Many drugs on the market have been formulated to treat the diseases that a person may have inherited or contracted. What would have hurt and taken a person months to recover from can now be healed in a much shorter time span. Some don’t even have to suffer the effects if their issues weren’t severe, to begin with.
However, even though there have been plenty of medical advancements that would ensure that the average person is up and healthy once again, there can still be some dangers involved when that drug is abused. For example, Rivotril is an approved medication. Overdose of this drug can lead a person to develop health issues, though.
Want to learn more about Rivotril, its use, and the risks that come along with it? Keep reading.
What Is Rovtril and Its Use?
Rivotril, which some people may know as clonazepam, is the common brand name for a benzodiazepine formula. Benzodiazepines help the brain and body in producing more gamma-aminobutyric acid. GABA is a calming chemical that helps in naturally relaxing a patient’s central nervous system, which ultimately allows them to rest.
Doctors usually prescribe these benzodiazepine drugs for patients who may have epilepsy, seizure disorders, and panic disorders. Although it is included in a patient’s treatment plan and has been considered a lifesaver in some cases, medical professionals don’t classify Rivotril as a cure. It’s treated more as a tool to control the symptoms of epilepsy and seizure attacks.
Rivotril’s formula is just about the same as another brand’s name, Klonopin. The latter is used more for anxiety disorders. Both are available in tablets and injections, though most people are only administered with the injectable version if their epilepsy or seizure attack is prolonged.
What Are the Side Effects?
The primary purpose of Rivotril is to calm a patient, but some people may start to experience certain cravings for these effects. Each person may have a different experience, but other patients form addiction and dependency towards Rivotril. This can lead to a series of side effects while they’re abusing it. Here are a couple of side effects a person may experience:
- Vertigo. A person may start experiencing severe headaches whenever they’re taking Rivotril for an extended period of time. Some patients report collapsing and fainting as a result of those vertigo attacks.
- Nausea. Nausea and dizziness are common side effects of Rivotril, especially when the dosage may have been too much for your body to handle. Vomiting may follow suit in order to cope with nausea.
- Depression. Bouts of depression are bound to happen due to Rivotril abuse. These especially occur when the effects of the drug start to wear off, and some may resort to displaying intense aggression and violence in order to get more.
- Gastrointestinal Issues. Rivotril and other types of benzodiazepines have been linked to a variety of gastrointestinal problems and appetite loss. Most of the common issues that people face are diarrhea and constipation.
- Neurological Issues. Another few things that Rivotril and benzodiazepines have been linked to are disorientation and problems with their thinking and speech. There seems to be more grogginess, with people getting a slurred state of mind as a side effect.
- Muscle Weakness. People would find that they seemed less coordinated with their muscles because of how weakened they seemed to be. Paired with other debilitating side effects, patients can hardly move due to Rivotril abuse.
- Reduced Libido. Those who take Rivotril or abuse it may find that their normal sexual desire and sex drive has changed a little bit. Despite enjoyment in the past, drug abuse can cause lower libido.
What Are the Overdose Risks with Rivotril?
Despite the side effects, some patients will still use Rivotril to feel that calming relief that benzodiazepine can offer. However, going beyond the recommended dosage of Rivotril is bound to cause some complexities. Whether it’s an intentional overdose or not, don’t hesitate to reach out for immediate medical attention.
You or a loved one may risk experiencing the following:
- Somnolence. Somnolence or intense sleepiness can come as a result of Rivotril overdose. A patient will constantly feel drowsy no matter what time of the day it is. There are also cases wherein a somnolent person may get into a coma due to the drug abuse that they’ve performed prior to their current condition.
- Confusion. Those who have overdosed on Rivotril are also in a constant state of confusion. Some may even experience anxiety because they are completely unaware of what’s happening during these times, which abandons the initial calming effect that Rivotril claims to incite.
- Loss of Coordination. Muscle weakness is a side effect of taking Rivotril as is. However, that side effect can often be amplified during an overdose. Patients may recount a total loss of coordination during those times, with their reflexes completely non-existent.
What Are the Withdrawal Symptoms with Rivotril?
Withdrawing from Rivotril use will also have its own set of symptoms and side effects. The severity of these symptoms will depend on how much they used previously, whether they’ve overdosed or not, and their tolerance towards Rivotril. It’s recommended to be in medical care during the withdrawal stage.
Here are some notable symptoms that would signify one’s withdrawal from Rivotril:
- Cramps. Cramps would often start to occur all throughout the body’s muscles when one is withdrawing from Rivotril. Most patients would feel the cramps occur most near the stomach, potentially as a result of any gastrointestinal issues that the drugs had caused before the withdrawal.
- Hallucinations. Having the initial effects of the Rivotril residue may result in certain hallucinations. Some people may start to imagine that craving for the relief that Rivotril offers, or others may experience paralyzing visions that would seem like nightmares more than anything.
- Seizures. The absence of Rivotril can result in the onslaught of epilepsy or seizure attacks once again. Many may start to shake and experience jerky movement. Medical professionals should be present during those times to administer a different calming agent to ensure your well-being.
How Long Does Rivotril Stay In Your System?
Those who would like to know how long it takes before your body completely eliminates the Rivotril would require a bit of patience. A single dose would have to take more than a day to get out of your system, with withdrawal symptoms occurring around 30 to 40 hours after use.
Rivotril takes much longer compared to other drugs when it comes to exiting your system right away. Plus, one dose is potent enough to be detectable through tests even a couple of days after the last use.
How Do You Recover From Rivotril Abuse?
The best course of action would be to get a support system. Be transparent with family and friends about your condition when you can. Seek out addiction treatment to ensure that you’re in top condition and that you can function without Rivotril.
If you’re still experiencing episodes of epilepsy or seizures, don’t forget to seek medical attention. Your doctor should be able to prescribe a different drug that will work without any benzodiazepines.
Conclusion
Rivotril can be a really useful medication for those experiencing epilepsy and seizures, providing relief in those times of panic. However, it’s best to use it with caution as it can be addictive and entail health-related risks.
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