Klonopin is a long-acting benzodiazepine, and you should wait at least four days after your last dose to drink. Contact your doctor immediately if you or someone you know is experiencing side effects from taking clonazepam and alcohol. Consult your doctor about consuming alcohol before, during, or for some time after taking clonazepam. Your doctor may be able to prescribe you a different medication or recommend alternative forms of treatment. People who report drinking moderately tend to have higher levels of education, higher incomes and better access to health care, Naimi said. The United Kingdom, France, Denmark, Holland and Australia recently reviewed new evidence and lowered their alcohol consumption recommendations.

Alternatives for seizure disorders

There aren’t any herbs or supplements that have been specifically reported to interact with Klonopin. However, you should still check with your doctor or pharmacist before using any of these products while taking Klonopin. If you’re thinking about stopping treatment with the drug, talk with your doctor first. After acute withdrawal, it’s common to develop a protracted (lengthened) phase of withdrawal. To help prevent withdrawal, your doctor will typically taper off (gradually reduce) your Klonopin dosage very slowly, usually over several weeks or months.

1. This list does not contain all drugs that may interact with Klonopin.
2. The drowsiness often caused by the combination of Klonopin and alcohol can also make it more difficult for a person to wake up, which can result in coma.
3. You should have medical assistance as you withdraw (weaning from Klonopin).
4. Some symptoms of Klonopin withdrawal are the same as for alcohol withdrawal.
5. Here are some details on certain side effects this drug may cause.
6. The goal is to help patients cease their use of drugs or alcohol safely and effectively.

Ten Questions to Ask Your Pharmacist About Your Medications

Another serious danger of mixing alcohol and Klonopin is the risk of dangerous and even deadly side effects. Because these drugs are both CNS depressants, consuming them together can result in slowed breathing and heart rate. When a person experiences slowed breathing, he or she is likely not getting enough oxygen to the brain and body. Decreased oxygen can result in stopped breathing and coma or even death. Some treatment facilities also explore medication-assisted treatment (MAT) options, which may include the use of medications to manage cravings and reduce the potential for relapse. Alongside these medical interventions, holistic modalities, such as mindfulness and relaxation techniques, can complement the recovery process.

Understanding the Long-Term Risks of Combining Alcohol and Klonopin

It is important to note that Klonopin remains in the system for about 4 to 5 days after ingestion, making it risky to consume alcohol even several days after taking the medication. Klonopin, known generically as clonazepam, is a medication prescribed to prevent and control seizures and to treat panic attacks. As a member of the benzodiazepine family, Klonopin is recognized for its anticonvulsant and antiepileptic properties. older adults national institute on alcohol abuse and alcoholism niaaa It operates by calming the brain and nerves, which is why it’s also used to manage anxiety disorders. The typical starting dosage for seizure prevention ranges from 0.01 to 0.03 milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg) of body weight per day, divided into two or three doses. Detoxification programs often begin with a comprehensive assessment of the individual’s physical and mental health, as well as the severity of their addiction.

Further side effects may be presented as extreme drowsiness, unsteadiness, cognitive problems especially difficulty with remembering and impaired judgement. It can also affect your sex drive, you might experience frequent urination and increased saliva, as well as muscle or joint pain. More serious side effects like rash, hives, swelling of the eyes, face, lips, tongue or throat and may lead to swallowing and even depressed breathing [3, 4]. This medicine will add to the effects of alcohol and other central nervous system (CNS) depressants.

The effects of mixing Clonazepam and alcohol can be quite dangerous. Clonazepam, also called Klonopin, is a drug that is classified as a benzodiazepine, which acts as a tranquilizer in the body. Clonazepam is used to treat panic disorders, compulsive disorders, depression, and psychological disorders. Once an individual takes Clonazepam, the drug begins to work very quickly. Because Clonazepam treats chronic disorders without curing them, individuals who are prescribed this drug often take it for extended time periods. It can also cause increased anxiety, paranoia, suicidal thoughts, and suicidal impulses.

People often use benzodiazepines or alcohol to relax before engaging in social situations. Alcohol and Klonopin are no exception, and mixing the two, no matter the scenario, is a recipe for disaster. Many people might wonder, “How long after taking Klonopin can I drink? ” To play it safe, you must wait until 4 ways to stop alcohol cravings the drug has exited your system in its entirety. Klonopin has a long half-life of 20 to 50 hours, meaning you should not consume alcohol for up to nine days. People with mental health disorders and those who struggle with substance abuse are at higher risk of abusing alcohol and clonazepam together.

That advice was considered and rejected when the federal recommendations came out in 2020. From Dry January to Sober October to bartenders getting creative with non-alcoholic cocktails, there’s a cultural vibe that supports cutting back. Guidelines vary a lot from country to country but the overall trend is toward drinking less. Moderate drinking was once thought to have benefits for the heart, but better research methods have thrown cold water on that. Most importantly, inpatient treatment gets you away from the sources that helped you to get or encouraged you to use Klonopin and alcohol.

If you take one dose of Klonopin per day, it’s best to take it at bedtime. You should take Klonopin according to the instructions from your doctor or other healthcare professional. Seizures are the result of disturbances in the brain’s electrical activity. CNS depressants can cause sleepiness and can impair your ability to think, react, and move quickly. Less commonly, CNS depressants can cause respiratory depression (slowed, shallow breathing).

We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals. The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers. It is a prescription medication which belongs to the group of drugs called benzodiazepines, together with other well-known drugs such as diazepam or alprazolam (Xanax).

Should you have alcohol addiction or problems with alcohol abuse, consult taking Klonopin with your medical professional. Tell them about all prescription, over-the-counter, and other drugs you take. Also tell them about any vitamins, herbs, and supplements you use. Sharing this information can help you avoid potential interactions. The safest option is to avoid drinking alcohol while taking Klonopin. They can advise you on whether it’s safe to consume any alcohol during your Klonopin treatment.

It is recommended that those who take Klonopin refrain from drinking alcohol, as alcohol can increase the effects of the drug. You can estimate how long a drug lasts in your body based on a drug’s half-life. The half-life of a drug is how long half a dose of a drug lasts in your body. Klonopin’s half-life ranges from the difference between alcohol and ethanol 18 to 50 hours, depending on the person. Because it takes five half-lives for a drug to be completely removed from your system, it can take 3.75  to 10.5 days for Klonopin to leave your system. It is considered an anticonvulsant or antiepileptic drug, belonging to a class of medications called benzodiazepines.

The combination of these two may lead to extreme sleepiness, memory loss coordination problems or even coma. Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This includes prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines and herbal or vitamin supplements. This medicine may cause drowsiness, trouble with thinking, trouble with controlling movements, or trouble with seeing clearly. Make sure you know how you react to this medicine before you drive, use machines, or do anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert or able to think or see well. If you no longer need to take Klonopin and have leftover medication, it’s important to dispose of it safely.

This evaluation informs the personalized treatment plan that includes medication management, if necessary, to alleviate withdrawal symptoms. The goal is to help patients cease their use of drugs or alcohol safely and effectively. Legislative changes also shape how providers prepare for and deliver these crucial services. The concurrent use of Klonopin (clonazepam) and alcohol can lead to severe long-term health complications.

Both alcohol and Klonopin are central nervous system (CNS) depressants. When taken separately, CNS depressants can help an individual relax and feel more calm. This is especially true for Klonopin; the drug works by reducing feelings of anxiety so a person may function normally. Take the first step toward addiction treatment by contacting us today. The easiest way to lookup drug information, identify pills, check interactions and set up your own personal medication records. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.