Can Klonopin make you tired?
By
Dr Natalia Marceli Stephanes (PhD)
| Reviewed by
Dr Natalia Marceli Stephanes (PhD)
The contents of this article are fact-based except otherwise stated within the article.
Author bio
Dr Natália Marcéli Stephanes PhD is a Pharmacist with expertise in Drugs Administration and Toxicity; Discovery of New Drugs; Cancer Treatment; Biochemical Analyzes and Hematological Analyzes. She writes and reviews content on these topics.
Dr Natália Marcéli Stephanes’ Highlights:
- Pharmacist at the Department of Health of Santa Catarina State, Brazil
- PhD with a focus on oncology treatment
- Years of experience in commercial pharmacy
- Bachelor, Master and PhD degrees in Pharmacy at the Federal University of Santa Catarina
Professional Experience:
From her undergraduate studies to her Master’s and Doctorate degrees in Pharmacy, Dr Natália Marcéli Stephanes has participated in numerous scientific studies in the field of oncology and onco-hematology at the University Hospital of the Federal University of Santa Catarina, Brazil. Her research has focused on understanding the molecular and biochemical bases of malignant neoplasms and investigating safer and more effective therapeutic alternatives.
Dr Natália Marcéli Stephanes has also served as an assistant professor of haematology for undergraduate students at the Federal University of Santa Catarina. Additionally, she held the position of professor of Hospital Pharmacy at the Qualificar Technical School in Brazil, where she developed instructional materials for use in the Pharmacy Postgraduate Program at the Leonardo Da Vinci University Center.
In addition to her academic experiences, Dr Natália Marcéli Stephanes possesses a strong expertise in commercial pharmacy, with in-depth knowledge of medications, their routes of administration, desired effects, adverse effects, and toxicity.
Currently, Dr Natália Marcéli Stephanes works as a Pharmacist at the Health Department of Santa Catarina State, where her role entails providing pharmaceutical scientific consulting services to judges.
Education:
- 2016 Bachelor in Pharmacy at the Federal University of Santa Catarina, Brazil
- 2018 Master in Pharmacy at the Federal University of Santa Catarina, Brazil
- 2023 PhD in Pharmacy at the Federal University of Santa Catarina, Brazil
The main publications of Dr Natália Marcéli Stephanes are:
Falchetti M ; Delgobo M, Zancanaro H, Almeida K, Das Neves RN, Dos Santos B, Stefanes NM, et al. Bishop Omics-based identification of an NRF2-related auranofin resistance signature in cancer: Insights into drug repurposing. Comput. Biol. Med [Internet]. 2023; 152:106347.
Feuser PM, Matos dos Santos PC, Cordeiro AP, Stefanes NM, Walter LO, Maioral MF, Santos-Silva MC, et al. Antineoplastic activity of free 4-nitrochalcone and encapsulated in poly(thioether-ester) nanoparticles obtained by thiol-ene polymerization in two human leukemia cell lines (Jurkat and K562). J Drug Deliv Sci Technol [Internet]. 2022; 67:102924.
Jacques AV, Stefanes NM, Walter LO, Perondi DM, Efe FL, Souza LFS, Sens L, et al. Synthesis of chalcones derived from 1-naphthylacetophenone and evaluation of their cytotoxic and apoptotic effects in acute leukemia cell lines. Bioorg. Chem [Internet]. 2021; 116:105315.
Duarte BF, Vieira DSC, Lisboa ML, Stefanes NM, Grando LJ, Santos-Silva MC. Características clínico-epidemiológicas de pacientes portadores de carcinoma de células escamosas de boca. Arquivos Catarinenses de Medicina. 2021; 50(2): 232–245.
Machado V, Jacques AV, Stefanes NM, Santos-Silva MC, Biavatti MW. Anti-leukemic activity of semisynthetic derivatives of Lupeol. Nat. Prod. Res. 2021; 35(22):4494-4501.
Bigolin A, Maioral MF, Stefanes NM, Mascarello A, Chiaradia-Delatorre LD, Nunes RJ, Yunes RA, et al. A novel sulfonamide derivative as a strong and selective apoptotic agent against hematological malignancies. Chem. Pap. 2020; 74:2965–2976.
Bigolin A, Maioral MF, Stefanes NM, Zatelli GA, Philippus AC, Falkenberg MB, Santos-Silva MC. Cytotoxic mechanisms of primin, a natural quinone isolated from Eugenia hiemalis, on hematological cancer cell lines. Anticancer Drugs. 2020; 31(7):709-717.
Maioral MF, Stefanes NM, Neufeldt PD, Chiaradia-Delatorre LD, Nunes RJ, Santos-Silva MC. Aldehyde biphenyl chalcones induce immunogenic apoptotic-like cell death and are promising new safe compounds against a wide range of hematologic cancers. Future Med. Chem. 2020; 12(8):673–688.
Perondi DM, Jacques AV, Stefanes NM, Maioral MF, Sens L, Pacheco LA, Cury NM, et al. A novel thiosemicarbazone as a promising effective and selective compound for acute leukemia. Anticancer Drugs. 2019; 30(8):p 828-837.
Rengifo AFC, Stefanes NM, Toigo J, Mendes C, Argenta DF, Dotto MER, Santos-Silva MC, et al. PEO-chitosan nanofibers containing carboxymethyl-hexanoyl chitosan/dodecyl sulfate nanoparticles loaded with pyrazoline for skin cancer treatment. Eur. Polym. J. 2019; 119:335-343.
Rengifo AFC, Stefanes NM, Toigo J, Mendes C, Santos-Silva MC, Nunes RJ, Parize AL, et al. A new and efficient carboxymethyl-hexanoyl chitosan/dodecyl sulfate nanocarrier for a pyrazoline with antileukemic activity. Mater. Sci. Eng. C [Internet]. 2019; 105:110051.
Maioral MF, Stefanes NM, Bigolin A, Zatelli GA, Philippus AC, Falkenberg MB, Santos-Silva MC. Miconidine acetate, a new selective and cytotoxic compound with synergic potential, induces cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in leukemia cells. Invest. New Drugs. 2019; 37:912–922.
Srefanes NM, Toigo J, Maioral MF, Jacques AV, Chiaradia-Delatorre LD, Perondi DM, Ribeiro AAB, et al. Synthesis of novel pyrazoline derivatives and the evaluation of death mechanisms involved in their antileukemic activity. Bioorg. Med. Chem. 2019; 27(2):375-382.
Maioral MF, Bodack CN, Stefanes NM, Bigolin A, Mascarello A, Chiaradia-Delatorre LD, Yunes RA, et al. Cytotoxic effect of a novel naphthylchalcone against multiple cancer cells focusing on hematologic malignancies. Biochim. 2017; 140:48-57.
You can view some of Dr Natália’s work below and links to her professional profile below.
Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Natalia-Stephanes
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nataliamarceli/
Reviewer bio
Dr Natália Marcéli Stephanes PhD is a Pharmacist with expertise in Drugs Administration and Toxicity; Discovery of New Drugs; Cancer Treatment; Biochemical Analyzes and Hematological Analyzes. She writes and reviews content on these topics.
Dr Natália Marcéli Stephanes’ Highlights:
- Pharmacist at the Department of Health of Santa Catarina State, Brazil
- PhD with a focus on oncology treatment
- Years of experience in commercial pharmacy
- Bachelor, Master and PhD degrees in Pharmacy at the Federal University of Santa Catarina
Professional Experience:
From her undergraduate studies to her Master’s and Doctorate degrees in Pharmacy, Dr Natália Marcéli Stephanes has participated in numerous scientific studies in the field of oncology and onco-hematology at the University Hospital of the Federal University of Santa Catarina, Brazil. Her research has focused on understanding the molecular and biochemical bases of malignant neoplasms and investigating safer and more effective therapeutic alternatives.
Dr Natália Marcéli Stephanes has also served as an assistant professor of haematology for undergraduate students at the Federal University of Santa Catarina. Additionally, she held the position of professor of Hospital Pharmacy at the Qualificar Technical School in Brazil, where she developed instructional materials for use in the Pharmacy Postgraduate Program at the Leonardo Da Vinci University Center.
In addition to her academic experiences, Dr Natália Marcéli Stephanes possesses a strong expertise in commercial pharmacy, with in-depth knowledge of medications, their routes of administration, desired effects, adverse effects, and toxicity.
Currently, Dr Natália Marcéli Stephanes works as a Pharmacist at the Health Department of Santa Catarina State, where her role entails providing pharmaceutical scientific consulting services to judges.
Education:
- 2016 Bachelor in Pharmacy at the Federal University of Santa Catarina, Brazil
- 2018 Master in Pharmacy at the Federal University of Santa Catarina, Brazil
- 2023 PhD in Pharmacy at the Federal University of Santa Catarina, Brazil
The main publications of Dr Natália Marcéli Stephanes are:
Falchetti M ; Delgobo M, Zancanaro H, Almeida K, Das Neves RN, Dos Santos B, Stefanes NM, et al. Bishop Omics-based identification of an NRF2-related auranofin resistance signature in cancer: Insights into drug repurposing. Comput. Biol. Med [Internet]. 2023; 152:106347.
Feuser PM, Matos dos Santos PC, Cordeiro AP, Stefanes NM, Walter LO, Maioral MF, Santos-Silva MC, et al. Antineoplastic activity of free 4-nitrochalcone and encapsulated in poly(thioether-ester) nanoparticles obtained by thiol-ene polymerization in two human leukemia cell lines (Jurkat and K562). J Drug Deliv Sci Technol [Internet]. 2022; 67:102924.
Jacques AV, Stefanes NM, Walter LO, Perondi DM, Efe FL, Souza LFS, Sens L, et al. Synthesis of chalcones derived from 1-naphthylacetophenone and evaluation of their cytotoxic and apoptotic effects in acute leukemia cell lines. Bioorg. Chem [Internet]. 2021; 116:105315.
Duarte BF, Vieira DSC, Lisboa ML, Stefanes NM, Grando LJ, Santos-Silva MC. Características clínico-epidemiológicas de pacientes portadores de carcinoma de células escamosas de boca. Arquivos Catarinenses de Medicina. 2021; 50(2): 232–245.
Machado V, Jacques AV, Stefanes NM, Santos-Silva MC, Biavatti MW. Anti-leukemic activity of semisynthetic derivatives of Lupeol. Nat. Prod. Res. 2021; 35(22):4494-4501.
Bigolin A, Maioral MF, Stefanes NM, Mascarello A, Chiaradia-Delatorre LD, Nunes RJ, Yunes RA, et al. A novel sulfonamide derivative as a strong and selective apoptotic agent against hematological malignancies. Chem. Pap. 2020; 74:2965–2976.
Bigolin A, Maioral MF, Stefanes NM, Zatelli GA, Philippus AC, Falkenberg MB, Santos-Silva MC. Cytotoxic mechanisms of primin, a natural quinone isolated from Eugenia hiemalis, on hematological cancer cell lines. Anticancer Drugs. 2020; 31(7):709-717.
Maioral MF, Stefanes NM, Neufeldt PD, Chiaradia-Delatorre LD, Nunes RJ, Santos-Silva MC. Aldehyde biphenyl chalcones induce immunogenic apoptotic-like cell death and are promising new safe compounds against a wide range of hematologic cancers. Future Med. Chem. 2020; 12(8):673–688.
Perondi DM, Jacques AV, Stefanes NM, Maioral MF, Sens L, Pacheco LA, Cury NM, et al. A novel thiosemicarbazone as a promising effective and selective compound for acute leukemia. Anticancer Drugs. 2019; 30(8):p 828-837.
Rengifo AFC, Stefanes NM, Toigo J, Mendes C, Argenta DF, Dotto MER, Santos-Silva MC, et al. PEO-chitosan nanofibers containing carboxymethyl-hexanoyl chitosan/dodecyl sulfate nanoparticles loaded with pyrazoline for skin cancer treatment. Eur. Polym. J. 2019; 119:335-343.
Rengifo AFC, Stefanes NM, Toigo J, Mendes C, Santos-Silva MC, Nunes RJ, Parize AL, et al. A new and efficient carboxymethyl-hexanoyl chitosan/dodecyl sulfate nanocarrier for a pyrazoline with antileukemic activity. Mater. Sci. Eng. C [Internet]. 2019; 105:110051.
Maioral MF, Stefanes NM, Bigolin A, Zatelli GA, Philippus AC, Falkenberg MB, Santos-Silva MC. Miconidine acetate, a new selective and cytotoxic compound with synergic potential, induces cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in leukemia cells. Invest. New Drugs. 2019; 37:912–922.
Srefanes NM, Toigo J, Maioral MF, Jacques AV, Chiaradia-Delatorre LD, Perondi DM, Ribeiro AAB, et al. Synthesis of novel pyrazoline derivatives and the evaluation of death mechanisms involved in their antileukemic activity. Bioorg. Med. Chem. 2019; 27(2):375-382.
Maioral MF, Bodack CN, Stefanes NM, Bigolin A, Mascarello A, Chiaradia-Delatorre LD, Yunes RA, et al. Cytotoxic effect of a novel naphthylchalcone against multiple cancer cells focusing on hematologic malignancies. Biochim. 2017; 140:48-57.
You can view some of Dr Natália’s work below and links to her professional profile below.
Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Natalia-Stephanes
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nataliamarceli/
In this article, we will discuss the potential for Klonopin to induce fatigue.
We will explore various aspects, including the mechanism of action of Klonopin, scientific studies examining the association between Klonopin and tiredness, considerations regarding the Klonopin-tired side effect, guidance on managing daytime fatigue resulting from Klonopin usage, the feasibility of taking Klonopin in the morning for individuals working night shifts, and an overview of other potential side effects associated with this medication.
Yes, Klonopin can make you feel drowsy, giving you the sensation of being tired.
This occurs because Klonopin not only reduces excessive neuronal activity in the brain but also decelerates the majority of physiological and induces muscle relaxation (1,2).
Studies have reported tiredness as a common side effect of the medication Klonopin. However, in general, you shouldn’t be concerned about this unless it significantly affects the quality of your life (3,4,5).
Talk to your healthcare provider if your daytime tiredness affects the quality of your life.
You can take Klonopin in the morning if you work at night and don’t engage in activities that require your full attention during the day. It will not affect the intensity of side effects (1,6).
Can Klonopin make you tired?
Yes, Klonopin can make you feel drowsy, giving you the sensation of being tired.. This medication is a benzodiazepine, and it is likely to make you feel that way due to its mechanism of action (1).
How does Klonopin work?
Klonopin controls your anxiety by enhancing the activity of GABA – an inhibitory neurotransmitter. This process not only slows down the excessive neuronal activity in your brain but also slows down the majority of your physiological functions, even your breathing rate.
It also relaxes your muscles and puts you to sleep. This is one of the reasons why Klonopin and other benzodiazepines are used for the management of insomnia (2).
Feeling tired or drowsy after taking Klonopin is something that will most likely happen and may continue to happen – and it’s nothing to worry about as long as you stick to your doctor’s recommended dose.
What do studies say about Klonopin and tiredness?
Several research studies have explained the effects of Klonopin on your energy levels. A research study on the effects of Klonopin on epileptic patients indicated that fatigue and drowsiness were reported as the most common side effects of Klonopin for the treatment of epilepsy (3).
The drug can cause sleepiness after 15-20 minutes of administration and can result in excessive fatigue on waking up.
Another study investigating the effects of Klonopin on panic disorders indicated that tiredness is the most common adverse event reported in the participants, which became the reason for drug discontinuation in some cases (4).
Additionally, a rare case study has been reported in the literature where Klonopin-induced skeletal muscle toxicity occurred. The patient was bed-written and experienced major muscle weakness, muscle pain, and excessive fatigue (5).
This indicates that Klonopin can affect your muscles and cause overall body tiredness and fatigue. Make sure you report this side effect to your doctor if it starts affecting the quality of your life.
Should you be concerned about Klonopin-induced tiredness?
In general, you shouldn’t be concerned about tiredness caused by Klonopin as it is one of the most commonly reported side effects. Some people use this medication to achieve this tiredness which helps put them to sleep at night.
However, some people may feel tired during the daytime even if they take the med at night, which is not ideal but is expected to get better with time (1).
Speak to your doctor if this medication side effect starts affecting the quality of your life.
What to do if Klonopin makes you tired during the day?
If you take Klonopin at night, either for anxiety or as a sleep aid, and it makes you sleepy or tired during the daytime – there are a few things you can do (1,6):
- Talk to your healthcare provider if your daytime tiredness affects the quality of your life. Your doctor may reduce your dose for a while until your body adjusts to the medication.
- Take Klonopin an hour or two before bedtime.
- Do not engage in any activity after taking Klonopin which ruins your sleep quality, like using smart gadgets, eating, or generally staying awake.
- Sleep at least 7-9 hours after taking the medication. Inadequate sleep will make you feel tired and exhausted the following morning.
- Sip some coffee in the morning.
- Don’t take any other medication that may contribute to Klonopin-induced sedation.
- Do not drink alcohol with this medication.
Can you take Klonopin in the morning if you work at night?
Yes, you can take Klonopin in the morning if you work at night and don’t engage in activities that require your full attention during the day (1,6).
However, this medication should only be taken if prescribed by your healthcare provider.
So, talk to your doctor before starting to take Klonopin during the day.
Are the adverse effects of Klonopin increased when taken in the morning?
No, the timing of Klonopin intake does not affect the intensity of adverse effects. But, in order to achieve the best efficacy of the treatment, this medication should be taken at the same time consistently.
One factor that can influence the intensity of unwanted reactions is the dosage. However, each person is unique and responds differently to treatment.
In addition to tiredness, other common adverse effects of Klonopin include (1,6):
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Unsteadiness
- Problems with coordination
- Difficulty thinking or remembering
- Increased saliva
- Muscle or joint pain
- Frequent urination
- Blurred vision
- Changes in sex drive or erectile dysfunction
In addition to these, some adverse effects can be serious, such as (4,5):
- Rash
- Hives
- Swelling of the eyes, face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Hoarseness
- Difficulty breathing
Talk to your doctor if you experience any unusual or persistent problems while taking this medication.
Conclusion
In this succinct article, we have discussed the potential for Klonopin to induce fatigue. We have explored various aspects, including the mechanism of action of Klonopin, scientific studies examining the association between Klonopin and tiredness, considerations regarding the Klonopin-tired side effect, guidance on managing daytime fatigue resulting from Klonopin usage, the feasibility of taking Klonopin in the morning for individuals working night shifts, and an overview of other potential side effects associated with this medication.
Was this helpful?
References
1.-
KLONOPIN® (clonazepam). U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Reference ID: 5108498 [Internet] [updated 2023 Jan; cited 2023 Jun 29]. Available from: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2023/017533s062lbl.pdf#page=24.
2.-
PubChem [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US), National Center for Biotechnology Information; 2004-. PubChem Compound Summary for CID 5533, Clonazepam; [cited 2023 Jun 29]. Available from: https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/2802#section=Metabolism-Metabolites.
3.-
Pinder RM, Brogden RN, Speight TM, Avery GS. Clonazepam: a review of its pharmacological properties and therapeutic efficacy in epilepsyhttps://link.springer.com/article/10.2165/00003495-197612050-00001. Drugs. 1976;12(5):321-61.
4.-
Rosenbaum JF, Moroz G, Bowden CL. Clonazepam in the treatment of panic disorder with or without agoraphobia: a dose-response study of efficacy, safety, and discontinuance. J Clin Psychopharmacol. 1997;17(5):390-400.
5.-
Han X, Wang J. A serious adverse drug reaction probably induced by clonazepam: a case report of myotoxicity. BMC Pharmacol Toxicol. 2019;20(1):64.
6.-
MedlinePlus [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); c1998–2023. Clonazepam; [updated 2022 Oct 15; cited 2023 Jun 29]. Available from:https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682279.html#overdose.
Find a supportive therapist who can help with Depression.
Discover the convenience of BetterHelp, an online therapy platform connecting you with licensed and accredited therapists specialized in addressing issues such as depression, anxiety, relationships, and more. Complete the assessment and find your ideal therapist within just 48 hours.
AskYourPharm is user-supported. We may earn a commission if you sign up for BetterHelp’s services after clicking through from this site
