Drug interactions
Clomipramine + Cyproheptadine
Severity: Moderate
Clomipramine and Cyproheptadine: 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
Both drugs are sedating and strongly anticholinergic, so together they can cause marked drowsiness, dry mouth, constipation, urinary retention and confusion. Cyproheptadine may also oppose the serotonergic antidepressant effect of clomipramine.
What this interaction means in plain words
Clomipramine and Cyproheptadine 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.
Clomipramine belongs to Central Nervous System; Cyproheptadine belongs to Respiratory.
Why it happens
Additive CNS depression and anticholinergic effects, plus 5-HT2 antagonism by cyproheptadine.
What to do
Monitor for sedation, anticholinergic toxicity and reduced antidepressant response. Use the lowest effective doses and avoid in patients prone to urinary retention or glaucoma.
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 Cyproheptadine
- Cyproheptadine + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Cyproheptadine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Cyproheptadine + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
- Alfentanil + Cyproheptadine Major
- Belladonna and opium + Cyproheptadine Major
- Benzhydrocodone / acetaminophen + Cyproheptadine Major
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 Cyproheptadine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Clomipramine and Cyproheptadine 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. Both drugs are sedating and strongly anticholinergic, so together they can cause marked drowsiness, dry mouth, constipation, urinary retention and confusion. Cyproheptadine may also oppose the serotonergic antidepressant effect of clomipramine.
How serious is the interaction between Clomipramine and Cyproheptadine?
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 for sedation, anticholinergic toxicity and reduced antidepressant response. Use the lowest effective doses and avoid in patients prone to urinary retention or glaucoma.
What other medicines interact with Cyproheptadine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Cyproheptadine with, for example, Isocarboxazid, Phenelzine, Tranylcypromine. The full list is on the Cyproheptadine page.
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