Dee asked
I was taking Klonopin as needed for anxiety. Last dose was 2 nights ago. Is it okay to take ZzzQuill to help with sleep? I don’t won’t to take Klonopin anymore.
Answer
In most cases, it is not recommended to take ZzzQuil (diphenhydramine) and Klonopin (clonazepam) together.
Co-administration of ZzzQuil and Klonopin can potentially increase the risk of side effects, including:
- Sedation
- Dizziness
- Respiratory depression (rare)
ZzzQuil (Diphenhydramine) Information
ZzzQuil is a nighttime sleep aide by the makers of NyQuil. It contains diphenhydramine, the same active ingredient in Benadryl. Diphenhydramine is classified as a "first generation" antihistamine.
First generation antihistamines are known for their relatively short duration of action (4 to 6 hours) and their sedative effects. While diphenhydramine is beneficial for the symptoms of perennial and seasonal allergies, it is a common ingredient in night time sleep aides.
Klonopin (Clonazepam) Information
Klonopin (clonazepam) is a benzodiazepine and used for a variety of indications including:
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Panic disorders
- Seizuredisorders
Benzodiazepines, such as Klonopin, have significant CNS (central nervous system) depressant effects, which are responsible for producing sedation, muscle relaxation and anti-convulsant activity.
Taking ZzzQuil And Klonopin Together
Due the potential for additive central nervous system adverse effects such as sedation and respiratory depression (rare), combining ZzzQuil and Klonopin is not recommended. If you are looking to add ZzzQuil while taking Klonopin, be sure to speak with your doctor regarding the potential safety concerns in your specific situation.
How Long To Wait Between Doses Of Klonopin And ZzzQuil
The duration of action of Klonopin varies by individual, but generally lasts between 6 and 12 hours according to the prescribing information for the drug. It is important to wait at least 12 hours between doses of Klonopin and ZzzQuil to avoid the additive side effects of both.
If you took your last dose of Klonopin 2 days ago, it would be considered safe to use ZzzQuil as Klonopin should no longer be having effect and is mostly eliminated from the body.
