Drug interactions
Amitriptyline + Clonazepam
Severity: Moderate
Amitriptyline and Clonazepam: moderate interaction.
Last updated
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Concurrent use increases sedation, dizziness and impairment of coordination and cognition. Respiratory depression is more likely at high doses or with other depressants.
What this interaction means in plain words
Amitriptyline and Clonazepam can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Amitriptyline belongs to Central Nervous System; Clonazepam belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive CNS depression from GABA-A potentiation by clonazepam and antihistaminic and anticholinergic sedative effects of amitriptyline.
What to do
Use the lowest effective doses and monitor for oversedation and falls, particularly in older adults. Counsel patients to avoid driving and alcohol.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
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Other interactions of Clonazepam
- Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates + Clonazepam Contraindicated
- Clonazepam + Sodium oxybate Contraindicated
- Alfentanil + Clonazepam Major
- Alprazolam + Clonazepam Major
- Amobarbital + Clonazepam Major
- Belladonna and opium + Clonazepam Major
Other interactions of Amitriptyline
- Amitriptyline + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Amitriptyline + Methylene blue Contraindicated
- Amitriptyline + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Amitriptyline + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Amitriptyline + Procarbazine Contraindicated
- Amitriptyline + Safinamide Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Amitriptyline with Clonazepam?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Amitriptyline and Clonazepam can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Concurrent use increases sedation, dizziness and impairment of coordination and cognition. Respiratory depression is more likely at high doses or with other depressants.
How serious is the interaction between Amitriptyline and Clonazepam?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Use the lowest effective doses and monitor for oversedation and falls, particularly in older adults. Counsel patients to avoid driving and alcohol.
What other medicines interact with Clonazepam?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Clonazepam with, for example, Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates, Sodium oxybate, Alfentanil. The full list is on the Clonazepam page.
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