Posted by bluedog on December 13, 2002, at 22:31:48
In reply to Klonopin and alcohol?, posted by Nino on December 13, 2002, at 20:54:58
> Hi, I am currently taking 0.5mg of Klonopin 3x /day. I'm wondering of the experiences other people here have had with this medication and alcohol. I occassionally like to drink but I am worried about the complications of the mix from what I've heard.. Can someone share their experiences of this? How much alcohol is too much? How much is ok? Appreciate it.
>
Hi NinoWith the "festive" season fast approaching I actually had an appointment with my psychiatrist yesterday and I discussed this very same issue with him. I'm not on Klonopin but I'm on 5mg of Diazepam 3x per day.
My Pdoc basically said that the drug information pamphlets distributed with the benzo's err on the side of caution for reasons of legal liability only.
My psychiatrist advised that it is perfectly OK and completely safe to have a COUPLE of drinks while you are on benzo therapy as long as you DO limit the intake to JUST a a drink or two. Benzo's and alcohol are 2 substances that can enhance the effect of eachother so you may feel more drowsy mixing the two rather than if you were to take only alcohol or Klonopin on it's own.
My psychiatrist did advise that if you do have a drink while taking benzo's to make sure that you definitely don't have to drive soon afterwards until you are certain as to how the combinatin affects your reactions, alertness and coordination (that even includes after you have had just one drink).
The guidelines recommended by my psychiatrist for mixing Benzo's and Alcohol are as follows:-
1. It's OK to have a drink or two while taking benzo's
2. Limit the alcohol intake to just one or two drinks
3. DO NOT drive after you have mixed a benzo with alcohol.
4. If you do have a couple of drinks whilst on benzo therapy do NOT do this on consecutive days (especially if you have a tendency towards depression). In other words always have at LEAST one alcohol free day and preferably two or three alcohol free days between drinks.
5. If you know beforehand that you are going to a function where you will probably have a couple of drinks it would be a good idea to actually skip your afternoon and bedtime dose of Klonopin (or Diazepam in my case) for that day and then recommence your usual dosing regime the next day. Because Klonopin and Diazepam are long acting Benzo's your morning dose will still be acting in your system for the rest of the day anyway and you should not experience any problems by skipping your afternoon and bedtime dose on the odd occasion.
6. If you follow the above guidelines you should not experience any problems. However if you DO experience problems even after following all these guidelines THEN you should completely avoid alcohol. Just listen to your body!!!!
I hope this helps a little
best wishes
bluedog
poster:bluedog
thread:131730
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20021210/msgs/131742.html