Does CBD Interact With Clonazepam (Klonopin)?

Similar Medications: CBD & Benzodiazepines

Clonazepam is classified as a benzodiazepine anxiolytic. CBD and benzodiazepines all share similar risks for interaction and side effects.

Here’s a list of similar medications that share a similar level of risk when combined with CBD:

• Alprazolam (Xanax)
• Chlordiazepoxide (Librium)
• Clorazepate (Tranxene)
• Diazepam (Valium)
• Estazolam (Prosom)
• Flurazepam (Dalmane)
• Lorazepam (Ativan)
• Midazolam (Versed)
• Oxazepam (Serax)
• Temazepam (Restoril)
• Triazolam (Halcion)
• Quazepam (Doral)

Is It Safe to Take CBD & Clonazepam (Klonopin) Together?

No, CBD and clonazepam should not be used together. This combination is not considered safe unless under the specific guidance of a doctor.

Is CBD A Viable Alternative to Clonazepam (Klonopin)?

CBD may be a viable alternative to clonazepam for mild bouts of anxiety or insomnia. There’s also evidence to suggest CBD is even more effective in treating certain types of seizure disorders than clonazepam or other benzodiazepines [2]. 

However, it’s important to keep in mind that clonazepam is significantly stronger than CBD. People suffering from significant acute symptoms may not find effective relief from CBD. 

What is Clonazepam (Klonopin)?

Clonazepam is an anxiolytic and anti-seizure drug belonging to the benzodiazepine family. It’s used to treat panic disorders, severe anxiety, and seizures. 

There are many different types of benzodiazepines, each one with its pros and cons. Clonazepam is designed to provide long-lasting effects to enable all-day relief from anxiety. 

Clonazepam (Klonopin) Specs:

What Does Clonazepam (Klonopin) Do?

Clonazepam’s primary mechanism of action is the modulation of GABA function in the brain. 

It does this by acting on the benzodiazepine receptor located on GABAA receptors. It acts by binding to the benzodiazepine site of the GABA receptors, which enhances the electric effect of GABA binding on neurons. 

Clonazepam doesn’t alter GABA levels directly; rather, it alters the affinity for GABA to bind to existing receptors. 

This action results in an inhibition of synaptic transmission across the central nervous system. This allows clonazepam to perform its anticonvulsant, skeletal muscle relaxant, and anxiolytic effects. 

Clonazepam also decreases the use of 5-HT (serotonin) by neurons.

Clonazepam is used to treat seizures, including myotonic or atonic seizures, photosensitive epilepsy, and absence seizures. It’s also used in treating anxiety, panic disorders, and movement disorders called akathisia.  

What is GABA?

GABA is one of the principal inhibitory neurotransmitters in the human body. When GABA binds to γ-Aminobutyric acid type A (GABAA) receptors found in neuron synapses, chloride ions get conducted across neuron cell membranes through an ion channel in the receptors. 

When enough chloride ions get conducted, the local neuron membrane potentials get hyperpolarized. This action makes it difficult for action potentials to fire, and thus, it ultimately results in less excitation of the neurons. 

Side Effects of Clonazepam (Klonopin)

Klonopin comes with a high risk of side effects which range from changes in mood and behavior to lapses in memory. It’s also habit-forming and highly addictive if used for long periods of time. 

Because of its dependency-forming ability, clonazepam, like other benzodiazepines, is used as a first-line treatment for seizures but not for its long-term treatment. Clonazepam has also been associated with recreational use and drug abuse. 

 It can also cause withdrawal symptoms if stopped abruptly. The withdrawal symptoms consist of increased anxiety, irritability, insomnia, tremors, headaches, stomach pain, nausea, hallucinations, fatigue, depression, etc. 

Clonazepam must be used with caution in patients with depression as there is an increased risk of suicide. It should be used during pregnancy only if needed and if the benefit outweighs the risk. 

Side effects of clonazepam (Klonopin) include:

• Aggression
• Ataxia
• Coughing 
• Decreased libido
• Depression 
• Dizziness 
• Dysarthria 
• Fatigue 
• Lack of motivation
• Liver damage
• Memory impairment
• Psychomotor agitation
• Psychosis
• Short term memory loss
• Suicidal ideation
• Upper respiratory infection 
• Urinary frequency 
• Worsening of seizures

Other Names For Clonazepam (Klonopin)

Clonazepam is sold under many different names. All share the same risk and potential interactions.

Other names for Clonazepam (Klonopin) include:

• Alcona 
• Anxrea
• Aplaz 
• Azepic 
• C-Pram-S Plus 
• Caryclone 
• Catier
• Cita-S Forte 
• Clonapam
• Clonapax
• Clonaz
• Clonotril
• Czpam
• Klozep
• Lonazep
• Melzap
• Rivotril

Key Takeaways: Is it Safe to Take Clonazepam (Klonopin) With CBD?

CBD and clonazepam have a moderate to high likelihood of interacting negatively and, therefore, should not be used together. 

Both substances exert a similar influence on the central nervous system. Taking both together could result in an excessive suppression of neurological activity, leading to side effects. Some of these side effects are severe and could result in injury or death. 

Always speak to your doctor about CBD before you mix it with your prescription medications. Your doctor can assess your level of risk and may want to adjust your dose to account for the potential interaction. 

References 

1. Blessing, E. M., Steenkamp, M. M., Manzanares, J., & Marmar, C. R. (2015). Cannabidiol as a potential treatment for anxiety disorders. Neurotherapeutics, 12(4), 825-836. 
2. Lattanzi, S., Brigo, F., Trinka, E., Zaccara, G., Cagnetti, C., Del Giovane, C., & Silvestrini, M. (2018). Efficacy and safety of cannabidiol in epilepsy: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Drugs, 78(17), 1791-1804.