3 Common Side-Effects Of Mixing Klonopin And Alcohol

Klonopin (Clonazepam) is mainly prescribed to treat anxiety disorders. Unfortunately, people suffering from anxiety are often more prone to alcohol addiction. Some people may start taking Klonopin and alcohol without realizing the high addiction potential and deadly consequences. Even taking the prescribed dose of Klonopin with alcohol can amplify each other’s effect, leading to:

1. Overdose
2. Extreme sedation and blackouts
3. Death in extreme cases 

Read on to learn more about Klonopin and alcohol symptoms, interactions, and the recommended gap between drinking and Clonazepam.

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A Quick Word About Klonopin And Alcohol Interaction

Klonopin (Clonazepam) belongs to a class of drugs known as which act as central nervous system depressants. Benzodiazepines are an excellent choice of drug for:

1. Panic attack disorder treatment
2. Prevention of seizures
3. Treatment of sleep disorders

However, DEA has classified it as a Schedule IV drug. This means that this drug should strictly be used as prescribed. Overuse can lead to:

1. Developing tolerance and addiction
2. Increased chances of overdose resulting in extreme and fatal sedation

Alcohol, also being a highly addictive depressant, suppresses the activity of our nervous system. It also influences the metabolism of Klonopin by delaying the effects of Klonopin, causing a person to take more doses. 

Mixing Klonopin And Alcohol Is More Dangerous Than You Think! Learn About the Side-Effects

Consuming one sedative over another leads to fatal consequences -Jessica Plonchak (LCADC, Executive Clinical Director)

You might think that it is alright to have a drink after Klonopin, but research states that consuming benzodiazepines with alcohol can lead to:

1. Extreme Sedation And Blackouts 

One of the most common side effects of having alcohol with Klonopin is extreme sedation. This can also lead to blackouts. During blackouts, a person may have:

1. Memory and cognitive problems
2. Problems with coordination
3. Accidental injuries 
4. Impaired judgment 

2. Risk Of Overdose, Which May Lead To Death

As discussed earlier, alcohol and Klonopin amplify the sedative effects of one another. This greatly increases the chances of an overdose. An overdose may result in:

1. Unconsciousness
2. Accidental injuries
3. Difficulty in breathing
4. Risk of Seizures 
5. Death

3. Depression And Poor Mental Health

Wait, What? Alcohol and Klonopin are taken to ease anxiety; how can it lead to depression? 

Unfortunately, depression is one of the long-term side effects of Klonopin. Though it increases the mood-boosting chemicals in the body, over time, the body begins to depend on it, disturbing the natural balance of neurotransmitters. 

Drinking with Klonopin greatly disrupts the neurotransmitters, which may, in turn, cause depression and negatively affect your mental health.

Stats Related To Drinking On Benzo

It has been reported that:

1. 30% of adults who abused alcohol also reported misusing benzodiazepines.
2. According to the CDC, Alcohol is responsible for 1 in 5 benzo-related deaths.
3. In 2022, the Drug Abuse Warning Network highlighted that benzodiazepine-related ED visits were highest among ages 26-44
4. In 2022, among 21% of polysubstance abuse visits, 75% involved benzodiazepine misuse.

Does Consuming Klonopin And Alcohol Always Mean Addiction?

Now that you know the dangers of mixing alcohol and Klonopin, you might be wondering if you are developing an addiction to this combination.

A quick way to find out is through an addiction evaluation test.

Please note: this assessment is an initial self-screening, and it is not meant to be a medical assessment or clinical diagnosis of addiction. For proper diagnosis and treatment, schedule an appointment with ChoicePoint.

You can also look for these signs of alcohol and Klonopin addiction symptoms according to the DMS-V criteria:

Measure the Severity of Your Substance Abuse

Your Road Map From Addiction To Sobriety

After learning the side effects, you must be keen on quitting this deadly combination. The addiction of any kind is treatable. Doctors, clinical staff, and addiction counselors work together to formulate a plan to help you clear your body of alcohol and drugs.

Your healthcare providers will help you to:

1. Set sustainable and realistic goals.
2. Analyze your history to devise custom treatment 
3. Assess the need for medication-assisted treatment.
4. Evaluate your mental health condition
5. Conduct differential diagnosis to rule out any other conditions
6. Screen for a dual diagnosis 
7. Recommend an aftercare plan.

We take pride in providing exceptional healthcare services in compliance with HIPAA, ASAM, and clinical guidelines. Some perks of recovering with us include:

1. Online and in-person addiction treatment programs
2. Online medication prescriptions
3. Facility to avail of at-home drug testing services
4. Online substance abuse counseling and therapy
5. Seamless transition back to addiction-free life

Verify your insurance and get started today!

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Quick Q/A Session Related To Klonopin And Alcohol With Susan Gentile (Nurse Practitioner)

We asked Susan Gentile (Nurse Practitioner) to answer your questions.

1. How Long After Klonopin Can You Drink?

Klonopin is a long-acting benzodiazepine and stays in the system for 4 to 5 days. So it is advised that you do not drink at least for 4-5 days after taking Klonopin.

2. What Should You Not Mix With Klonopin?

You should not mix these substances with Klonopin:

1. Alcohol
2. Opioids
3. Antihistamines
4. Cannabis
5. Sedatives or sleep-inducing medications
6. Antidepressants
7. Antifungal such as fluconazole

3. What Is Klonipin Hangover?

Klonopin hangover refers to a set of symptoms that occur after taking too much medication. Symptoms may include:

1. Fatigue
2. Reduce alertness
3. Insomnia
4. Increased pulse and body temperature
5. Headache
6. Nausea

4. Can You Drink On 0.5 mg Klonopin?

No, any amount of Klonopin with alcohol can have negative side effects. It is best to avoid drinking at all if you are prescribed this medication.

5. Can You Overdose On Klonopin?

Yes, overdosing on Klonopin is possible. Klonopin overdose symptoms include:

1. Sedation
2. Slowed breathing
3. Lowered blood pressure
4. Slow heartbeat
5. Double vision
6. Coma in extreme cases

6. What Is the Lethal Dose Of Klonopin?

Lethal dose can vary from person to person. It is recommended not to exceed:

1. 4 mg dose for panic attack disorders
2. 20 mg for seizures

Generally, Klonopin levels in blood exceeding 0.08 mcg/ml is considered a toxic dose.

SOURCES

DEA. (Drug Enforcement Authority) Available at:
https://www.dea.gov/sites/default/files/2020-06/Benzodiazepenes-2020_1.pdf.
Alcohol Involvement in Opioid Pain Reliever and Benzodiazepine Drug Abuse–Related Emergency Department Visits and Drug-Related Deaths — United States, 2010 (no date) CDC. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm6340a1
McHugh, R.K. et al. (2020) Benzodiazepine misuse in adults with alcohol use disorder: Prevalence, motives, and patterns of use, Journal of substance abuse treatment. Available at:https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7438601