Mixing Xanax & Klonopin | Effects & Dangers

Mixing Xanax and Klonopin can lead to stronger side effects like sedation, drowsiness, and muscle weakness. 

There is no medical evidence that mixing two benzodiazepines can make them more effective. They may be taken together for recreational use, which is not a directed use of this class of drugs.

There are many ways to get both Xanax and Klonopin. Getting two prescriptions from the same doctor was a common practice in the past, along with “doctor-shopping,” to get two benzos as prescription medications from two different doctors.

Alprazolam and clonazepam can also be found on illicit drug markets. Some of these methods are illegal, and health experts today may see mixing two benzodiazepines as a form of substance abuse.

Effects Of Mixing Xanax & Klonopin

Xanax and Klonopin are prescribed to treat symptoms of anxiety, panic disorders, and panic attacks. Klonopin may also be prescribed to treat seizures. 

It is believed that they work by binding to specific gamma-aminobutyric acid, or GABA, receptors, which slows activity in the brain.

Increased Side Effects

Xanax and Klonopin share many common side effects. Mixing them often means increasing these side effects. Side effects of Klonopin and Xanax may vary depending on how they are used and can include:

• lightheadedness
• sedation
• increased salivation
• headache
• insomnia
• constipation
• blurry vision
• muscle tremors
• muscle weakness
• sudden changes in weight
• dehydration
• dizziness
• low blood pressure
• depression

Longer-Lasting Effects

Clonazepam stays in the body for much longer than alprazolam. This is due to clonazepam’s longer half-life. If you take both benzos at the same time, you can expect the effects to last longer than if you had only taken alprazolam.

Dangers Of Mixing Xanax & Klonopin

Mixing benzodiazepines with opioids can cause unique, dangerous drug interactions. Mixing two benzos together is not believed to cause specific interactions. However, there are still dangers to mixing benzos like alprazolam, clonazepam, and others.

High-Risk Populations

Benzodiazepines are not recommended for use in certain populations, including:

• patients with severe depression
• elderly patients
• patients with ongoing liver, kidney, and lung problems

Even in standard doses, the use of benzodiazepines in these populations can worsen a patient’s mental health. 

Risk Of Overdose

Benzodiazepines have a low risk of overdose compared to other prescription drugs. Even in high doses, triggering an overdose is not likely. Taking high doses of two benzos at once can still increase your risk of overdose, compared to taking one benzo as directed.

Benzodiazepine overdoses may be caused by severe CNS depression. If your central nervous system is impaired, it can be difficult for your body to do basic functions. Symptoms of a benzodiazepine overdose may include:

• severe drowsiness
• confusion
• respiratory depression
• reduced reaction time
• confusion
• coma

Benzodiazepine overdoses can be life-threatening, especially if medical help is not given in time.

Risk Of Dependency

Benzodiazepines are not recommended for long-term use (longer than about 2 months), since they are potentially habit-forming. Taking Xanax and Klonopin for more than 2 months can increase your risk of mental and physical dependence.

The risk of dependency can go up even further if they are targets of drug abuse, which can include mixing them together.

The longer you take benzodiazepines, the higher the risk of severe benzodiazepine withdrawal once you stop. Withdrawal symptoms for Xanax and Klonopin may include convulsions, muscle cramps, psychosis, and hallucinations.

Treatment Options For Benzodiazepine Abuse

Some people may mix Xanax and Klonopin for more intense high or longer-lasting side effects. These forms of drug abuse are not recommended by health professionals. Benzodiazepine abuse can be harmful to your health in the short term and long term.

Habit-forming benzos can be difficult to quit. They can cause cravings and severe withdrawal symptoms when you try to stop taking them.

Inpatient and outpatient treatment programs are designed to help you stop benzodiazepine abuse in a safe, professional environment. To find a benzodiazepine addiction treatment program that works for you or your loved one, please contact our helpline today.