Prescription ·Strong evidence ·Reviewed May 2026
Prescription benzodiazepine (Schedule IV controlled substance) approved for panic disorder and certain seizure disorders (Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, akinetic and myoclonic seizures). Its long half-life provides more sustained anxiolytic effects with less interdose rebound anxiety compared to shorter-acting benzodiazepines. Also used off-label for social anxiety disorder, restless leg syndrome, and REM sleep behavior disorder. Dosage must be determined by your prescribing physician.
The bottom line
Evidence rating strong. Most-documented uses: panic disorder treatment, seizure control, sustained anxiety relief. 10 sources indexed (1985–2026), with 4 interaction records on file.
Core mechanism
Binds to the benzodiazepine site on GABA-A receptors, enhancing GABA-mediated inhibitory neurotransmission. Its high potency and long duration of action provide sustained anxiolytic and anticonvulsant effects. Also has serotonergic properties that may contribute to its efficacy in panic disorder.8
Rapidly and completely absorbed. Can be taken with or without food.
Both clonazepam and valerian act on GABA-A receptors. Combined use causes additive CNS depression, excessive sedation, and respiratory depression risk.
Recommendation: Avoid combining. If using valerian, do not take with clonazepam. Additive sedation can be dangerous.
Both promote sleep through different mechanisms. Combined sedation may cause excessive drowsiness. However, melatonin may help facilitate benzodiazepine tapering.
Recommendation: Low-dose melatonin (0.5-1mg) may be cautiously used. Some clinicians use melatonin to facilitate benzo tapering under supervision.
Passionflower can have calming CNS effects and GABA-related activity. Clonazepam is a long-acting benzodiazepine, so additive sedation may last longer than expected and may carry into the next day. This is more concerning in older adults, people with sleep apnea, and anyone also using alcohol, opioids, antihistamines, or sleep medicines.
Recommendation: Do not add passionflower to clonazepam without prescriber guidance. If the combination is approved, avoid driving or hazardous work until you know the effect and stop the supplement if excessive sleepiness, confusion, unsteady gait, or falls occur. Seek urgent care for severe sedation or breathing problems.
Alcohol adds to clonazepam's CNS-depressant effects and can produce marked drowsiness, slowed reaction time, ataxia, memory gaps, and respiratory depression. Because clonazepam has a long half-life, alcohol can still interact even when doses are separated by many hours. Older adults and people with sleep apnea or lung disease are at higher risk.
Recommendation: Avoid alcohol while taking clonazepam. Do not drive or operate machinery if any alcohol was used near a clonazepam dose. Seek emergency care for severe confusion, slow breathing, blue lips, or inability to wake.
Numbered references. Citations throughout the page link here.
Lappas AS, Helfer B, Henke-Ciążyńska K et al.. Antimanic Efficacy, Tolerability, and Acceptability of Clonazepam: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Journal of clinical medicine. 2023
Raggi A, Mogavero MP, DelRosso LM et al.. Clonazepam for the management of sleep disorders. Neurological sciences : official journal of the Italian Neurological Society and of the Italian Society of Clinical Neurophysiology. 2023
Al-Otaibi F. Safety and Efficacy of Clonazepam in the Treatment of Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy: A Meta-Analysis. Journal of pharmacy & bioallied sciences. 2022
Curtin F, Schulz P. Clonazepam and lorazepam in acute mania: a Bayesian meta-analysis. Journal of affective disorders. 2004
Basit H, Kahwaji CI. Clonazepam. 2026
Witt DM, Ellsworth AJ, Leversee JH. Amiodarone-clonazepam interaction. The Annals of pharmacotherapy. 1993
Saavedra IN, Aguilera LI, Faure E et al.. Phenytoin/clonazepam interaction. Therapeutic drug monitoring. 1985
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