Can You Take Klonopin for Sleep? Here’s What the Research Says

Most people toss and turn at night every now and then. But for some, sleep disruptions become more frequent. If you’re having trouble sleeping for more than a couple nights each week, you may have insomnia. 

Whether your sleep struggles are occasional or ongoing, it’s possible to find a treatment that works. This may involve improving your bedtime routine, therapy, or medications.

Klonopin (clonazepam) is a medication that’s FDA approved for panic disorder and seizures. And it has several off-label uses — including insomnia. But while Klonopin may help you sleep, it’s usually not recommended. It comes with significant side effects, which usually makes taking Klonopin for sleep more trouble than it’s worth.

What is Klonopin?

Klonopin is part of a group of medications called benzodiazepines (often referred to as “benzos”). Benzodiazepines are medications that slow down communication in the brain. Other examples of benzodiazepines include Xanax (alprazolam), Valium (diazepam), and Ativan (lorazepam).

Benzodiazepines work by increasing the activity of a chemical called GABA. This has a calming, sedating effect on the brain. It’s why benzodiazepines are also called sedatives.

Klonopin comes as an oral tablet, including the disintegrating kind. It’s considered a “long-acting” benzodiazepine. A dose of Klonopin can stay in your system for up to a week or more.

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Keep in mind: All benzodiazepines are controlled substances. The FDA classifies benzodiazepines this way because they can cause dependence and misuse. The FDA also requires all benzodiazepines to have a boxed warning for these risks.

Can you take Klonopin for sleep?

Klonopin isn’t a first-choice medication for insomnia. So while Klonopin’s sedative effects might help you sleep, it has significant risks, too. In most cases, the risks are greater than the benefits.

Some benzodiazepines, like Restoril (temazepam), are approved for insomnia. But Restoril doesn’t last as long in the body as Klonopin does. If you take Klonopin at night, its sedative effects may linger into the following day. This can lead to daytime drowsiness, dizziness, and falls — especially in older adults. In fact, older adults should generally avoid taking benzodiazepines for any reason.

What’s more, after taking Klonopin for a couple months, your body may adapt to its sedative effects. You may notice that your dose doesn’t help you sleep like it used to. But increasing the dose of Klonopin can be dangerous. Higher doses can lead to misuse and overdose.

What are the risks of taking Klonopin for sleep?

Klonopin has many possible risks to consider. Several of these risks become more likely with higher doses or when you use Klonopin for a long period of time.

Daytime drowsiness or dizziness

All benzodiazepines can cause dizziness and drowsiness. Since Klonopin lasts so long in the body, these effects may linger for many days. If you’re older or have liver problems, you’re more likely to experience Klonopin side effects.

Accidents or falls

Taking benzodiazepines can be dangerous if you do any tasks that require sustained attention, like driving. Even maintaining your usual coordination can be challenging when taking Klonopin. This is why falls and car accidents are serious risks to be aware of.

Falls can be dangerous for anyone. But older adults are more likely to break a bone from a fall. One study found that taking long-acting benzodiazepines doubled the risk of fractures in older adults — and the risk was even higher when they were taken for more than 3 months.

Tolerance, dependence, and misuse

Klonopin is habit-forming. In as little as 3 to 4 weeks, your body starts adapting to Klonopin’s effects. When that happens, you may start needing a higher dose for the same effect. This is called tolerance. And if you start feeling like you need Klonopin to function normally, or you feel symptoms if you forget a dose, this is called dependence. This may lead to misuse, or sedative use disorder.

If you take extra or more frequent Klonopin doses than you’re prescribed, you may be experiencing Klonopin misuse. The risk for misuse is higher for people with a current or past substance use disorder, but it can happen to anyone. 

In general, it’s best to avoid Klonopin if you have a history of substance use disorder. Taking Klonopin at the lowest dose and for the shortest time can help prevent misuse.

If you or someone you know struggles with substance use, help is available. Call SAMHSA’s National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357 to learn about resources in your area.

Withdrawal symptoms

Abruptly stopping Klonopin can lead to uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms, including:

• Nausea

• Shakiness

• Sweating

• Anxiety

• Restlessness

Hallucinations, falls, and heart problems are also possible.

It may take days to notice withdrawal effects after your last Klonopin dose since it stays in your body for so long. 

Before stopping or changing your Klonopin dose, talk to your healthcare provider. They can help you gradually lower your dose if needed.

If you think you might be experiencing withdrawal symptoms, reach out to your healthcare provider. For severe symptoms, seek emergency care immediately.

Interactions with alcohol or other medications

Klonopin interacts with many medications that cause drowsiness. Common examples include:

• Opioid pain medications like hydrocodone

• Sedating antihistamines like Benadryl (diphenhydramine)

• Sleep medications like Ambien (zolpidem)

• Alcohol

• Cannabis

Combining Klonopin with these substances may cause excessive drowsiness. In severe cases, breathing problems, overdose, and death can occur. In fact, the FDA has warned about combining benzodiazepines and opioids. And researchers estimate that benzodiazepines can make an opioid overdose up to five times more likely.

To be safe, don’t drink alcohol if you take Klonopin. And check with your healthcare provider or pharmacist before taking Klonopin with another medication or supplement.

Overdose

Between 2019 to 2020, benzodiazepines were involved in close to 17% of overdose deaths. Over 90% of the time, opioids were involved in these deaths as well. This is the main reason you should avoid taking benzodiazepines with any substances that can cause slowed breathing, including opioids and alcohol.

Someone experiencing a benzodiazepine overdose may be confused, dizzy, or have poor coordination. They can have hallucinations, extreme anxiety, or even go unconscious. A benzodiazepine overdose is a medical emergency. So if you think you took too much Klonopin, or you’re with someone who is having a benzodiazepine overdose, call 911 and get help right away (even if you don’t feel symptoms yet).

What are alternatives to Klonopin for sleep?

Paying attention to your sleep habits is a good first step if you're struggling to get some rest. Better sleep habits usually involve sticking to a regular sleep and wake schedule, relaxing before bed, and keeping your sleep space quiet, dark, and cool. 

You can try lifestyle changes as well, including focusing on foods, stress, and general well-being. You may find that you need a combination of changes for better sleep.

Cognitive behavior therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) is another option. In fact, it's a first-choice treatment option for sleep. CBT-I is a form of talk therapy that addresses psychological and behavioral issues contributing to your insomnia.

A sleep medication might be another treatment option if you’ve had no luck with therapy or habit changes. Prescription sleep medications include:

• Z-drugs, including Ambien and Sonata (zaleplon)

• Orexin receptors antagonists like Dayvigo (lemborexant)

• Melatonin receptor agonists like Rozerem (ramelteon)

• Some antidepressants like Silenor (doxepin) or trazodone

• Other benzodiazepines approved for insomnia like temazepam (Restoril)

Why trust our experts?

Written by:

Daphne Berryhill, RPh

Daphne Berryhill, RPh, has two decades of experience as a clinical pharmacist. She spent most of her career in the Chicago area practicing in-home infusion.

Edited by:

Amy B. Gragnolati, PharmD, BCPS

Amy Gragnolati, PharmD, BCPS, is a pharmacy editor for GoodRx. Amy currently holds her pharmacist license in Georgia and California.

Reviewed by:

Christina Palmer, MD

Christina Palmer, MD, is a board-certified family physician with a focus on chronic care management, women’s health, and mental health. She’s the co-author of “Open Heart: When Open-Heart Surgery Becomes Your Best Option.”.

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