What Is Klonopin (Clonazepam)?
Klonopin is also known as clonazepam. 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). Clonazepam is used to treat health disorders such as seizure disorders and panic disorders, or other mental health disorders. The drug has sedative effects, muscle relaxant and anti-anxiety properties [1]. The drug administration is oral. Klonopin can interact with other medications such as opioids, antidepressants and stimulants [2].
Importantly, Clonazepam is not a substance that should be taken without caution. Klonopin overdose and Klonopin addiction are serious problems and Klonopin use should always be discussed with your medical provider.
In fact, benzodiazepine misuse may cause a variety of health issues, including Parkinson’s disease or dementia.
Side effects of Klonopin (Clonazepam)
Common side effects of Klonopin include common ones like tiredness, and muscle weakness, but also more severe ones including balance disorder or sensations of dizziness. 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].
Can I Drink Alcohol While Taking Klonopin (Clonazepam)?
Mixing alcohol and Klonopin is not recommended. It is mostly because both of them affect the central nervous system (CNS) and are central nervous system depressants. The combination of these two may lead to extreme sleepiness, memory loss coordination problems or even coma.
Further, combining alcohol and Klonopin may lead to Klonopin abuse and cause fatal outcomes [2].
What will happen if I take alcohol while taking Klonopin (Clonazepam)?
Mixing Klonopin and alcohol can lead to dangerous effects. If you drink alcohol while on Klonopin, you might experience extreme sleepiness, memory loss or coordination problems, as both of these substances are central nervous system depressants and they affect your brain activity [2].
Therefore it is recommended that alcohol use while taking Klonopin should be avoided. Should you have alcohol addiction or problems with alcohol abuse, consult taking Klonopin with your medical professional.
What should I do if I drank alcohol while taking Klonopin (Clonazepam)?
In case you have consumed alcohol while on Klonopin, monitor your symptoms. It is also recommended to contact your healthcare provider as you may be at high risk of experiencing these effects [2].
Interactions of Klonopin (Clonazepam)
Other drug interactions with Klonopin include substances like opioids, antidepressants, stimulants and alcohol. These interactions can alter the effectiveness of the drug and lead to potential side effects. Further, Klonopin can interact with an anticonvulsant drug such as diphenylhydantoin or zonisamide which may lead to potential intoxication [2, 5, 6].