Authorities investigating the untimely passing of Liam Payne found packs of clonazepam in his hotel room. As reported by Sky News, the Buenos Aires police searched Payne’s room at the Casa Sur Palermo hotel and discovered that it was in “total disorder” with objects smashed and medications scattered around.
It’s not yet clear whether clonazepam was in Payne’s system when he fell from the balcony of his third-story room, as the results of the autopsy are expected to be released later. Per NBC News, a 911 call from the hotel to the police stated that the caller was “urgently” concerned about “a guest who is overindulged on drugs and alcohol.” Here’s what clonazepam is and how dangerous the drug is.
What is clonazepam used for?
Clonazepam, also known under the brand name Klonopin, is a benzodiazepine drug that is used medically to treat epilepsy and panic disorders, but as a central nervous system depressant, it has potential for abuse and dependence. In the United States, it’s a Schedule IV controlled substance.
Outside of prescription use, clonazepam gives users “a relaxing and sometimes euphoric feeling,” according to Palmer Lake Recovery. Users can experience a “high” as the drug slows down activity in the brain, causing sleepiness and a “zombie-like state.” As such, individuals can abuse or misuse the drug to sleep and escape stressful situations, and it can cause side effects such as vivid dreams, memory loss, and irritability.
Using other medications such as opioids or drinking alcohol while using clonazepam will make the “high” much stronger, but doing so is more likely to lead to overdose and death. Long-term abuse of the drug can lead to altered reasoning, a reduced ability to make decisions, and difficulty focusing. Individuals addicted to clonazepam can experience painful withdrawal symptoms if they stop using the drug abruptly.
Liam Payne’s family issued a statement following his death, via NBC News, stating that they are “heartbroken” and will “remember him for his kind, funny and brave soul.”
The One Direction singer is survived by his 7-year-old son, Bear Gray Payne, whom he shares with his ex-girlfriend Cheryl Cole.
