Lexapro and Klonopin are drugs that are well known to work against panic attacks and seizures respectively. These anti-anxiety medicines restore the depressed brain back to normal and help in calming it down.
But can you use Lexapro and Klonopin simultaneously?
Yes, they can be used in combination. Patients with anxiety, depression, and panic disorders are suggested to use antidepressants that suppress the hyperactivity of the brain by various techniques. Both of these drugs help in calming down the brain either by affecting serotonin levels or by reducing the excitability of neurons using Gaba-aminobutyric acid receptors.
Here in this write-up, I’ll share with you the details of Lexapro and Klonopin and also their effectiveness in a combination against anxiety. So, without any further blabbering, let’s dig into the details.
Table of Content
Basics About Lexapro and Klonopin
Before jumping into the effectiveness of combined use of these drugs, let’s know the basics of them first. Take a look at them below.
Lexapro (Escitalopram)
Lexapro, an oral tablet for depression is one of the best antidepressants which not only reduces anxiety but also works well for uncontrolled mood swings. Belonging to Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRI), this drug reduces the uptake of serotonin by neurons thereby increasing its availability as a neurotransmitter.
Serotonin is a versatile hormone with many significant functions. One of them is the stabilization of mood, happiness, and feelings of well-being. So, Lexapro targets serotonin and balances it to regulate your mood.
The good side of this drug is that it has fewer adverse effects and many benefits. However, it depends upon your history whether your doctor would prescribe you escitalopram or not. No Lexapro dosage is prescribed to people living with hepatic (liver) and renal (kidney) disorders.
Klonopin (Clonazepam)
Clonazepam is a medication that is sold under the brand Klonopin and is well known for controlling seizures and other panic attacks. Being a versatile drug, it is used against both juvenile and progressive myoclonic epilepsy, social anxiety disorder (SAD), seizures, restless legs syndrome, panic disorder, and essential tremor.
Klonopin, like several other drugs, affects the Gaba-aminobutyric acid receptors in the brain. These receptors help in calming down the neurons by reducing their excitability thereby providing the brain with a relaxing effect.
So, Klonopin individually and in combination with other medications is well known for tackling panic disorders.
Klonopin dosage is prescribed on the basis of your medical condition, age, and history. Once you’ve started using the medicine, don’t stop using it without the advice of your doctor. Initially, it’s better to go for lower dosages to curb the side effects.
Try to consume the medicine at the same time on a daily basis.
Lexapro and Klonopin: Is The Combination Good For Anxiety?
Clonazepam (Klonopin) is primarily used to control seizures whereas escitalopram (Lexapro) is used against panic attacks and anxiety. Being anti-anxiety medicines, they are used to restore a depressed brain with peace and calmness. Although escitalopram and clonazepam together for anxiety is a very sharp combination, it is often used as a combination against panic attacks.
Anxiety is a medical condition in which the patient is scared of the future. People with anxiety-related disorders remain depressed and worried about what will come ahead. However, the combination of Klonopin and Lexapro for anxiety works well but with an increase in side effects.
Escitalopram increases the level of the happiness hormone a.k.a serotonin whereas Clonazepam reduces the excitability of neurons. Both the drugs can help in elevating the mood and improving the behavior. However, these drugs must be used only if prescribed by the doctor and a sudden withdrawal should be avoided.
Side Effects of Lexapro and Klonopin
The usage of these drugs comes up with several side effects. Together they might boost up the adverse effects in adults.
However, if any of the side effects become severe or persist, then discontinuation of the drugs is the only solution. Make sure to inform your doctor about all the drugs you’ve ever used and you’re currently using.
Some common side effects are,
- Dizziness
- Vomiting
- Drowsiness
- Confusion
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Stomach problems
- Cognitive impairment
- Sexual problems
- Disturbed focus
- Problems in coordination
Usually, patients in rare cases suffer from cognitive problems such as memory loss and difficulty in concentration. On the other hand, some experience delayed ejaculation and a decrease in sexual desire which improves after discontinuation of the drugs.
Some patients have also complained of experiencing “suicidal thoughts.” However, these side effects fade away as soon as the drugs are discontinued.
If you experience any severe side effects, then discontinuation might help in improving your condition. However, don’t discontinue the drug suddenly, consult your doctor first. He’ll gradually lower your dose so that you won’t go through adverse effects because sudden cessation leads the person to go through symptoms of withdrawal.
Clonazepam+Escitalopram Usage and Precautions
Both the medicines are available in the form of tablets. The intake of tablets must be done according to the given directions. Store these medicines in a cool place and swallow them with a glass of water. A sudden cessation of the medicines is strictly prohibited. A sudden withdrawal might lead to side effects.
However, you must take the following conditions into consideration before using the drugs:
- Make sure to check out the ingredients of the drugs and if you’re allergic to any of them, then immediately consult your doctor.
- Your history plays a significant role in the consumption of drugs. Patients who suffer from hepatic, renal, and cardiovascular disorders must inform their doctors about it.
- Avoid alcohol consumption as it might enhance the side effects.
- Not only drug history but the doctor must be well aware of the herbs and supplementations you’re consuming.
FAQs
Question: Can Lexapro and Klonopin be taken together?
Answer: Yes, Lexapro and Klonopin can be taken together for anxiety and depression. Both of these are anti-anxiety drugs, one of them releases serotonin hormone to improve the behavior whereas the other one affects the Gaba-aminobutyric acid receptors to calm down the excitability of neurons.
Question: What is the difference between Lexapro and Klonopin?
Answer: Lexapro is an antidepressant that belongs to Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRI). It works by increasing the serotonin hormone’s availability as neurotransmitters. Hence, an increase in serotonin improves mood, behavior, and mental stability.
On the other hand, Klonopin is a versatile drug that affects the Gaba-aminobutyric acid receptors in the brain thereby reducing the frequent excitations. Hence, both the drugs are different but can also be used in a combination for anxiety.
Question: Which is better Klonopin or Lexapro?
Answer: Both the drugs are great when it comes to the treatment of disorders for which they are manufactured. Lexapro has fewer side effects and greater benefits whereas Klonopin is difficult to get off. So, depressed patients are suggested to use Lexapro whereas those going through seizures and panic disorders are recommended to consume Klonopin.
Question: How long does it take for a Klonopin to kick in?
Answer: Klonopin works well against panic attacks and seizures but it isn’t a short-term treatment because it takes approximately 1-4 hours to work in the body. On the other hand, the half-life of Klonopin ranges from 1-2 days. Hence, 50% of Klonopin can leave your body within 2 days and the rest will leave within 10 days of your last dose.
Takeaway
Lexapro and Klonopin reviews suggest that both the drugs work well against their respective disorders.
Lexapro works as an antidepressant by enhancing the availability of serotonin as a neurotransmitter whereas Klonopin works against seizures and panic attacks. Both the drugs have their benefits and side effects but Klonopin is hard to get off. Hence, long-term usage of it isn’t recommended.
However, the combination can increase the risk of several side effects. It’s better for you to consult your doctor if any of the aforementioned side effects persist for a longer duration.
