Drug interactions
Clomipramine + Lorazepam
Severity: Moderate
Clomipramine and Lorazepam: 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
Clomipramine is sedating and lorazepam adds to this, impairing cognition and psychomotor function. Clomipramine also lowers the seizure threshold, which is relevant if benzodiazepines are withdrawn abruptly.
What this interaction means in plain words
Clomipramine and Lorazepam 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; Lorazepam belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive CNS depression through GABA-A potentiation and the antihistaminic and anticholinergic effects of the tricyclic.
What to do
Use the lowest effective doses and monitor sedation, especially in older adults. Taper lorazepam gradually rather than stopping abruptly.
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 Lorazepam
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 Lorazepam?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Clomipramine and Lorazepam 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 is sedating and lorazepam adds to this, impairing cognition and psychomotor function. Clomipramine also lowers the seizure threshold, which is relevant if benzodiazepines are withdrawn abruptly.
How serious is the interaction between Clomipramine and Lorazepam?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Use the lowest effective doses and monitor sedation, especially in older adults. Taper lorazepam gradually rather than stopping abruptly.
What other medicines interact with Lorazepam?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Lorazepam with, for example, Alfentanil, Alprazolam, Amobarbital. The full list is on the Lorazepam page.
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