Been invited to a small party tomorrow as my mates plus one, don't know anyone else there but trying to make an effort to go out more and feel like it'll be one of the occasions where I take a pill (0.5mg) of clonazepam, if I have this around let's say midday, would I still be able to have a few drinks later on in the evening? I've heard about not taking them together but is it okay to have a bit of alcohol 6+ hours after having one
Few drinks after having clonazepam (Klonopin)?
Question posted by JGibson98 on 12 Dec 2018
Last updated on 12 December 2018
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Answers
Amira0
12 Dec 2018
Klonopin has a very long half life. Can you have a few drinks 6 hours later with the drug still in your system? Sure. Is it a good idea? No. Having a drink on top of klonopin drastically intensifies the effects of both. One drink is one thing, but two, three, four is a very bad idea and puts you in danger. Not only that, but you will likely feel horrible like the other person said. This is especially true with klonopin because of the long half life
JGibson98
12 Dec 2018
of course it always makes sense to listen to your doctor but it's quite concerning I've had 2 pretty much identical answers whereas I was just told by him they're both sedatives so a few drinks 6+ hours later should be fine. Thanks
Amira0
13 Dec 2018
Well, just because an interaction can happen with drugs and alcohol doesn't mean that it is guaranteed to happen. For instance it's also advised not to take benzodiazepines with opioid medications, but they are commonly prescribed together with adjusted dosages. They can potentiate each other because they both are CNS depressants, but it isn't usually life threatening if prescribed with cautious dosages. Benzodiazepines and alcohol are a different story because they both directly effect GABA receptors. This is why benzodiazepines are also used to treat alcohol withdrawal in patients who have severe symptoms.
Now that's not to say one can't have a drink with a benzo in their system, but the effects from each will be strengthened. Your doctor knows your history and your medication dosages better than anyone else. He probably also expects you to have maybe a drink and to not go overboard. If you only take klonopin as needed, not daily, then waiting between your klonopin dosage and drinking would be ok. It would however, need to be longer than 6 hours because the drug is likely still working in the brain during this time. If you use klonopin daily, you have a higher rate of metabolites since the elimination half life is a minimum of 19 hours. It could be as long as 60 hours in some patients. Ativan and Xanax effects wear off much faster and are eliminated from the body much quicker so 6 hours for those would be pushing it, but definitely more reasonable than it would for klonopin or valium.
Your dosage is not extremely high so you could try having a drink and waiting a bit to see how it effects you. If everything is ok go slowly from there. I just could not in good faith just say, "Have a few drinks and let us know in the morning." At that dose you likely wouldn't have any breathing difficulties or overdose, I just simply wouldn't drink too much.
JGibson98
13 Dec 2018
that is a much more thorough answer than I ever expected to get on this site to be honest. Might just start off with a small glass of wine and leave it at that for the night, no need to risk any severe interaction, especially since the main reason for drinking was to limit my anxiety and if the. Klonopin works then there'd be no need for any alcohol, thanks for the answers man.
Buggs333
13 Dec 2018
I feel that it depends on how long you've been on the meds. If it's been a few years, you should be o.k., however if you are new to clonazepam I highly recommend you do not mix the two.
Byrjun
12 Dec 2018
People say not to do this because of the risk of cns depression and death. For me I have done it and get violently ill. I would advise against it
JGibson98
12 Dec 2018
even after just a small amount? Also contacted my Doctor to ask this question and I know people will say to listen to them instead but that's a little concerning if he's given the go ahead and for a lot of people it has such negative effects
Byrjun
12 Dec 2018
Its usually just advised not to take them together. But I would advise against it when using any medication. I'm also EXTREMELY sensitive to things though. Maybe just have a bit and watch yourself very carefully? Have friends keep an eye on you too?
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