Key takeaways
- Klonopin (clonazepam) is a prescription medication for panic disorder and some seizure disorders. It can interact with alcohol and certain other drugs, including opioids and some antidepressants.
- The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued several boxed warnings for this medicine. These warnings address serious harm or death when taken with opioids, the potential for misuse and addiction, and the risks of physical dependence and withdrawal.
- Discuss your complete medical history with your clinician before beginning Klonopin. Also be sure to inform them of every medication you take.
Klonopin is prescribed for:
- panic disorder in adults
- specific seizure disorders in both adults and children
An interaction happens when one substance changes how another works or when certain health conditions alter a drug’s effects.
Continue reading to find out about possible interactions with Klonopin. This will help you understand what to avoid while taking Klonopin (clonazepam). For further details on Klonopin’s uses and side effects, see this article.
Does Klonopin interact with other drugs?
Before using Klonopin, let your doctor and pharmacist know about all prescription, over-the-counter, and other medicines you take. Sharing this information can help reduce the chance of interactions.
The chart below lists drugs that may interact with Klonopin. Note that it doesn’t include every possible interacting medicine. See the “Drug interactions explained” section for more detail on some of these interactions.
| Drug group or drug name | Drug examples | What can happen |
| antipsychotics | • aripiprazole (Abilify)• haloperidol (Haldol)• risperidone (Risperdal)• clozapine (Clozaril, Versacloz) | may raise the likelihood of side effects from Klonopin |
| certain antidepressants | • amitriptyline• clomipramine (Anafranil)• mirtazapine (Remeron)• phenelzine (Nardil)• selegiline (Emsam) | may raise the likelihood of side effects from Klonopin |
| certain antifungals | • fluconazole (Diflucan)• itraconazole (Sporanox, Tolsura)• ketoconazole | may raise the likelihood of side effects from Klonopin |
| opioids | • hydrocodone (Hysingla ER)• methadone• morphine (MS Contin)• oxycodone (Oxycontin, Xtampza ER, Oxaydo)• tramadol (Qdolo, ConZip) | • can increase the risk of side effects from both Klonopin and opioids• See the top of this article for a boxed warning related to opioids. |
| other benzodiazepines | • alprazolam (Xanax)• diazepam (Valium)• lorazepam (Ativan) | may raise the likelihood of side effects from Klonopin |
| other seizure medications | • carbamazepine (Tegretol, Carbatrol, Equetro)• gabapentin (Neurontin)• lamotrigine (Lamictal)• phenytoin (Dilantin)• topiramate (Topamax) | • some can increase the risk of Klonopin side effects• some may reduce Klonopin’s effectiveness |
| sedating antihistamines | • chlorpheniramine• dimenhydrinate (Gravol, Dramamine)• diphenhydramine (Benadryl)• promethazine | may raise the likelihood of side effects from Klonopin |
| sleeping pills | • eszopiclone (Lunesta)• zaleplon (Sonata)• zolpidem (Ambien) | may raise the likelihood of side effects from Klonopin |
| stimulants | • amphetamine and dextroamphetamine (Adderall)• lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse)• methylphenidate (Ritalin) | may reduce Klonopin’s effectiveness |
| antibiotics | • clarithromycin• erythromycin• rifampin• others | can markedly change Klonopin levels, either increasing the risk of side effects or decreasing its effectiveness |
| muscle relaxers | • cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril)• methocarbamol• tizanidine• baclofen | may increase the chance of some side effects from either medication |
| bupropion (Wellbutrin SR, Wellbutrin XL) | — | may reduce Klonopin’s effectiveness |
| buspirone | — | may raise the likelihood of side effects from Klonopin |
| clonidine (Catapres TTS, Nexiclon XR, Kapvay) | — | may raise the likelihood of side effects from Klonopin |
If you’re uncertain about drug interactions that could affect you, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
When should I avoid Klonopin?
Certain medical conditions or factors can increase your risk if you take Klonopin. In these situations, your doctor might not recommend Klonopin. These situations are known as contraindications. The following are contraindications for Klonopin.
If you have acute closed-angle glaucoma: Klonopin can raise eye pressure. If you have acute closed-angle glaucoma, Klonopin could worsen the problem. Because of this risk, your clinician probably will avoid prescribing Klonopin. Ask them about safer medication alternatives.
If you have severe liver disease: The liver metabolizes Klonopin. With severe liver disease, such as liver failure, Klonopin may accumulate in your body, increasing the risk of adverse effects. Because of this, your doctor likely will not prescribe Klonopin. Discuss other medication options with them.
If you’ve had an allergic reaction: Klonopin is a benzodiazepine. If you’ve experienced an allergic response to Klonopin, any ingredient in it, or other benzodiazepines, your clinician likely will not prescribe Klonopin. Examples of other benzodiazepines include diazepam (Valium), alprazolam (Xanax), and lorazepam (Ativan). Your doctor can suggest alternative therapies.
Before starting Klonopin, tell your doctor if any of the conditions above apply to you. They will decide whether Klonopin is appropriate.
Does Klonopin interact with alcohol?
Yes. Klonopin interacts with alcohol. Your doctor will usually advise you to avoid drinking alcohol while taking Klonopin because the combination can be hazardous.
Both Klonopin and alcohol depress the central nervous system (CNS). Combining them can cause:
- severe drowsiness
- memory impairment
- problems with coordination
- respiratory depression (very slow, shallow breathing that can stop)
- coma
Mixing alcohol with Klonopin also increases the chance of Klonopin misuse. Misuse means using a medicine in a way or for a purpose other than prescribed. This can lead to overdose and potentially death. See the top of this article for the boxed warning about misuse.
If you have concerns about alcohol and Klonopin, discuss them with your doctor.
Drug interactions explained
More about specific drug interactions that can occur with Klonopin.
Interaction with opioids
Klonopin can interact with opioids. Opioids are substances related to the opium poppy and include powerful prescription pain relievers, illicit heroin, and medications used for opioid dependence.
| What could happen | Examples of opioid medications | What you can do |
| • Both Klonopin and opioids can depress the CNS.• Combining them may lead to extreme drowsiness and respiratory depression, and can result in coma or death.• Refer to the boxed warning near the start of this article for this interaction. | • hydrocodone (Hysingla ER) • methadone• morphine (MS Contin)• oxycodone (Oxycontin, Xtampza ER, Oxaydo) • tramadol (Qdolo, ConZip) | • Your doctor generally won’t prescribe Klonopin together with opioids unless no alternatives exist.• If you must take both, inform caregivers or household members. If you become very sleepy or breathing becomes slow and shallow, contact your doctor immediately. If you become unresponsive or stop breathing, someone should call 911 or emergency services. |
Interaction with certain antidepressants
Klonopin can interact with specific antidepressants, particularly tricyclics and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs).
| What could happen | Examples of antidepressant medications | What you can do |
| Both Klonopin and certain antidepressants can depress the CNS. Using them together can increase the risk of side effects like drowsiness and coordination difficulties. | • tricyclics such as amitriptyline and clomipramine (Anafranil)• MAOIs such as phenelzine (Nardil) and selegiline (Emsam) • mirtazapine (Remeron) | If you take Klonopin together with one of these antidepressants, tell your clinician about increased drowsiness or coordination issues. They may switch you to an antidepressant less likely to interact with Klonopin, such as sertraline (Zoloft), or choose a different treatment instead of Klonopin. |
Interaction with stimulants
Klonopin can interact with stimulants. Stimulants treat conditions such as 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 may reduce Klonopin’s effectiveness because Klonopin depresses CNS activity while stimulants increase it. Also, both drug types carry risks of misuse and dependence. Misusing them together may increase overdose risk.• See the boxed warning near the top of this article regarding misuse. | • amphetamine and dextroamphetamine (Adderall)• lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse)• methylphenidate (Ritalin) | If your clinician prescribes Klonopin with a stimulant, follow dosing instructions precisely. If the symptoms Klonopin is meant to treat worsen, contact your doctor. |
Are there other interactions with Klonopin?
Klonopin may have additional interactions. If you have questions about interactions that might affect you, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Does Klonopin interact with supplements?
Currently, there are no reports of Klonopin interacting with herbal products or vitamins. However, absence of reports doesn’t guarantee that interactions won’t be identified later.
Before beginning Klonopin, tell your clinician and pharmacist about all supplements, herbs, and vitamins you use. Mention St. John’s wort in particular, since it can alter how some medicines are metabolized. Providing this information can help you avoid potential interactions.
Does Klonopin interact with food?
There are no current reports of food interacting with Klonopin. If you have questions about particular foods while taking Klonopin, consult your doctor.
Does Klonopin interact with vaccines or lab tests?
No reports currently show interactions between Klonopin and vaccines or laboratory tests. Still, check with your clinician before receiving vaccines while on Klonopin, and tell any healthcare provider ordering lab tests that you’re taking Klonopin.
Does Klonopin interact with cannabis or CBD?Klonopin has no current reports of interacting with cannabis (marijuana) or cannabis-derived products like cannabidiol (CBD). However, Klonopin can produce drowsiness and impair coordination, thinking, and memory. Cannabis and cannabis products can produce similar effects. Using them together could amplify these effects. As with any medication or supplement, consult your doctor before combining cannabis with Klonopin.Note: Cannabis remains illegal federally but is permitted to varying degrees in many states.
Does my health history affect whether I should take Klonopin?
Some medical conditions or other health factors can increase the likelihood of interactions with Klonopin. Discuss your medical history with your clinician before starting Klonopin so they can decide if it’s appropriate for you.
Conditions or factors that may affect Klonopin use include:
Past drug or alcohol misuse or dependence:Klonopin is a benzodiazepine with potential for misuse and addiction (see boxed warning at the top). If you have a history of substance misuse, you may be at greater risk. Your clinician will evaluate this risk before prescribing Klonopin.
Liver problems:People with liver dysfunction may accumulate Klonopin, increasing side effect risk. If you have liver issues, your clinician may prescribe a lower dose, and in severe liver disease they may avoid Klonopin altogether. See the “When should I avoid Klonopin?” section for more.
Kidney problems:Klonopin can accumulate in people with kidney impairment, raising the chance of side effects. A lower dose may be recommended.
Lung or breathing problems:Klonopin can cause slow or shallow breathing. If you have respiratory conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or sleep apnea, Klonopin could worsen them. Discuss suitability with your clinician.
Porphyria:People with the blood disorder porphyria may not be able to take Klonopin safely. Review this with your clinician.
Older age:Adults aged 65 and over may face greater risks from Klonopin, such as memory impairment, drowsiness, and coordination problems that increase fall risk. Talk with your clinician about whether Klonopin is appropriate.
Pregnancy:Klonopin may be unsafe during pregnancy. If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, discuss the risks and benefits with your clinician.
Breastfeeding:Klonopin passes into breast milk and may cause side effects in a nursing infant. If you take Klonopin, talk with your clinician about feeding options.
Allergic reaction:If you’ve had an allergic reaction to Klonopin, any of its components, or other benzodiazepines, your clinician likely will not prescribe it. Ask about other treatment choices. See the “When should I avoid Klonopin?” section for more.
Glaucoma:Acute closed-angle glaucoma is a contraindication to Klonopin; your clinician will likely avoid it and suggest alternatives. Treated open-angle glaucoma is usually not a problem for taking Klonopin; discuss with your clinician.
Mental health problems:Some people may experience paradoxical reactions to Klonopin, such as increased irritability, anxiety, agitation, or hallucinations. Rarely, Klonopin can raise the risk of depression and suicidal thoughts or behaviors. If you have a history of psychiatric conditions, discuss suitability with your clinician. Report any new or unusual changes in mood, thoughts, or behavior promptly.
Help is out there
If you or someone you know is in crisis or thinking about suicide or self-harm, seek help:
- Call or text the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org. Trained counselors provide free, confidential support 24/7.
- Text HOME to the Crisis Text Line at 741741 to connect with a volunteer counselor for free, confidential 24/7 support.
- Outside the United States? Find local helplines via Befrienders Worldwide.
- If you’re in immediate danger, call 911 or local emergency services.
If you’re calling for someone else, stay with them until help arrives. If safe, remove items that could be used to cause harm.
If you’re not in the same location, stay on the phone with them until help reaches them.
Common questions about Klonopin and interactions
Answers to frequently asked questions about Klonopin and possible interactions.
Are there interactions between Viagra and Klonopin?
No interactions have been reported between sildenafil (Viagra) and Klonopin. Klonopin can sometimes cause erectile dysfunction (ED) as a side effect; if ED occurs, your clinician may prescribe Viagra.
Both Viagra and Klonopin can cause dizziness, so using them together may increase that risk.
If you have concerns about combining Viagra with Klonopin, consult your clinician.
Are there interactions between Claritin and Klonopin?
Interactions between loratadine (Claritin) and Klonopin have not been reported.
Claritin is usually a nonsedating antihistamine and typically does not cause drowsiness. Rarely, some people may feel sleepy while taking it. If Claritin makes you drowsy, avoid combining it with Klonopin because it could increase sleepiness. In that case, ask your doctor or pharmacist for an alternative.
If Claritin does not make you drowsy, it’s generally safe to take with Klonopin. For personalized advice, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Is it safe to take ibuprofen and Klonopin together?
Yes. Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) is considered safe to use with Klonopin; there is no known interaction.
If you have specific questions about using ibuprofen with Klonopin, check with your doctor or pharmacist.
How can I prevent interactions?
Steps you can take to reduce the risk of interactions with Klonopin. Before starting treatment, discuss the following with your doctor and pharmacist:
- Whether you drink alcohol or use cannabis.
- All other medications you take, including vitamins, supplements, and herbal products. Your clinician or pharmacist can help you complete a medication list.
- What to do if you start a new medication while taking Klonopin.
Also read Klonopin’s label and other provided materials. Labels may include colored stickers or prescribing information that outline interactions. If you need help interpreting this information, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Taking Klonopin exactly as directed can also lower the risk of interactions.
Disclaimer: Efforts have been made to ensure the accuracy, completeness, and currency of the information presented. This article is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a licensed healthcare professional before starting any medication. Drug information may change and may not include all uses, instructions, precautions, warnings, interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of specific warnings does not mean a drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or suitable for everyone.
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