Klonopin Interactions: Alcohol, Medications, and Others
clonazepam is a prescription drug that is used to treat.
- panic disorder in adults
- certain seizure disorders in adults and children
Like other drugs, Klonopin may have interactions. Some interactions occur because one substance causes another substance to have a different effect than expected. For example, sometimes alcohol, another drug, or a supplement can affect how a drug acts in your body. Interactions can also occur if you have certain health conditions.
Keep reading to learn about Klonopin’s possible interactions. And for more information about Klonopin, including details about its uses, see this article.
If you take a drug, you could be at risk of harm. Your doctor may not prescribe the drug for you in such cases. These are not good for you. The list includescontraindications of the drug.
If you have acute closed-angle glauA coma.. Klonopin can increase the pressure in your eye. If you have acute closed-angle glauA coma., taking Klonopin could make the condition worse. Due to this risk, your doctor will likely not prescribe Klonopin. Ask them what other medications may be more suitable for you.
If you have severe liver disease. Klonopin is broken down by your liver. If you have severe liver disease, such as liver failure, Klonopin could build up in your body. This could raise your risk of Klonopin side effects. Due to this risk, your doctor will likely not prescribe Klonopin. Ask them what other medications may be more suitable for you.
If you’ve had an allergic reaction. Klonopin is part of a group of drugs called benzodiazepines. If you’ve had an allergic reaction to Klonopin, any of its ingredients, or other benzodiazepines, your doctor likely will not prescribe Klonopin. Examples of other benzodiazepines include diazepam (Valium), alprazolam (Xanax), and lorazepam (Ativan). Your doctor will discuss with you other treatments that may be better options.
“If any of the factors above apply to you, talk with your doctor before you start taking a drug. Your doctor can tell you if it’s safe to take.”
Before you start taking a drug, make sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist about any other drugs you take. Sharing this information with them may help prevent future interactions.
If you have questions about drug interactions, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
The drugs that may interact with the drug are listed. This chart does not include all drugs that could interact with the drug. The “Drug interactions explained” section gives more information about some of the interactions.
| Drug group or drug name | Drug examples | What can happen |
| antipsychotics | • aripiprazole (Abilify) • haloperidol (Haldol) • risperidone (Risperdal) • clozapine (Clozaril, Versacloz) |
can increase the risk of side effects from Klonopin |
| certain antidepressants | • amitriptyline • clomipramine (Anafranil) • mirtazapine (Remeron) • phenelzine (Nardil) • selegiline (Emsam) |
can increase the risk of side effects from Klonopin |
| certain antifungals | • fluconazole (Diflucan) • itraconazole (Sporanox, Tolsura) • ketoconazole |
can increase the risk of side effects from Klonopin |
| opioids | • hydrocodone (Hysingla ER) • methadone • morphine (MS Contin) • oxycodone (Oxycontin, Xtampza ER, Oxaydo) • tramadol (Ultram, ConZip) |
can increase the risk of side effects from Klonopin and opioids* |
| other benzodiazepines | • alprazolam (Xanax) • diazepam (Valium) • lorazepam (Ativan) |
can increase the risk of side effects from Klonopin |
| other seizure medications | • carbamazepine (Tegretol, Carbatrol, Equetro) • gabapentin (Neurontin) • lamotrigine (Lamictal) • phenytoin (Dilantin) • topiramate (Topamax) |
• can increase the risk of side effects from Klonopin • some may make Klonopin less effective |
| sedating antihistamines | • chlorpheniramine • dimenhydrinate (Gravol, Dramamine) • diphenhydramine (Benadryl) • promethazine |
can increase the risk of side effects from Klonopin |
| sleeping pills | • eszopiclone (Lunesta) • zaleplon (Sonata) • zolpidem (Ambien) |
can increase the risk of side effects from Klonopin |
| stimulants | • amphetamine and dextroamphetamine (Adderall) • lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse) • methylphenidate (Ritalin) |
can make Klonopin less effective |
| bupropion (Wellbutrin SR, Wellbutrin XL) | — | can make Klonopin less effective |
| buspirone | — | can increase the risk of side effects from Klonopin |
| clonidine (Catapres TTS, Nexiclon XR, Kapvay) | — | can increase the risk of side effects from Klonopin |
* Klonopin has a
Yes, Klonopin does interact with alcohol. Your doctor will likely recommend that you avoid drinking alcohol with Klonopin because the combination can have dangerous effects.
Both Klonopin and alcohol can cause central nervous system (CNS) depression (slowed activity in your brain and spinal cord). As a result, drinking alcohol with Klonopin can cause:
- It is very sleepy.
- memory loss
- coordination problems
- respiratory depression (breathing that’s slow and shallow and may even stop)
- A coma.
It is possible to misuse a drug if you drink alcohol with it. This could lead to overdose and death.
If you have questions about alcohol or drugs, talk to your doctor.
* Klonopin has a
There are certain drug interactions that can occur with the drug.
Interaction with opioids
Klonopin may interact with opioids, as described below. Opioids are drugs related to the opium poppy. They include strong prescription pain relievers, the illegal drug heroin, and certain drugs used to treat opioid dependence.
| What could happen | Examples of opioid medications | What you can do |
| Both Klonopin and opioids can cause central nervous system (CNS) depression. Taking these drugs together can result in It is very sleepy. and respiratory depression. It can also lead to A coma. and even be fatal.* | • hydrocodone (Hysingla ER) • methadone • morphine (MS Contin) • oxycodone (Oxycontin, Xtampza ER, Oxaydo) • tramadol (Ultram, ConZip) |
Your doctor usually will not prescribe Klonopin with opioids unless there are no suitable alternatives. If you do take these drugs together, be sure to tell your caregiver, people you live with, or people close to you. If you become very sleepy or your breathing becomes slow and shallow, you or another person should call your doctor right away. But if you become unresponsive or you stop breathing, another person should call 911. |
* Klonopin has a
Interaction with certain antidepressants
Klonopin can interact with certain antidepressants, especially tricyclic antidepressants and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). This interaction is described below.
| What could happen | Examples of antidepressant medications that may interact with Klonopin | What you can do |
| Both Klonopin and certain antidepressants can cause CNS depression. Taking these drugs together can raise your risk of certain side effects, such as sleepiness and coordination problems. | • tricyclics such as amitriptyline and clomipramine (Anafranil) • MAOIs such as phenelzine (Nardil) and selegiline (Emsam) • mirtazapine (Remeron) |
If you take Klonopin with one of these antidepressants, tell your doctor if you have increased sleepiness or coordination problems. Your doctor may recommend switching to an antidepressant that does not usually interact with Klonopin, such as sertraline (Zoloft). Or they may recommend switching to a medication other than Klonopin. |
Interaction with stimulants
Klonopin can interact with stimulants, as described below. Stimulants are medications used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), narcolepsy, and binge eating disorder.
| What could happen | Examples of stimulant medications | What you can do |
| Taking stimulants with Klonopin could make Klonopin less effective at treating your condition. Klonopin slows activity in your CNS, while stimulants increase activity in your CNS. Additionally, Klonopin and stimulants both have a risk of misuse and addiction.* If Klonopin and stimulants are misused together, this may increase the risk of overdose from either. | • amphetamine and dextroamphetamine (Adderall) • lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse) • methylphenidate (Ritalin) |
If your doctor prescribes Klonopin with a stimulant, be sure to take these medications only as instructed by your doctor. If symptoms of the condition you take Klonopin to treat worsen, talk with your doctor. |
* Klonopin has a
There may be other interactions with the person. They could happen with supplements, foods, vaccines, or even lab tests. See below for more.
Does Klonopin interact with supplements?
Drugs can interact with supplements.
Before you start taking Klonopin, talk with your doctor and pharmacist about any supplements, herbs, and vitamins you take. Sharing this information with them may help you avoid possible interactions.
If you have questions about interactions, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
Klonopin and herbs
There are currently no reports of Klonopin interacting with herbs. But this does not mean that interactions with herbs will not be recognized in the future.
It is still important to check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any of these products.
Klonopin and vitamins
There are currently no reports of Klonopin interacting with vitamins. But this does not mean that vitamin interactions will not be recognized in the future.
It is still important to check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any of these products.
Does Klonopin interact with food?
There are currently no reports of Klonopin interacting with food. If you have questions about eating certain foods during your treatment with Klonopin, talk with your doctor.
Does Klonopin interact with vaccines?
There are currently no reports of Klonopin interacting with vaccines. But it’s still important to check with your doctor before getting vaccines while taking Klonopin.
Does Klonopin interact with lab tests?
There are no specific reports of Klonopin interacting with lab tests. But if you get lab tests during treatment, it’s still important to tell your healthcare professional that you’re taking Klonopin.
Does Klonopin interact with cannabis or CBD?
There are currently no reports of Klonopin interacting with cannabis (commonly called marijuana) or cannabis products such as cannabidiol (CBD). But Klonopin can cause sleepiness and problems with coordination, thinking, and memory. Cannabis and cannabis products can also have these effects. So taking these products with Klonopin could increase these effects.
Talk to your doctor before using cannabis with a drug.
Note: Cannabis is illegal at a federal level but is legal in many states to varying degrees.
There is a risk of interactions with the drug. Talk to your doctor about your health history before you take the drug. They will determine if it is right for you.
Other factors that might interact with the drug include:
Past drug or alcohol misuse or dependence. Klonopin is a benzodiazepine drug that has a risk of misuse and addiction.* You may be more likely to have these problems with Klonopin if you have a history of misuse or dependency on drugs or alcohol. Your doctor will assess your risk of misuse and addiction before prescribing Klonopin.
Liver problems. Klonopin may build up in the body of a person with liver problems. This could increase the risk of Klonopin side effects.If you have a liver problem, your doctor may prescribe a dosage of Klonopin that’s lower than usual. But if you have a severe liver problem, your doctor will likely not prescribe Klonopin. You can ask them about other treatments that may be better choices for you. For more information, see the “When should I avoid Klonopin?” section above.
Kidney problems. If you have a kidney problem, Klonopin may build up in your body. This could raise your risk of Klonopin side effects. In this case, your doctor may prescribe a dosage of Klonopin that’s lower than usual.
Lung or breathing problems. Klonopin can sometimes cause slow or shallow breathing. If you have a lung or breathing problem, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or sleep apnea, Klonopin could worsen your condition. Talk with your doctor about whether Klonopin is right for you.
Porphyria. Klonopin may not be safe for you if you have a blood disorder called porphyria. Talk with your doctor about whether you can take this medication.
Older age. If you’re age 65 years or older, you may have a higher risk of side effects with Klonopin. These side effects include memory problems, sleepiness, and coordination problems that may increase the risk of falls. Talk with your doctor about whether this medication is right for you.
Pregnancy. Klonopin may not be safe to take during pregnancy. If you’re pregnant or planning a pregnancy, talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits of taking this medication.
Breastfeeding. Klonopin can pass into breast milk, possibly causing side effects in a child who’s breastfed. If you take Klonopin, talk with your doctor about the best way to feed your child.
Allergic reaction. Klonopin is a type of drug called a benzodiazepine. If you’ve had an allergic reaction to Klonopin, any of its ingredients, or other benzodiazepine drugs, your doctor will likely not prescribe Klonopin. You can ask them about other treatments that may be better choices for you. For more information, see the “When should I avoid Klonopin?” section above.
GlauA coma.. If you have acute closed-angle glauA coma., your doctor will likely not prescribe Klonopin. You can ask them about other treatments that may be better choices for you. For more information, see “When should I avoid Klonopin?” above. But if you have open-angle glauA coma., it’s usually safe for you to take Klonopin, providing your glauA coma. is being treated.
Mental health problems. In some people, Klonopin may cause unexpected reactions, such as irritability, anxiety, agitation, or hallucinations. In rare cases, Klonopin may also increase the risk of depression and suicidal thoughts or actions. If you have a history of mental health problems, talk with your doctor about whether Klonopin is right for you. If you take Klonopin, talk with your doctor right away if you have any new or unusual changes in your mood, thoughts, or behavior.
* Klonopin has a
Suicide prevention
If you know someone who is at risk of self-injury, suicide or hurting another person.
- Ask the tough question, “Are you considering suicide?”
- Listen to the person.
- To speak with a trained crisis counselor, call or text the number.
- Stay with the person until help arrives.
- Weapons, medications, or other potentially harmful objects should be removed.
A prevention hotline can help if you or someone you know is thinking about suicide. You can call the Suicide and Crisis Hotline at 988 if you need it. People who are hard of hearing can use their preferred relay service.
Find answers to questions about the drug.
Are there interactions between Viagra and Klonopin?
No, interactions have not been reported between sildenafil (Viagra) and Klonopin. Klonopin can sometimes cause erectile dysfunction (ED) as a side effect. If you develop ED while taking Klonopin, your doctor may prescribe Viagra to treat this condition.
“Taking Viagra and Klonopin together can cause dizziness, so it’s a good idea to check out the side effect.”
Talk to your doctor if you have any doubts about taking Viagra with Klonopin.
Are there interactions between Claritin and Klonopin?
It’s not likely that there are. Interactions have not been reported between loratadine (Claritin) and Klonopin.
Claritin is a type of allergy medication called a nonsedating antihistamine. It does not usually cause sleepiness. But on rare occasions, some people may feel sleepy while taking it. If Claritin does make you sleepy, you should avoid taking it with Klonopin because this could cause increased sleepiness. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to recommend a suitable alternative.
If Claritin does not make you sleepy, it is safe to take it with Klonopin.
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about taking Claritin during treatment.
Is it safe to take ibuprofen and Klonopin together?
It is safe to take ibull with molnopin. There is no known interaction between these drugs.
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about taking ibuprofen with Klonopin.
Taking certain steps can help you avoid getting in touch with the person. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before treatment begins. Things to discuss with them.
- You can drink alcohol or take cannabis.
- Other medications you take, as well as any vitamins, supplements, and herbs. Your doctor or pharmacist can help you fill out a
medication list . - If you start taking a new drug, what should you do?
It’s also important to read Klonopin’s
Taking the correct amount of the drug can help prevent interactions.
If you still have questions, you should talk to your doctor.
You may want to ask your doctor some questions.
- Does my risk of interactions depend on my dose of Klonopin?
- If I take Klonopin with an opioid, should I keep a supply of Narcan on hand?*
- Will I be monitored more closely during treatment if I take a drug like Klonopin?
- Will I be monitored more closely if I take a medication that interacts with it?
Naloxone is a drug used to reverse the effects of opiate drugs.
Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.
