Expert: Barbara Judge - 4/7/2009

Question
Are there any risks with taking Clonazepam and Advil PM together? My friend is having trouble waking up after taking his nightly dose of Clonazepam and now has stopped the evening dose and is taking Advil PM. He still takes two doses of Clonazepam during the day.

Answer
    Since Advil PM contains diphenhydramine, an antihistamine which causes drowsiness, it is possible that the person taking Advil PM at night while taking clonazepam during the day may experience excessive sedation.  When you take more than one drug which causes drowsiness the combination can worsen the effects, making them even more severe than if the 2 drugs were taken alone.  I would recommend your friend discuss any changes in medication with his/her doctor.

Thanks

Barb Judge