Can Clonazepam and Alcohol be a Fatal Combination?
In This Article
Can You Mix Clonazepam and Alcohol?
It is unsafe to mix clonazepam with alcohol because both are CNS depressants. The combination can cause serious side effects, including death.
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.
Dangers of Alcohol and Clonazepam Interaction
Drinking alcohol while taking clonazepam can intensify the depressive effects of both substances. In some cases, the intense reaction can risk your life.
CNS depressants like Klonopin and alcohol increase drowsiness and slow breathing and heart rate. Intensified reactions like these can lead to insufficient oxygen or sustaining serious injuries.
Side Effects of Mixing Clonazepam and Alcohol
Drinking alcohol while taking clonazepam (like other drug interactions) can increase certain side effects.
These side effects include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Blurred vision
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Nausea with or without vomiting
- Upset stomach
- Loss of coordination
- Impaired motor skills
- Memory problems
- Increased heart rate
- Death
Contact your doctor immediately if you or someone you know is experiencing side effects from taking clonazepam and alcohol.
Can You Overdose on Klonopin and Alcohol?
Yes, you can overdose on Klonopin and alcohol. It’s easier to have a Klonopin overdose while drinking alcohol because of your impaired judgment.
The combination of alcohol can also make certain drugs toxic to your body. Overdosing can lead to serious harm, including permanent disabilities and death.
Who is Most Likely to Abuse Alcohol and Klonopin?
People with mental health disorders and those who struggle with substance abuse are at higher risk of abusing alcohol and clonazepam together.
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What is Klonopin (Clonazepam)?
Klonopin is the brand name of the FDA-approved prescription drug clonazepam. It calms your central nervous system (CNS) and helps you overcome sudden attacks and generalized anxiety.
Doctors prescribe it to treat, prevent, and control:
- Seizure disorders
- Panic attacks
- Insomnia
- Anxiety disorders
Klonopin has a half-life of about 30 to 40 hours. It is considered an anticonvulsant or antiepileptic drug, belonging to a class of medications called benzodiazepines. These drugs affect the brain’s neurotransmitters, the chemicals the nerves release to communicate from one cell to another.
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Side Effects of Klonopin (Clonazepam)
The side effects of Klonopin may range from uncomfortable to dangerous. This depends on your dosage and how long you take the drug.
High doses of Klonopin and long-term drug use can worsen side effects.
Klonopin side effects include, but are not limited to:
- Drowsiness
- Sedation
- Poor coordination
- Difficulty speaking
- Loss of control of bodily movements
- Depression
- Dizziness and confusion
- Fatigue
- Memory impairment
- Loss of sex drive
Is Clonazepam Addictive?
Klonopin (clonazepam) can cause relaxation and euphoria. It can be addictive both psychologically and physically.
Some people abuse Klonopin to combat the anxiety that comes with other substance abuse. But poly-substance abuse can lead to serious consequences. This includes potential Klonopin overdose and organ failure.
Some signs of Klonopin abuse and misuse include the following:
- Doctor shopping for stronger and more Klonopin prescriptions
- Using Klonopin despite negative consequences
- Using Klonopin for reasons that are not medical
- Insomnia
- Lack of motivation
- Drowsiness
- Restlessness
- Withdrawal from personal relationships
- Decreased interest in activities
- Increased tolerance for Klonopin
Some adverse side effects of Klonopin abuse and misuse include the following:
- Irritability and agitation
- Mood swings
- Depression and anxiety
- Euphoria
- Panic attacks
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Sensitivity to sights and sounds
- Increased sweating
- Tingling sensation
- Poor motor coordination
- Numbness
- Loss of consciousness
- Muscle tension
- Increased salivation and urination
- Sex drive changes
- Seizures
- Rashes
- Hives
- Difficulty breathing
- Hallucinations
- Short-term memory loss
- Suicidal thoughts
- Cognitive challenges
- Cravings
- Psychosis
If you or someone you know is exhibiting signs of Klonopin abuse, reach out for help immediately. Klonopin use can quickly spiral out of control, leading to overdose and even death.
Treatment for Alcohol or Clonazepam Addiction
The most important recovery step is getting help. Fortunately, there are plenty of options for substance abuse and addiction, including:
- Inpatient programs
- Partial hospitalization programs (PHPs)
- Outpatient programs
- Medication-assisted therapy (MAT)
- Support groups
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Related Articles
- “Clonazepam (Klonopin).” NAMI, 2023.
- “Clonazepam (Klonopin): Side Effects, Dosages, Treatment, Interactions, Warnings.” RxList, 2017.
- “Clonazepam.” NHS, 2023.
- Basit, H., Kahwaji, CI. “Clonazepam.” National Library of Medicine, NIH, 2022.
- Andersson et al. “Acute poisoning from substance abuse of benzodiazepines.” Hiprex, 2020.
- Dokkedal-Silva et al. “Clonazepam: Indications, Side Effects, and Potential for Nonmedical Use.” Harvard Review of Psychiatry, 2019.
