Drug interactions
Caffeine + Imipramine
Severity: Minor
Caffeine and Imipramine: minor 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
Caffeine is a CNS stimulant and may partly offset the sedation of imipramine, while also adding to tachycardia, tremor and anxiety. Caffeine can also modestly raise imipramine exposure through competition for hepatic metabolism, though the clinical significance is variable.
What this interaction means in plain words
Caffeine and Imipramine have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Caffeine belongs to Miscellaneous; Imipramine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Opposing CNS effects (adenosine antagonism) plus possible competition for CYP1A2-mediated metabolism of imipramine.
What to do
No routine change is needed; advise patients to keep caffeine intake moderate and consistent. Watch for jitteriness, palpitations or insomnia and for increased tricyclic adverse effects if intake changes sharply.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there anything I should notice while taking both?
- Do I need to tell my doctor at the next visit?
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Other interactions of Imipramine
- Dronedarone + Imipramine Contraindicated
- Imipramine + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Imipramine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Imipramine + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Imipramine + Rasagiline Contraindicated
- Imipramine + Safinamide Contraindicated
Other interactions of Caffeine
- Caffeine + Ephedrine Major
- Caffeine + Fezolinetant Major
- Caffeine + Methylenedioxymethamphetamine Major
- Caffeine + Selegiline transdermal Major
- Adenosine + Caffeine Moderate
- Benzphetamine + Caffeine Moderate
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Caffeine with Imipramine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Caffeine and Imipramine have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Caffeine is a CNS stimulant and may partly offset the sedation of imipramine, while also adding to tachycardia, tremor and anxiety. Caffeine can also modestly raise imipramine exposure through competition for hepatic metabolism, though the clinical significance is variable.
How serious is the interaction between Caffeine and Imipramine?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: No routine change is needed; advise patients to keep caffeine intake moderate and consistent. Watch for jitteriness, palpitations or insomnia and for increased tricyclic adverse effects if intake changes sharply.
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.
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