Skip To Section
Klonopin, or clonazepam, is a prescription medication used to treat panic disorders like agoraphobia. Klonopin is a Schedule IV controlled substance. The Food and Drug Administration gives this designation to medications that have medical benefits but also a strong risk of abuse. A doctor may prescribe Klonopin for anxiety, mood disorders, or seizures. If you don’t take benzodiazepines like Klonopin as prescribed, you can become dependent. Combining Klonopin with alcohol increases the risk of addiction. If you want to understand the dangers of Klonopin and alcohol, it’s important to understand how alcohol works.
Many people don’t think of alcohol as a drug, but like other recreational drugs, alcohol use can lead to dependence and addiction. Alcohol is a depressant that acts on the central nervous system. It slows down communication between your brain and your body. In small amounts, alcohol makes you feel more relaxed. In large quantities, it can lead to misuse and addiction. If you are concerned about alcohol and Klonopin misuse, an addiction treatment center can give you the help you need.
The Effects of Klonopin
Klonopin is an effective treatment for panic disorder and certain types of seizures. It is available as an oral tablet in three strengths. When prescribing the appropriate dose, a doctor considers the patient’s height, weight, age, and medical history. Patients should not take more clonazepam than directed. Increasing the dose or frequency without a doctor’s approval can increase the likelihood of dependence.
Clonazepam increases gamma-aminobutyric acid’s (GABA) activity in the brain. It also decreases abnormal electrical activity in your brain. People taking Klonopin can experience mild side effects like:
- Drowsiness or fatigue
- Dizziness
- Coordination issues
- Increased saliva production
- Trouble concentrating
- Headaches
- Body aches
- Chills
Mixing Klonopin with alcohol or other drugs can increase the severity of the side effects.
The Effects of Alcohol
When you drink a small amount of alcohol, you may experience feelings of relaxation. Alcohol increases the neurotransmitters that make you feel good. These neurotransmitters include dopamine and serotonin. Many people describe this feeling as a buzz.
As you continue drinking, the communication between your brain and body slows down. You may notice slurred speech and impaired coordination. Some people experience memory problems and blackouts. If a person is drunk, that may exhibit these symptoms.
- Red, bloodshot, or glassy eyes
- Rosy cheeks
- Slurred speech
- Trouble walking
- Poor hygiene
- Speaking too loud
- Agitation or irritability
These symptoms become even more pronounced when mixed with medications like Klonopin.
Fill out the form below and one of our admissions team members will reach out to you:
"*" indicates required fields
What Happens When You Mix Klonopin and Alcohol?
Both Klonopin and alcohol depress the central nervous system. Mixing even small amounts of alcohol with Klonopin can be dangerous. You may experience more severe side effects like blurred vision and trouble breathing. Klonopin’s sedative effects become more severe when mixed with alcohol. You may lose consciousness. Mixing these drugs can lead to serious injuries and death.
The Risk of Overdosing on Klonopin and Alcohol
It is possible to overdose on Klonopin or alcohol. When mixing these two substances, the risk of overdose dramatically increases. Alcohol causes impaired judgment, which makes it easier to take too much Klonopin. Signs of a combined clonazepam and alcohol overdose include respiratory distress, slurred speech, impaired coordination, and an impaired mental state. If you or a loved one are showing signs of an overdose, this is a medical emergency. Call 9-1-1 or seek medical attention immediately.
Withdrawing from Klonopin and Alcohol
If you stop using Klonopin and alcohol, you may experience withdrawal symptoms. The severity of the symptoms varies, depending on how long and how often you use these substances. You may feel anxious, depressed, or irritable. If you are psychologically dependent on these substances, you may crave Klonopin and alcohol. Some people also have stomach problems including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
In severe cases, people experiencing withdrawal may hallucinate or feel confused. They may have seizures or muscle cramps. Many people start using when the withdrawal symptoms become too much to handle. You don’t have to suffer through these symptoms alone. A medical professional can oversee the detox process and ensure your safety.
How Long Should I Wait to Drink Alcohol After Taking Klonopin?
You should not drink alcohol while using Klonopin. If you do decide to drink, you should wait until your body metabolizes and eliminates the last dose of Klonopin. This drug has a long half-life, meaning it stays in the body for a long time. For some people, it takes weeks to metabolize and fully eliminate Klonopin from your system.
What Is Cross Addiction?
When you have substance use disorder, your risk of becoming addicted to another substance increases. This is called cross-addiction. People using alcohol and Klonopin should be aware of the risk of cross-addiction. You should not try to overcome cross-addiction alone. An addiction counselor or medical professional can help you overcome cross-addiction.
Seeking Treatment for Klonopin and Alcohol Addiction at Footprints to Recovery
Footprints to Recovery gives patients and their families the tools to recover from substance use disorders. We provide a comfortable, safe environment for individuals struggling with addiction. Our team creates a custom treatment plan for every patient. We can combine multiple treatment modalities. Treatment plans may include inpatient, intensive outpatient, and medication-assisted treatment with Flumazenil. Our team of counselors provides individual, group, and family therapy. We also offer holistic treatments like yoga, meditation, and neurofeedback. Substance use disorder is a complex medical condition. We have experience treating cross-addiction to multiple substances. Our team can help you successfully detox safely.
If you or your loved one has a dual diagnosis, our team is here to help. Many patients suffer from substance use disorder and a mental health condition. We treat depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Our individualized treatment plans include consultation with our collaborative care team. Your care team will include doctors, nurses, therapists, social workers, and addiction counselors. If you need help with substance use disorder, our team at Footprints to Recovery offers compassionate care to your whole family.
Our admissions team is available 24/7 to listen to your story and help you get started with the next steps.
