to its sub-milligram active dose range. Because the difference between a moderate dose (0.25 mg) and a dangerous dose (0.5 mg or above) is measured in fractions of a milligram, even small errors in measurement can produce life-threatening effects. The drug is frequently sold as powder, liquid solutions of unknown concentration, or on blotter paper with inconsistent dosing, making accurate self-administration extremely difficult .
Respiratory Depression
At supratherapeutic doses, clonazolam produces significant respiratory depression, manifesting as decreased respiratory rate with oxygen saturations dropping into the mid-80s or lower. Published case reports document patients requiring intubation and intensive care admission following clonazolam overdose. In one fatal case, acute clonazolam intoxication was determined to be the sole cause of death via cerebral and respiratory depression -- the first documented death from clonazolam alone .
Profound Amnesia
Clonazolam produces dense anterograde amnesia at doses that may not cause full sedation, creating a particularly hazardous situation where users remain ambulatory and functional-appearing while forming no memories. Multi-day blackouts have been widely reported, during which users may engage in dangerous behavior including compulsive redosing, driving, and other risky activities with no subsequent recall .
Combination Dangers
The risk of fatal outcome increases dramatically when clonazolam is combined with opioids, alcohol, or other CNS depressants. CDC surveillance data from 2020-2021 found that illicit benzodiazepines, including clonazolam, were increasingly detected in patients evaluated for suspected opioid overdose in emergency departments . The synergistic respiratory depression from these combinations can be rapidly fatal.
Withdrawal and Dependence
Clonazolam produces rapid physical dependence, often within days to weeks of regular use. Due to its high potency, even brief periods of daily use can establish significant physiological dependence. Abrupt discontinuation carries the risk ofseizures, delirium, psychosis, and autonomic instability that can be life-threatening. The withdrawal syndrome may be particularly severe and protracted due to the drug's potency and lack of established taper protocols .
References
Waters L et al. Novel Designer Benzodiazepines: Comprehensive Review of Evolving Clinical and Adverse Effects. Diseases. 2022;14(3):53. Manchester KR et al. Designer benzodiazepines: A review of toxicology and public health risks. Drug Test Anal. 2018;10(1):37-53. Bade R et al. Clonazolam intoxication case report: danger of designer benzodiazepines. J Anal Toxicol. 2022;46(9):e212-e215. Lukasik-Glebocka M et al. Clonazolam -- a new designer benzodiazepine intoxication confirmed by blood concentration. Forensic Sci Int. 2020;311:110268. Hoiseth G et al. Full article: Clonazolam: a novel liquid benzodiazepine. J Subst Use. 2020;25(2):155-159. O'Donnell J et al. Notes from the Field: Illicit Benzodiazepines Detected in Patients Evaluated for Suspected Opioid Overdose. MMWR. 2021;70(34):1177-1179. Moosmann B et al. Characterization of the designer benzodiazepine clonazolam. Forensic Toxicol. 2015;33(2):388-395.
Addiction Potential
extremely physically and psychologically addictive
Overdose Information
Overdose
Czech Republic: Clonazolam is a Schedule I (List 4) substance. Used exclusively for limited research purposes or very limited therapeutic purposes. (§ 1, d), 2. of Nařízení vlády č. 463/2013 Sb.)
Germany: Clonazolam is controlled under the BTMG (Betäubungsmittelgesetz) in the Anlage II as of November 11, 2021. Production and import with the aim to place it on the market, administration to another person, possession and trading are illegal.
Japan: Clonazolam is controlled by the Pharmaceutical Affairs Law in Japan, making it illegal to possess or sell.
Poland: Clonazolam is a NPS class drug in Poland, making it illegal to possess or distribute.
Russia: Clonazolam is a Schedule III controlled substance since 2017.
Sweden: Clonazolam is classified as an addictive. Production, import, trading and possesion require a special permission.
Switzerland: Clonazolam is a controlled substance specifically named under Verzeichnis E.
The Netherlands: Clonazolam is a List 2 substance of the Opium Law, making it illegal.
United Kingdom: Clonazolam is a Class C drug in the UK as of 31st May 2017 and is illegal to possess, produce or supply.
United States: Clonazolam is a Schedule I controlled substance as of January 23, 2023.
Oregon:** Clonazolam is now classified as a Schedule I substance in the state of Oregon.
Virginia: Clonazolam is now classified as a Schedule I substance in the state of Virginia.
Responsible use
Volumetric liquid dosing
Research chemical
Clonazolam (Wikipedia)
Clonazolam (Isomer Design)
Clonazolam (DrugBank)
Community-Sourced Overdose and Emergency Information
Recognizing Clonazolam Overdose
Community-reported signs of clonazolam overdose or dangerous intoxication include:
- Complete unresponsiveness to stimulation
- Extremely slow or labored breathing
- Loss of gag reflex (aspiration risk)
- Blue or gray discoloration of lips or extremities
- Combined use with opioids or alcohol dramatically increases overdose risk
Flumazenil Considerations
Flumazenil is the specific benzodiazepine antagonist and can reverse clonazolam's effects in emergency settings. However, community members with medical knowledge note that flumazenil:
- Can precipitate seizures in benzodiazepine-dependent individuals
- Has a shorter duration of action than clonazolam, meaning re-sedation is possible
- Is typically only administered in hospital settings under medical supervision
- Should not be administered by laypersons
The Hidden Overdose Risk
Community members emphasize that clonazolam's overdose risk is often indirect rather than from the substance itself:
- Combined depressant overdose: The most common life-threatening scenario involves clonazolam combined with opioids or alcohol
- Aspiration: Loss of gag reflex combined with vomiting can cause aspiration pneumonia or death
- Behavioral overdose: Actions taken during blackout (driving, taking other substances) can be directly fatal
- Withdrawal seizures: After dependence, abrupt cessation can cause seizures that are themselves life-threatening
Post-Overdose Considerations
Anyone who has experienced a clonazolam-related medical emergency should:
- Seek comprehensive medical evaluation
- Be honest with medical providers about the substance used (clonazolam is not typically detected on standard benzodiazepine drug screens)
- Consider this event a strong indicator that professional help is needed
- Not resume use of clonazolam or other research chemical benzodiazepines
Dangerous Interactions
The combinations listed below may be life-threatening. Independent research should always be conducted to ensure safety when combining substances.
Compounding CNS depression with anticholinergic effects; risk of cardiac events and respiratory failure
Combined CNS depression; risk of respiratory failure
Compounding CNS depression with anticholinergic effects; risk of cardiac events and respiratory failure
Combined CNS depression; risk of respiratory failure
Severe respiratory depression; this combination is the leading cause of prescription drug overdose deaths
Combined CNS depression; risk of respiratory failure
Compounding CNS depression with anticholinergic effects; risk of cardiac events and respiratory failure
Combined CNS depression; risk of respiratory failure
Combined CNS depression; risk of respiratory failure
Combined CNS depression; risk of respiratory failure
Combined CNS depression; risk of respiratory failure
Combined CNS depression; risk of respiratory failure
Combined CNS depression; risk of respiratory failure
Combined CNS depression; risk of respiratory failure
Unpredictable potentiation of CNS depression; risk of respiratory failure
Combined CNS depression; risk of respiratory failure
Combined CNS depression; risk of respiratory failure
Combined CNS depression; risk of respiratory failure
Combined CNS depression; risk of respiratory failure
Severe respiratory depression; this combination is the leading cause of prescription drug overdose deaths
Combined CNS depression; risk of respiratory failure
Combined CNS depression; risk of respiratory failure
Unpredictable potentiation of CNS depression; risk of respiratory failure
Combined CNS depression; risk of respiratory failure
Combined CNS depression; risk of respiratory failure
Combined CNS depression; risk of respiratory failure
Tolerance
| Full | within a couple of days of continuous use |
| Half | Unknown |
| Zero | 7 - 14 days |
Cross-tolerances
Legal Status
Czech Republic: Clonazolam is a Schedule I (List 4) substance. Used exclusively for limited research purposes or very limited therapeutic purposes. (§ 1, d), 2. of Nařízení vlády č. 463/2013 Sb.)
Germany: Clonazolam is controlled under the BTMG (Betäubungsmittelgesetz) in the Anlage II as of November 11, 2021. Production and import with the aim to place it on the market, administration to another person, possession and trading are illegal.
Japan: Clonazolam is controlled by the Pharmaceutical Affairs Law in Japan, making it illegal to possess or sell.
Poland: Clonazolam is a NPS class drug in Poland, making it illegal to possess or distribute.
Russia: Clonazolam is a Schedule III controlled substance since 2017.
Sweden: Clonazolam is classified as an addictive. Production, import, trading and possesion require a special permission.
Switzerland: Clonazolam is a controlled substance specifically named under Verzeichnis E.
The Netherlands: Clonazolam is a List 2 substance of the Opium Law, making it illegal.
United Kingdom: Clonazolam is a Class C drug in the UK as of 31st May 2017 and is illegal to possess, produce or supply.
United States: Clonazolam is a Schedule I controlled substance as of January 23, 2023.
Oregon:** Clonazolam is now classified as a Schedule I substance in the state of Oregon.
Virginia: Clonazolam is now classified as a Schedule I substance in the state of Virginia.
Responsible use
Volumetric liquid dosing
Research chemical
Clonazolam (Wikipedia)
Clonazolam (Isomer Design)
Clonazolam (DrugBank)
Experience Reports (5)
Tips (10)
Clonazolam is active at doses as low as 0.125mg and a full blackout dose for a naive user can be as little as 0.5mg. This is one of the most potent benzodiazepines in existence. ALWAYS use volumetric dosing. A single milligram error can mean the difference between mild sedation and a multi-day blackout.
Research chemical benzodiazepines (clonazolam, flualprazolam, etc.) are significantly more potent than pharmaceutical Clonazolam. Doses measured in micrograms can cause multi-day blackouts. Use volumetric dosing.
Clonazolam blackouts are legendary in the RC community for a reason. You will believe you are sober while doing things you have absolutely no memory of. People have crashed cars, destroyed relationships, lost jobs, and gotten arrested all while believing they were acting normally. This substance is not worth the risk.
Clonazolam builds physical dependence faster than almost any other benzodiazepine. Users report withdrawal symptoms after as few as 5-7 days of daily use. If you have been using daily for more than a week, do not stop abruptly. Switch to a long-acting benzodiazepine like diazepam for a proper taper under medical guidance.
If prescribed Clonazolam, use it as directed and have honest conversations with your doctor about any recreational use. Benzodiazepines are among the most difficult drugs to quit once dependent. Short-term use only.
Benzodiazepine withdrawal from Clonazolam can be life-threatening. Seizures, psychosis, and death are possible when quitting abruptly after regular use. Always taper gradually under medical supervision. Never cold turkey.
Community Discussions (12)
The author shares a third-party account of extreme 'bartardation' caused by RC benzo abuse, serving as a cautionary tale about the dangers of blackouts and disinhibited behavior from high-potency GABAergic compounds like clonazolam. The post advocates for caution with all benzo-class drugs.
A user has built a tolerance so extreme they can take over 100mg etizolam or 20mg clonazolam daily without blacking out, and is seeking help with a diclazepam taper to avoid life-threatening withdrawal seizures. The post illustrates the dangerous tolerance ceiling of RC benzodiazepines.
A user describes receiving a DUI after taking less than 0.4mg of clonazolam and driving to a store at 3 AM, failing field sobriety tests despite no alcohol and no collision. The post highlights how even sub-recreational doses of high-potency RC benzos can cause impairment sufficient for a DUI.
A user critiques the culture of 'tolerance bragging' in RC benzo communities, arguing that high tolerance is a sign of addiction and harm rather than something to be proud of. They note that their own daily 1mg clonazolam use for anxiety has normalized, which they view as a problem.
A user shares their personal ratings across a wide range of pharmaceutical and RC benzodiazepines, providing comparative notes on effects, duration, and recreational value. The post serves as a community discussion prompt about benzo preferences and experiences.
A pinned community discussion thread collects experience reports and information on multiple RC benzodiazepines including etizolam, diclazepam, clonazolam, flubromazolam, and pyrazolam. Users are encouraged to share harm reduction tips, dosing, and personal accounts in a structured format.
The author contrasts flualprazolam with alprazolam (Xanax), finding it more hypnotic and sedating without the euphoria typically associated with Xanax, and comparing it to the functional anxiety relief of clonazolam. Despite daily Xanax use for a year, they find flualprazolam distinct in character.
A user describes the dangerous aftermath after their cousins ordered 50mg of raw clonazolam powder online and experimented recklessly, resulting in one hospitalization. The post serves as a stark warning about the extreme potency and dangerous margin of raw clonazolam.
The author tried using clonazolam to taper off etizolam dependence but found clonazolam to be far more addictive due to its longer half-life and stronger effects, quickly developing a heavier habit. The post warns that substituting clonazolam for etizolam in a taper is counterproductive and dangerous.
See Also
References (3)
- PubChem: Clonazolam
PubChem compound page for Clonazolam (CID: 12317881)
pubchem - Clonazolam - TripSit Factsheet
TripSit factsheet for Clonazolam
tripsit - Clonazolam - Wikipedia
Wikipedia article on Clonazolam
wikipedia