Drug interactions
Cigarette smoking + Imipramine
Severity: Moderate
Cigarette smoking 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
Tobacco smoke can reduce imipramine plasma concentrations, which may blunt the antidepressant effect. Concentrations may rise if the patient stops smoking.
What this interaction means in plain words
Cigarette smoking 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.
Why it happens
Polycyclic hydrocarbons in smoke induce CYP1A2, increasing imipramine metabolism.
What to do
Monitor clinical response, and consider a dose adjustment or serum level monitoring in heavy smokers. Reassess dose and watch for toxicity if the patient stops smoking.
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 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 Cigarette smoking with Imipramine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Cigarette smoking 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. Tobacco smoke can reduce imipramine plasma concentrations, which may blunt the antidepressant effect. Concentrations may rise if the patient stops smoking.
How serious is the interaction between Cigarette smoking 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 clinical response, and consider a dose adjustment or serum level monitoring in heavy smokers. Reassess dose and watch for toxicity if the patient stops smoking.
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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