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Drug interactions

Buprenorphine subdermal implant + Imipramine

Severity: Moderate

Buprenorphine subdermal implant and Imipramine: 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

Imipramine and buprenorphine can both prolong the QT interval and both cause sedation. Combined use may increase arrhythmia risk and respiratory depression.

What this interaction means in plain words

Buprenorphine subdermal implant and Imipramine 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.

Evidence level: Moderate

Why it happens

Additive QT prolongation and CNS depressant effects.

What to do

Monitor ECG in patients with cardiac risk factors and watch for sedation and respiratory depression. Correct electrolyte abnormalities.

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?

Bring a full list of your medicines, including over-the-counter products, supplements and herbal remedies, to every pharmacy visit.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I take Buprenorphine subdermal implant with Imipramine?

MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Buprenorphine subdermal implant and Imipramine 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. Imipramine and buprenorphine can both prolong the QT interval and both cause sedation. Combined use may increase arrhythmia risk and respiratory depression.

How serious is the interaction between Buprenorphine subdermal implant and Imipramine?

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 ECG in patients with cardiac risk factors and watch for sedation and respiratory depression. Correct electrolyte abnormalities.

What other medicines interact with Imipramine?

MediHelp also lists interactions of Imipramine with, for example, Dronedarone, Isocarboxazid, Phenelzine. The full list is on the Imipramine page.

Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app

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