Drug interactions
Amitriptyline + Dexchlorpheniramine
Severity: Moderate
Amitriptyline and Dexchlorpheniramine: moderate interaction.
Last updated
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Dexchlorpheniramine is a first-generation antihistamine with sedative and anticholinergic properties like amitriptyline. Together they can increase drowsiness, dry mouth, urinary retention, and confusion.
What this interaction means in plain words
Amitriptyline and Dexchlorpheniramine can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Amitriptyline belongs to Central Nervous System; Dexchlorpheniramine belongs to Respiratory.
Why it happens
Additive CNS depression and antimuscarinic effects.
What to do
Monitor for sedation and anticholinergic effects, especially in older patients. Switch to a non-sedating antihistamine if appropriate.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
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Other interactions of Amitriptyline
- Amitriptyline + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Amitriptyline + Methylene blue Contraindicated
- Amitriptyline + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Amitriptyline + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Amitriptyline + Procarbazine Contraindicated
- Amitriptyline + Safinamide Contraindicated
Other interactions of Dexchlorpheniramine
- Alprazolam + Dexchlorpheniramine Moderate
- Amisulpride + Dexchlorpheniramine Moderate
- Amobarbital + Dexchlorpheniramine Moderate
- Asenapine + Dexchlorpheniramine Moderate
- Azelastine-fluticasone + Dexchlorpheniramine Moderate
- Azelastine + Dexchlorpheniramine Moderate
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Amitriptyline with Dexchlorpheniramine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Amitriptyline and Dexchlorpheniramine can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Dexchlorpheniramine is a first-generation antihistamine with sedative and anticholinergic properties like amitriptyline. Together they can increase drowsiness, dry mouth, urinary retention, and confusion.
How serious is the interaction between Amitriptyline and Dexchlorpheniramine?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor for sedation and anticholinergic effects, especially in older patients. Switch to a non-sedating antihistamine if appropriate.
What other medicines interact with Amitriptyline?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Amitriptyline with, for example, Isocarboxazid, Methylene blue, Phenelzine. The full list is on the Amitriptyline page.
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