Posted by Larry Hoover on November 9, 2002, at 15:39:10
In reply to Klonopin interactions with drugs/herbs/etc ?, posted by Franz on November 9, 2002, at 13:04:04
> Hello,
>
> I am starting low dose Klonopin and as I am new to this weird benzodiazepine (it is different from other, but this is subject for another post) I would like to know about interactions.
>
> I am interested in klonopin/drugs/herbs interactions.Rather than just give you the answer, I'll tell you how you can search it out for yourself.
The most prominent form of interaction between two drugs, or an herb and a drug, involves the cytochrome P450 enzymes. It's an archaic naming system, but it stuck.
To check which enzyme system is involved in clearing a drug, you can check the detailed pharmacology at a site like www.rxlist.com, where it is found under the generic name clonazepam, or you can enter it into a search engine like that at www.google.com. At google, your search terms would be "clonazepam" and "P450", without the quotes. You'll find, after a brief search, that clonazepam is metabolized and cleared by the enzyme called CYP3A3/4.
What you want to do is to see if anything else you take does anything to affect the function of that enzyme. For example, Serzone (nefazodone) almost totally stops it from functioning. In that case, you can have the effects of an overdose without actually overdosing on clonazepam. All SSRIs will inhibit this enzyme to some extent. St. Johns wort activates the enzyme, so you get less effect from the clonazepam, given the normal dose. Any other substance than is normally cleared by that enzyme (called a substrate) will also reduce the action of the enzyme with respect to clonazepam, via competitive inhibition.
> I frequently use a variety of teas/herbs like ginseng, Gotu kola, Rosmarinus, green tea, Rhodiola, gingko. Not high doses.
Once you have identified an enzyme to focus your attention on, then you can do google searches on e.g. "Rhodiola" and "3A4" and so on. I don't know of a better way to learn about your medications than to search for the answer yourself.
> The only reference I found in the web is:
>
> Summary of Interactions for Benzodiazepines
>
> Depletion or interference
> None known
>
> Adverse interaction
> Alcohol
>
> Side effect reduction/prevention
> None known
>
> Supportive interaction
> Vinpocetine
>
> Reduced drug absorption/bioavailability
> None known
>
> Adverse interaction
> Kava*Well, I hope you do better searching for info the way I've described. It's not fool-proof, but you can see that what you found doesn't mention things I discovered in a very quick search.
> ThanksIf you have trouble with the terminology or anything, ask more questions. I'm happy to help you find your own understanding.
Lar
poster:Larry Hoover
thread:127048
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20021108/msgs/127056.html