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Can Alcohol Be Consumed An Hour After Taking Klonopin?

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Posted on Mon, 10 Aug 2015
Question: I took 1mg of klonopin an hour ago. in about 7 hours I am going out to drink with friends. is that safe? I don't feel the effects anymore
doctor
Answered by Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
you'd better avoid it

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

1mg clonazepam is not a very high dose. Clonazepam is a long acting and potent benzodiazepine and its effect lasts for a few days. 7 hours after ingestion the concentration of clonazepam in the blood is close to the highest one.

The results in cases like this cannot be easily foreseen. Central nervous system depression is expected because alcohol and benzodiazepines have an additive effect on theat. Thus avoidance of alcohol is recommended for as long as you continue treatment.

Kind Regards!
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (6 minutes later)
is it safe to have two beers
doctor
Answered by Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (7 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
probably safe for a couple of beers but not recommended

Detailed Answer:
Two beers is not that much alcohol taking into account that they'll be consumed over a few hours probably, but it is not recommended because of the additive effect I've talked about in my previous answer. You can choose another drink or drink alcohol-free beer! This additive effect may expose you to danger particularly if you drive. Activities that may become dangerous because of imbalance or sleepiness (like climbing stairs) are to be avoided.

Kind Regards!
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (29 minutes later)
what is additive affect ? I am staying in for the night with a friend
doctor
Answered by Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (5 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
it means that clonazepam effects are potentiated by alcohol

Detailed Answer:
Clonazepam and alcohol may both cause depression of the central nervous system (sleepiness, increased reaction time, slurred speech, etc). When used together, their effects on the nervous system may become even more evident.

I hope this is more clear now!

Kind Regards!
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (2 minutes later)
it is thank you but could it kill me
doctor
Answered by Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (3 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
not directly

Detailed Answer:
It's definitely not supposed to kill you directly but it may get you into trouble the way I described in my previous answers. For example if you drive, then you've got to know that alcohol and benzodiazepines together, increase your chances for an accident. The same applies for activities that require a good balance and alertness.

Kind Regards!
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis

Internal Medicine Specialist

Practicing since :1999

Answered : 3810 Questions

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Can Alcohol Be Consumed An Hour After Taking Klonopin?

Brief Answer: you'd better avoid it Detailed Answer: Hello, 1mg clonazepam is not a very high dose. Clonazepam is a long acting and potent benzodiazepine and its effect lasts for a few days. 7 hours after ingestion the concentration of clonazepam in the blood is close to the highest one. The results in cases like this cannot be easily foreseen. Central nervous system depression is expected because alcohol and benzodiazepines have an additive effect on theat. Thus avoidance of alcohol is recommended for as long as you continue treatment. Kind Regards!