How Long Does Klonopin Take To Reach Stable Plasma Concentration?

Posted on Tue, 28 Jul 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Tue, 28 Jul 2015 Answered on

Fri, 14 Aug 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi
I am on Klonopin 3 mg, Lexapro 5 mg, Keppra 1000mg, Solian (amisulpride 100mg).
My psychiatrist decided yesterday night to rise Klonopin from 2 mg to 3 mg (1 mg more by night) I just would like to know how long it takes to Klonopin to find stable plasma concentrations, i have read that from 3 to 4 days.
Thanks, XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Dr. Chintan Solanki (31 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
5-7 days

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Thanks for writing to us.

Thanks for academic question. Clonazepam(Klonopin) reaches to steady state(stable plasma concentration) between 5 to 7 days depending upon individual genetic and metabolic factors.

I have confirmed the same from psycho pharmacology book of XXXXXXX stahl as well few websites.
I am posting one link for your reference which we professional find authentic.

http://reference.medscape.com/drug/klonopin-clonazepam-342900#10

Hope I have answered your query, I will be happy to help further.

Regards,
Dr.Chintan Solanki.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Chintan Solanki (57 minutes later)

Dear Dr. Solanki,
Thanks a lot for your clear answer and also for the link. I just would like to know also if while Klonopin reaches this steady plasma concentration side effects are stronger and benefits weaker, and progressively it becomes the contrary,
Thanks a lot for your patience
Best regards, XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Dr. Chintan Solanki (35 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
benefits almost from beginning,side effects will be less after steady state

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Thanks for follow up.

Clonazepam is potent drug. It means it shows effects very fast.However with this fast action initially side effects may be more. However after reaching steady state there will be less or no side effects depending upon indication of drug, individual's physical, genetic and metabolic factors (pharmacokinetic).So overall person feel more benefits from drug.

Take care.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Chintan Solanki (3 hours later)

Dear Dr. Solanki,
Sorry for this last question and thanks a lot for your answer. Since i am intermediate metabolizer for cyp2c19, i can feel a little bit more side effects and benefits from drug can come more slowly?
Thanks again for your patience, XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Dr. Chintan Solanki (6 hours later)

Brief Answer:
no, you will have benefits faster

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX

Thanks for related new question and sorry for delayed response.

You are right that clonazepam is metabolized Cyp2c19. Being intermediate metabolizer you may have somewhat longer half-life of clonazepam. Side effects of clonazepam depend on dose and plasma level of the drugs. If dose of drug adjusted according to your needs there will be no significant side effects. Your doctor should be aware about this fact. You may need somewhat lesser dose of clonazepam than that of the person with normal drug metabolism.

However it does not mean that benefits from drug come slowly. As I mentioned in previous answer it is potent drug and you would have same benefits like other.Rather due to slow metabolism you can have effects faster.

Hope this answers your concern.

All the best.

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E