Onfi is a benzodiazepine medication used to treat seizures and anxiety disorders. While it’s an effective treatment option, it can also have serious side effects if abused. If you or someone you know is struggling with Onfi abuse, it’s essential to understand the risks associated with benzodiazepines and to seek professional help. Call 1.844.768.0169 to speak with someone from The Right Step Houston’s knowledgeable and experienced staff about how Onfi can be abused and our benzo addiction treatment programs.
What Is Onfi?
Benzodiazepines are prescription drugs that act on the central nervous system to produce calming effects. They enhance the activity of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a naturally-occurring chemical in the brain that helps regulate nerve cell activity. Some commonly prescribed benzodiazepines include the following:
- Ativan – Often prescribed to manage anxiety
- Klonopin – Used to treat panic disorder and seizure disorders
- Onfi – Often prescribed to treat epilepsy
- Valium – Sometimes prescribed for anxiety, insomnia, and muscle spasms
- Xanax – An anti-anxiety medication
Onfi is a brand-name version of clobazam, a relatively new benzodiazepine that has been on the market since 2011. It’s approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as an add-on medication to treat seizures that don’t respond to other treatments. When taken as prescribed, Onfi can be an effective way to control seizures and manage anxiety disorders. It’s often prescribed to reduce anxiety symptoms and control seizures caused by Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, a form of epilepsy. It’s available in two forms—tablets and extended-release capsules. The extended-release capsules can be taken once daily. The tablets may need to be taken more than once daily, depending on your doctor’s instructions. It has an extended-release formula that allows the effects of the medication to last longer in the body. As such, it provides more consistent relief from seizures and anxiety than other benzodiazepines.
You may wonder, “Can Onfi be abused?” The answer, unfortunately, is “Yes.” Onfi can be abused just like any other benzodiazepine.
How Does Onfi Abuse Develop?
People abusing Onfi may take higher doses than prescribed or more often than directed by their doctor. These actions can lead to physical dependence and addiction over time.
As with all substances with the potential for abuse, people who develop an Onfi addiction usually start by taking prescribed doses but eventually move on to larger amounts as tolerance builds up over time. This can lead to dangerous situations such as an overdose or other health complications due to long-term use of high doses of Onfi or combination with other drugs or alcohol.
What to Expect from Benzo Addiction Treatment
Trying to quit using benzos without professional help can be dangerous. Withdrawal symptoms will likely cause serious medical problems if not managed correctly under proper medical supervision and support. Detoxing from benzos should only be done under the care of professionals who have experience helping people safely withdraw from these medications.
When entering a benzo addiction treatment program, you should expect the following:
- A treatment plan tailored to your individual needs
- Access to evidence-based techniques, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Compassionate care from experienced staff members who understand your situation
- Education on the risks of benzodiazepine abuse
- Medical and psychological support
- Medically supervised detoxification
- Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) and medication management, if needed
- Probable access to alternative therapy, such as mindfulness training or yoga
Find Onfi Abuse Treatment in Texas at The Right Step Houston
Onfi has a high potential for misuse, and dependence on the benzodiazepine when abused regularly over time is likely to happen. It’s crucial for anyone struggling with Onfi abuse to seek professional help to overcome their problem with this particular benzodiazepine safely. Contact The Right Step Houston today at 1.844.768.0169 to learn more about how Onfi can be abused and what to do if it happens to you or someone you love.