Drug interactions
Clonazepam + Ethinyl estradiol-norgestimate
Severity: Minor
Clonazepam and Ethinyl estradiol-norgestimate: minor 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
Combined oral contraceptives may modestly reduce the clearance of some benzodiazepines, so clonazepam exposure and sedative effects can increase. The effect is usually small and variable between patients.
What this interaction means in plain words
Clonazepam and Ethinyl estradiol-norgestimate have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Clonazepam belongs to Central Nervous System; Ethinyl estradiol-norgestimate belongs to Endocrine.
Why it happens
Estrogen may weakly inhibit oxidative hepatic metabolism of benzodiazepines, though clonazepam is mainly cleared by nitroreduction and CYP3A4, so the effect is likely small.
What to do
Watch for excess drowsiness or psychomotor impairment when starting the contraceptive in a patient on stable clonazepam, and reduce the dose if sedation develops.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there anything I should notice while taking both?
- Do I need to tell my doctor at the next visit?
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Other interactions of Ethinyl estradiol-norgestimate
- Ethinyl estradiol-norgestimate + Fezolinetant Contraindicated
- Ethinyl estradiol-norgestimate + Ombitasvir / paritaprevir / ritonavir and dasabuvir Contraindicated
- Ethinyl estradiol-norgestimate + Tranexamic acid Contraindicated
- Aminocaproic acid + Ethinyl estradiol-norgestimate Major
- Amobarbital + Ethinyl estradiol-norgestimate Major
- Anastrozole + Ethinyl estradiol-norgestimate Major
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
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Clonazepam with Ethinyl estradiol-norgestimate?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Clonazepam and Ethinyl estradiol-norgestimate have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Combined oral contraceptives may modestly reduce the clearance of some benzodiazepines, so clonazepam exposure and sedative effects can increase. The effect is usually small and variable between patients.
How serious is the interaction between Clonazepam and Ethinyl estradiol-norgestimate?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Watch for excess drowsiness or psychomotor impairment when starting the contraceptive in a patient on stable clonazepam, and reduce the dose if sedation develops.
What other medicines interact with Ethinyl estradiol-norgestimate?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Ethinyl estradiol-norgestimate with, for example, Fezolinetant, Ombitasvir / paritaprevir / ritonavir and dasabuvir, Tranexamic acid. The full list is on the Ethinyl estradiol-norgestimate page.
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