Klonopin and Alcohol, Risks of Mixing Them and What to Know
- Home
- Blog
- Mixing Alcohol and Medication
- Klonopin and Alcohol, Risks of Mixing Them and What to Know
Klonopin (clonazepam) is a prescription medication for panic disorder and certain seizure disorders, and it does not mix well with alcohol. We wrote this guide in plain language, without judgment, so you can understand the risks and bring your questions to your prescriber. It is one of our articles on alcohol and medication interactions.
Key takeaways
These are the quick answers to the questions people ask us most about Klonopin and alcohol.
| Question | Quick answer |
|---|---|
| Is it safe to drink on Klonopin? | The FDA prescribing information advises patients to avoid alcohol while taking Klonopin. |
| What is the biggest danger? | Both slow the brain and breathing, which raises the risk of overdose. |
| How long does the risk last? | Klonopin is long acting, with a typical half life of about 30 to 40 hours. |
| Should I stop Klonopin so I can drink? | No. Stopping suddenly can cause dangerous withdrawal, including seizures. |
| When is it an emergency? | Call 911 if someone cannot be woken, is breathing slowly, or has bluish lips. |
What is Klonopin and why is it prescribed?
Klonopin is a benzodiazepine prescribed for panic disorder and for certain types of seizures. It works by calming excess electrical activity in the brain.
According to the FDA prescribing information, Klonopin can be used alone or with other medications for specific seizure types, and it is also approved for panic disorder with or without agoraphobia. The label notes that long term effectiveness for panic disorder beyond nine weeks has not been systematically studied, so prescribers are asked to check in regularly about whether it is still needed. If panic or anxiety brought you to Klonopin, our anxiety treatment page describes other ways we support people.
What does the boxed warning on Klonopin say?
Klonopin carries a boxed warning, the strongest caution a prescription label can have. The FDA prescribing information uses it to flag the dangers of combining Klonopin with opioids, the risk of misuse and addiction, and the risk of dependence and withdrawal.
The label warns that taking Klonopin with opioids can cause profound sedation, slowed breathing, coma and death. It explains that misuse and addiction can lead to overdose or death, and that the risk is higher when the medication is used with alcohol or other substances. It also cautions that regular use can lead to physical dependence, and that stopping abruptly or lowering the dose too quickly can cause withdrawal reactions that can be life threatening. The label notes that some people have withdrawal symptoms lasting from weeks to more than 12 months.
What happens when Klonopin and alcohol mix?
Klonopin and alcohol both depress the central nervous system, and alcohol strengthens the sedating effects of the medication. Together they can cause deep drowsiness, poor coordination, memory problems and slowed breathing.
Deeper drowsiness and poor coordination. The FDA prescribing information states that alcohol can intensify the effects of Klonopin, and it advises patients to avoid alcohol. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism lists drowsiness, dizziness, impaired motor control and unusual behavior among the reactions that can occur when alcohol meets anxiety and seizure medicines like Klonopin. That can mean falls, injuries and unsafe driving.
Slowed or difficult breathing. This is the most serious risk. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism lists slowed or difficult breathing and a higher risk of overdose for this combination. Both substances can quiet the part of the brain that keeps you breathing.
A longer window of risk. Klonopin is long acting. The FDA prescribing information puts its typical half life at roughly 30 to 40 hours, so it stays active in the body well beyond the day you take it. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism also notes that harmful interactions can happen even when a medication and a drink are not taken at the same time.
Memory problems. The FDA prescribing information lists amnesia among Klonopin’s possible effects, and the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism names memory problems as a reaction to this combination. Some people find they cannot recall parts of an evening, including how much they drank or took. Klonopin shares these risks with Xanax, another benzodiazepine that interacts with alcohol.
Mood changes. Because Klonopin is also a seizure medication, its label warns that it may raise the risk of suicidal thoughts or behavior and asks patients to report new or worsening depression or mood changes. Alcohol can lower mood too.
| Effect | Klonopin alone | Klonopin with alcohol |
|---|---|---|
| Drowsiness | Common, especially at the start of treatment | Can become deep and hard to shake off |
| Coordination | May feel unsteady | Higher risk of falls, injuries and crashes |
| Memory | Amnesia is a listed effect | Memory problems are a listed reaction to the mix |
| Breathing | The label focuses its breathing warning on use with other sedating substances | Breathing can slow, with a higher risk of overdose |
| Duration | Half life of about 30 to 40 hours | Overlap with alcohol can last into the next day |
If drinking on your medication has become a pattern, you can talk with our admissions team at (424) 302-2598 or send us a message.
What are the warning signs?
Watch for heavy drowsiness, confusion, stumbling, memory gaps, changes in breathing and changes in mood. These signs mean the combination is affecting someone more than it should.
- Heavy drowsiness or nodding off mid conversation
- Confusion, slurred speech or unusual behavior
- Stumbling, falling or trouble with balance
- Missing memories of the evening or of recent hours
- Slow, shallow or irregular breathing
- Worsening mood, agitation or thoughts of self harm
When should you call 911?
Call 911 immediately if a person who has mixed Klonopin and alcohol cannot be woken, is breathing very slowly or not at all, has bluish lips or skin, has a seizure, or has collapsed. Do not wait to see whether it passes.
Stay with the person until help arrives. If they are vomiting or unconscious, gently roll them onto their side to help prevent choking, and tell responders what was taken. If the person is awake and you are not sure how serious things are, call Poison Help at (800) 222-1222 for guidance.
If you or someone you love is having thoughts of suicide or self harm, call or text the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 for immediate support.
What should you ask your prescriber?
Ask whether any alcohol is safe for you, how long the interaction risk lasts, and how a dose change would be handled safely. An honest conversation is one of the best safety tools you have.
- Is any amount of alcohol safe for me while I take Klonopin?
- Because Klonopin is long acting, how long does the interaction risk last after a dose?
- Do my other medications, including pain relievers or sleep aids, add to the sedation?
- What signs of dependence or tolerance should I tell you about?
- If I ever want to lower my dose or stop, how would we plan that safely?
Please do not stop Klonopin suddenly or reduce it on your own, even if you are concerned about drinking. For people who take it for seizures, the FDA prescribing information adds that stopping suddenly can bring on more frequent seizures or seizures that will not stop, a medical emergency called status epilepticus. Your prescriber can design a gradual, personalized plan if a change is right for you.
Why do people end up mixing the two?
People rarely combine Klonopin and alcohol to cause harm. More often they are trying to quiet panic, unwind after a draining day, or finally get some sleep.
Social anxiety can make a drink feel like the only way through a party or a date. For some, drinking started long before the prescription, and the habit simply continued. This kind of self medicating is common and deeply human, and there is nothing shameful about it. Over time, though, alcohol tends to make anxiety and sleep worse. When drinking and anxiety feed each other, our dual diagnosis treatment addresses both at once.
How can we help?
We support people who are managing anxiety, alcohol use and prescription medication at the same time. Our programs at CAST Treatment Centers in West Hollywood are available in person and online.
Our intensive outpatient program offers structured therapy and support while you keep up with daily life.
We also offer LUNA evening online IOP for California residents only.
Our case management team can help coordinate care with your prescriber, and our medication assisted treatment works alongside therapy.
Our family support program offers guidance for the people who care about you, and our NEXT Step aftercare and online treatment options provide continued support.
Frequently asked questions
Is it dangerous to drink on Klonopin?
Yes, it can be. Both slow the brain and breathing, and the FDA prescribing information advises avoiding alcohol. Talk with your prescriber about what this means for you.
How long does Klonopin stay in my system?
Its typical half life is about 30 to 40 hours, so it can overlap with alcohol long after a dose. Your pharmacist can explain the timing for your prescription.
Can I quit Klonopin on my own if I want to drink?
Please do not. Stopping suddenly can cause dangerous withdrawal, including seizures. Your prescriber can help you make any change gradually and safely.
Why do I not remember parts of the night?
Amnesia is a listed effect of Klonopin, and memory problems are a known reaction when it is combined with alcohol. Memory gaps are a sign the combination hit you hard.
Can Klonopin affect my mood?
The FDA prescribing information warns of a possible increase in suicidal thoughts or behavior. Tell your prescriber about any mood changes, and call or text 988 if you are in crisis.
When you are ready, call our admissions team at (424) 302-2598 or reach out online. We will listen first and help you understand your options.
