Signs, Symptoms and Side Effects of Onfi Addiction

Onfi is a prescription drug which is also known as clobazam in its generic form. Classified as a benzodiazepine, Onfi is primarily used to treat epilepsy symptoms. In some cases, Onfi is used to treat severe anxiety or agitation, as well as insomnia. Onfi is a central nervous system depressant. It affects GABA receptors and delivers a calming effect to the brain. As a result of how Onfi and other benzodiazepines affect brain chemistry, they have the potential to be habit-forming. Benzodiazepines are among the most commonly prescribed medications in the United States. They’re also commonly abused. When people use the drugs, they often feel slight euphoria or a pleasant sense of well-being or relaxation -which can trigger a reward response that leads to addiction or compulsive use. Benzodiazepines are also often combined with other substances to enhance the effects of each. For example, people may abuse benzodiazepines and opioids together in order to feel high or very relaxed. Abuse not only increases the chances of forming an addiction, it can also cause fatal respiratory depression.

Onfi (Clobazam) Abuse

Initially, it can be difficult to determine if someone is actively using a prescription drug. The signs of substance use disorder are sometimes very similar to the symptoms that result from recommended use. When someone is using Onfi, whether they’re dealing with substance use disorder it or not, they may seem drowsy, lacking in coordination or they may have memory impairment. Since the drug is a depressant, some people on Onfi might seem like they’re moving more slowly than usual or like their reflexes are reduced. Other signs that might indicate that someone is using Onfi can include dizziness, slower thinking, and difficulty picking things up or walking. Other possible Onfi side effects include constipation, slurred speech, drooling or changes in mood. Signs of Onfi abuse to could include:

• Taking higher doses of Onfi than what has been prescribed
• Using Onfi without a prescription
• Taking Onfi for longer than prescribed
• Using Onfi in any other way than as directed by a doctor
• Combining Onfi with other substances

Signs of Onfi (Clobazam) Addiction

Abusing prescription drugs doesn’t always result in addiction but doing so can make it more much more likely to occur. Addiction typically begins when the brain is repeatedly exposed to a substance. This action stimulates the brain’s reward center. Over time, with repeated exposure and stimulation, a person’s brain will actually change and adapt to the presence of a substance. Drug use becomes compulsive. The use of the drug becomes a top priority. Some of the signs and side effects of Onfi addiction include:

• Compulsive substance use becomes the top priority -above other obligations
• Continuing to use a substance even when there are physical risks or side effects
• The occurrence of relationship or social problems because of drug use
• The development a tolerance or physical dependence
• Taking more of a drug than intended or taking it for longer than intended
• Failed attempts to stop using the substance
• A great deal of time, money and effort goes into getting more of the substance
• Intense cravings for the substance
• School or work performance decline as a result of substance use

For the most part, if a person meets two to three of the above criteria, they could be considered to have a moderate substance use disorder. When people meet four or more criteria, they are considered to have a severe substance use disorder. Along with the signs of Onfi addiction, there are many other symptoms and side effects associated with long-term benzodiazepine use, including deteriorating mental and physical health. People who abuse benzodiazepine over a long time may experience a decline in memory and cognition, among other adverse effects. These symptoms of Onfi abuse are often even more pronounced in older people. When older people use benzodiazepines over a long period of time, they may exhibit symptoms similar to dementia, as a result.

If you or a loved one meet the above criteria for addiction, we encourage you to contact The Recovery Village. We offer personal, effective addiction treatment programs nationwide to help you recover.