Drug interactions
Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates + Imipramine
Severity: Major
Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates and Imipramine: major 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
Oxybates cause profound CNS and respiratory depression, and sedating tricyclics may add to this. The combination may lead to deep sedation, coma, or death.
What this interaction means in plain words
Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates and Imipramine can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.
Why it happens
Additive CNS and respiratory depression through pharmacodynamic synergy.
What to do
Avoid combining where possible and use the lowest doses if unavoidable. Monitor closely for sedation and respiratory depression, particularly at night.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
- Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
- What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?
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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
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates with Imipramine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates and Imipramine can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Oxybates cause profound CNS and respiratory depression, and sedating tricyclics may add to this. The combination may lead to deep sedation, coma, or death.
How serious is the interaction between Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates and Imipramine?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid combining where possible and use the lowest doses if unavoidable. Monitor closely for sedation and respiratory depression, particularly at night.
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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