Can I drink alcohol while on 0.5 mg of Klonopin (Clonazepam)? - Mental Health Message Board

MattManNWO · 02-23-2007, 01:21 PM

I am currently taking 0.5 mg of Klonopin (Clonazepam). I have been taking it for the past month. I had also taken 2 mg of Haldol (Haloperidol) for the past month. I have stopped the Haldol three days ago.

I last took the Clonazepam at 8 a.m. this morning. I will not take any medication for the whole night. I'm going to be going out to a bar at 6 p.m. tonight.

I want to have three pints of beer. The three pints of beer will not be drunk in a binge manner ... probably one every 30 minutes ... i may drink a fourth, so it may bring the total to 4 beers in 2 hours.

My psychiatrist told me I can have a drink or two, and I also read online that it's not good to drink while on these medications.

I was wondering if my idea to drink 3 or 4 beers tonight will be OK?

Any prior experience with this medication and drinking is definitely beneficial.

DudleysMom · 02-23-2007, 10:36 PM

I have a question....why take a chance? You have no idea how this is going to affect you. Everyone is different. Alcohol really doesn't mix with these types of medications. The goal with taking these meds is to feel better. I may be overly cautious, but why risk a bad reaction for a couple of beers?

NutshellNutter · 02-24-2007, 06:42 AM

From my personal experience of taking psychotropic drugs for bipolar (mirtazapine, carbamazapine, diazepam), I wouldn't mix them with alcohol and definately not that volume of alcohol.

In the early days I didn't see why my life should have to be different from everyone else I socialised with - so I arrogantly continued drinking. However, I had to stop becuase being on the meds just send me 'mad' when I drank. I would think I was invincible and wouldn't think twice of starting a violent argument (and I'm only little).

There is also the memory probs associcated with psychotropic med use and alcohol at the same time. I could never fully remember when I had been drinking.

Hope you have a good evening, whatever you choose to do,

Nut.

laughingman · 02-25-2007, 02:29 PM

You have to remember that klonopin and alcohol are both depressants so your body slows down when you use them. Slow down too much and you could go into a coma, slow down even more and the muscles that control your breathing will cease to work ie. you die. There have been many cases of people dying when mixing pills and booze so there is a very real risk there.

Now I am not gonna lie to you and say I haven't done it. When I think back on it I know how stupid it was. If you are gonna go out drinkin' just don't take the meds that day. Still it's up to you and your doctor to know how much is too much so please be careful.

georginia · 02-26-2007, 04:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by laughingman

You have to remember that klonopin and alcohol are both depressants so your body slows down when you use them. Slow down too much and you could go into a coma, slow down even more and the muscles that control your breathing will cease to work ie. you die. There have been many cases of people dying when mixing pills and booze so there is a very real risk there.

Now I am not gonna lie to you and say I haven't done it. When I think back on it I know how stupid it was. If you are gonna go out drinkin' just don't take the meds that day. Still it's up to you and your doctor to know how much is too much so please be careful.

The doctor had no right telling you its alright to drink thats a big NO.Why are you on klonopin do u have trouble sleeping you could be bipolar.Haldol is a heavy duty drug you just cant stop taking it by yourself. I was on it befor i was diagnose with bipolar adhd and ocd.Now I am very stable on my meds and dont drink.I think you need revaluated.Look up symptoms of biopolar on this site.