Drug interactions
Amobarbital + Clonazepam
Severity: Major
Amobarbital and Clonazepam: major 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
Both agents are potent CNS depressants, and combined use raises the risk of profound sedation, respiratory depression and coma. Amobarbital also induces hepatic enzymes and can lower clonazepam concentrations, which may reduce seizure or anxiety control over time.
What this interaction means in plain words
Amobarbital and Clonazepam can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.
Amobarbital belongs to Central Nervous System; Clonazepam belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive CNS depression, plus barbiturate induction of CYP3A4 that increases clonazepam clearance.
What to do
Avoid the combination where possible; if needed, use the lowest doses and monitor sedation and respiratory status closely. Reassess clonazepam efficacy and adjust the dose, especially after starting or stopping the barbiturate.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
- Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
- What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?
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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
- Belladonna and opium + Clonazepam Major
- Benzhydrocodone / acetaminophen + Clonazepam Major
Other interactions of Amobarbital
- Amobarbital + Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates Contraindicated
- Amobarbital + Doravirine Contraindicated
- Amobarbital + Elbasvir / grazoprevir Contraindicated
- Amobarbital + Isavuconazonium Contraindicated
- Amobarbital + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Amobarbital + Lonafarnib Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Amobarbital with Clonazepam?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Amobarbital and Clonazepam can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Both agents are potent CNS depressants, and combined use raises the risk of profound sedation, respiratory depression and coma. Amobarbital also induces hepatic enzymes and can lower clonazepam concentrations, which may reduce seizure or anxiety control over time.
How serious is the interaction between Amobarbital and Clonazepam?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid the combination where possible; if needed, use the lowest doses and monitor sedation and respiratory status closely. Reassess clonazepam efficacy and adjust the dose, especially after starting or stopping the barbiturate.
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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