Can You Take Magnesium Glycinate 120mg with Clonazepam?
Yes, you can safely take magnesium glycinate 120mg with clonazepam—there is no clinically significant pharmacokinetic or pharmacodynamic interaction between these two agents. 1
Safety Profile
Magnesium supplementation at 120mg is well below toxic thresholds, which only occur at serum concentrations of 6-8 mEq/L (far higher than achievable with standard oral supplementation). 1
Magnesium itself is non-sedating and does not enhance the CNS depressant effects of benzodiazepines like clonazepam. 1
The primary concern with clonazepam involves combining it with other CNS depressants (opioids, other benzodiazepines, gabapentinoids, skeletal muscle relaxants), which can cause respiratory depression and excessive sedation. 2 Magnesium does not fall into this category.
Timing Considerations
No separation of doses is required between magnesium glycinate and clonazepam. 1
The timing recommendations for magnesium (1-2 hours before or 4 hours after certain medications) apply specifically to fluoroquinolone antibiotics (like ciprofloxacin), not to benzodiazepines. 1
Potential Benefits
Magnesium may actually provide complementary benefits for patients taking benzodiazepines, as it modulates glutamatergic neurotransmission through NMDA receptor antagonism and has been studied for mood disorders and substance dependence. 3, 4
Research suggests magnesium supplementation can decrease the intensity of some drug dependencies and has modulatory effects on the reward system without inducing dependence itself. 4
Monitoring Recommendations
While the combination is safe, monitor for excessive sedation if you are taking multiple medications that affect the central nervous system, though this is not expected from magnesium alone. 1
Be aware that clonazepam itself carries risks in elderly patients (listed on the Beers Criteria) and can cause tolerance requiring long-term use. 2