Studies Show Klonopin and Xanax May Impair Immune System

The benzodiazepines are a class of drugs typically prescribed for the treatment of anxiety or chronic seizure. They work by slowing the electrical activity in the brain, resulting in a sedative effect. Doctors may prescribe these drugs for brief or prolonged periods, or simply as needed—such as in the event of a panic attack. The potential adverse effects of benzodiazepines are fairly well understood by the medical community. People may experience drowsiness, headache, dizziness, and an unsteady feeling. High doses have an intoxicating effect similar to alcohol consumption.

However, the effect of chronic low doses of medications like Xanax (alprazolam) and Klonopin (clonazepam) on human tissue and organs is still to be determined. Previous studies have suggested that long-term administration of benzodiazepines may weaken the immune system, although no conclusive evidence of such a link exists.

A clinical experiment with rats tested the effects of Klonopin and Xanax on stressed and nonstressed male rats. The stress procedure involved confining the rats to a small mesh cage for 2.5 hours each morning. Some rats received Klonopin, some Xanax, and others only a control solution of distilled water. The study continued for four weeks, after which the rats were euthanized and the clinicians carefully examined them. The research team was most interested in the health of the immune system, and they primarily investigated lymph glands and blood cell counts. The findings have implications for the treatment of anxiety in humans.

Both stressed and nonstressed rats showed immune system deficits after treatment with either Klonopin or Xanax. Rats treated with Xanax demonstrated the most serious deficits, possibly because of the medication’s unique chemical structure. Because of the experimental design, researchers were able to distinguish between immune deficiencies caused by stress alone and those caused by medication. Nonstressed, medicated rats showed less decline than their stressed counterparts, but the decline was still clinically meaningful. It’s worth noting also that these rats received relatively low doses of medication. Continued administration beyond four weeks might reveal even more profound immune system effects.

These results argue for more caution when prescribing anti-anxiety medications. Both Xanax and Klonopin appear to degrade the immune system in distinct ways. Overall, Klonopin’s effects were less severe than those of Xanax, but were still worrisome. Patients with already compromised immune systems may want to avoid this class of medications if possible. Otherwise, Klonopin may be the safest choice. In addition, short-term use of the drug is definitely preferable to a long-term prescription.

References:

  1. Elmesallamy, G. E., Abass, M. A., Refat, N., and Atta, A. H. (2011). Differential effects of alprazolam and clonazepam on the immune system and blood vessels of non-stressed and stressed adult male albino rats. Interdisciplinary Toxicology, 4(3), 132-143.
  2. PubMed Health [Internet]. (n.d.). Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine. Alprazolam. Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0000807/

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  • amy

    April 9th, 2014 at 12:45 AM

    I have been taking klonapin for ten years and am currently suffering from compromised immunity which doc is addressing. Blood work showed very low white blood cell and leukocyte (is that right?)was low too. I am chronically sick to the point where I can’t work. Could there be a connection? I also had liver enzymes that were off.

  • amy

    April 9th, 2014 at 12:46 AM

    I also have recurring ear n sinus infection.

  • Kimberly L

    August 26th, 2014 at 7:41 PM

    I have an auto immune deficiency also, which has worsened over the past 4 years. I have been seeing a rheumatologist for the past for years without many answers, and I too have white blood cells count issues, enzyme issues and sinusitus. I have been on Social Security and unable to work as well, since 2010. I have been taking Clonazepam (Klonipin) for 18 years. After doing my own research and reading up on information such as this, I am currently weening off of the Clonazepam. I believe it is THE problem. I will find natural remedies to address my anxiety just so that I can – hopefully – get my physically health back. After having seen a number of specialists, not one has addressed the possibility that this could be the culprit in my deteriorating health. I believe it is and I am going to find out if it, in fact, is. Then I will bring it to each specialists attention and hope that others do not have to suffer from ill health because medical specialists do not look into the matter. Very disappointing, very frustrating.

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