Klonopin / Clonazepam

[Suboxer]

Does Klonopin have a higher chance of causing heart palpitations compared to other benzos?

[cj29]

I am not a doctor, but I wouldn't think so.  Remember, that medications affect people in different ways, but for me when I was on Klonopin, it actually reduced my palpatations by calming my anxiety.

[Suboxer]

Thanks.. that's what I figured :-). Any third opinions?

[jakegorzen]

Sometimes there can be a Paradoxical reaction "Reverse of what it was intended for"

But its rare

Now..on the other hand, when you eventually quit.......you will probably get Palp's.

[Suboxer]

I don't use Klonopin daily. I use it PRN for anxiety, usually a maximum of three times a week (most weeks one). I don't intend on ever quitting - using at this rate does not beget a tolerance or dependency.

For the first time in my life I am taking a medication as prescribed.

[RCA759I]

"Does Klonopin have a higher chance of causing heart palpitations compared to other benzos?"

^quote

Actually, Klonopin is the least likely of the Benzodiazepines to induce heart palpitations. Benzodiazepines exert this (rare) effect through vasodilation, which subsequently results in reduced blood pressure. Most Benzodiazepines possess a calcium antagonist property, similar to that of a calcium channel blocker - some more so than others. To compensate, the body either increases cardiac output (which gives the sensation of palpitation), or heart rate (generally, both are increased).

This untoward effect is more pronounced with the metabolites of Diazepam (Valium). Valium has the highest incidence of inducing hypotension and palpitations (or tachycardia). Drugs which are metabolites of, or metabolized to N-Desmethyldiazepam, Oxazepam or Temazepam include Librium, Serax, Restoril, Tranxene and Valium. If palpitations are of a concern, these five are best avoided. In addition, Xanax (due to its tricyclic ring) may also induce hypotension and palpitations, albeit this would be less common.

In short, you have nothing to worry about. The specific effect that you raise a concern over is rare with Klonopin, and would be exceptionally rare when used on an infrequent basis. Taken on an as-needed basis, not more than once every three days, there is no risk of developing a physical dependency with Klonopin.

Ryan

[Suboxer]

Your post has been by far the most informative, and the spot-on answer I was looking for. I know a little bit about pharmacology, but not nearly enough to deduce possible effects/side effects and likelihoods thereof from the structure of a given benzo.

Damn, as I read that answer again, it sounds even better. Thank you very much. That is EXACTLY everything I was looking for in an answer; whether the cpam induced more palpitation, why it did so (physically), which benzos were most likely to induce it, and the mechanism of action behind it.

I have used xanax and valium before with no problems, so I should be fine on the klonopin, and I will rest assured even if they do trigger palpitations, it is harmless.

Thank you again for your priceless, spot on answer.

+1