Drug interactions
Clomipramine + Cyclobenzaprine
Severity: Major
Clomipramine and Cyclobenzaprine: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: US FDA label
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
Cyclobenzaprine is a tricyclic-like compound, and adding it to clomipramine duplicates tricyclic and strongly serotonergic effects. This increases the risk of serotonin syndrome, anticholinergic toxicity, seizures and cardiac conduction abnormalities.
What this interaction means in plain words
Clomipramine and Cyclobenzaprine 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.
Clomipramine belongs to Central Nervous System; Cyclobenzaprine belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Additive serotonin reuptake inhibition, anticholinergic effects and cardiac conduction effects of two tricyclic structures.
What to do
Avoid the combination and use a non-tricyclic muscle relaxant. If unavoidable, monitor for serotonin syndrome, anticholinergic effects and ECG changes.
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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References
Other interactions of Cyclobenzaprine
- Cyclobenzaprine + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Cyclobenzaprine + Linezolid Contraindicated
- Cyclobenzaprine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Cyclobenzaprine + Safinamide Contraindicated
- Cyclobenzaprine + Selegiline Contraindicated
- Cyclobenzaprine + Selegiline transdermal Contraindicated
Other interactions of Clomipramine
- Arsenic trioxide + Clomipramine Contraindicated
- Clomipramine + Dofetilide Contraindicated
- Clomipramine + Droperidol Contraindicated
- Clomipramine + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Clomipramine + Methylene blue Contraindicated
- Clomipramine + Pentamidine Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Clomipramine with Cyclobenzaprine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Clomipramine and Cyclobenzaprine 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. Cyclobenzaprine is a tricyclic-like compound, and adding it to clomipramine duplicates tricyclic and strongly serotonergic effects. This increases the risk of serotonin syndrome, anticholinergic toxicity, seizures and cardiac conduction abnormalities.
How serious is the interaction between Clomipramine and Cyclobenzaprine?
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 the combination and use a non-tricyclic muscle relaxant. If unavoidable, monitor for serotonin syndrome, anticholinergic effects and ECG changes.
What other medicines interact with Cyclobenzaprine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Cyclobenzaprine with, for example, Isocarboxazid, Linezolid, Phenelzine. The full list is on the Cyclobenzaprine page.
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