Drug interactions
Clonazepam + Valproic acid
Severity: Moderate
Clonazepam and Valproic acid: 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
Combined use of clonazepam and valproate has been associated with reports of absence status epilepticus, mainly in patients with absence seizures. The occurrence is rare and the mechanism is unclear. Additive sedation may also occur.
What this interaction means in plain words
Clonazepam and Valproic acid 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.
Clonazepam belongs to Central Nervous System; Valproic acid belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Mechanism is not established.
What to do
Monitor for changes in seizure pattern or altered consciousness, especially in patients with absence epilepsy. Reassess therapy if absence status occurs.
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 Valproic acid
- Ertapenem + Valproic acid Contraindicated
- Imipenem / cilastatin / relebactam + Valproic acid Contraindicated
- Imipenem / cilastatin + Valproic acid Contraindicated
- Meropenem / vaborbactam + Valproic acid Contraindicated
- Meropenem + Valproic acid Contraindicated
- Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates + Valproic acid Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Clonazepam with Valproic acid?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Clonazepam and Valproic acid 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. Combined use of clonazepam and valproate has been associated with reports of absence status epilepticus, mainly in patients with absence seizures. The occurrence is rare and the mechanism is unclear. Additive sedation may also occur.
How serious is the interaction between Clonazepam and Valproic acid?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor for changes in seizure pattern or altered consciousness, especially in patients with absence epilepsy. Reassess therapy if absence status occurs.
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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