Drug interactions
Clomipramine + Nefazodone
Severity: Major
Clomipramine and Nefazodone: 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
Nefazodone inhibits CYP3A4 and may raise clomipramine levels, and both drugs enhance serotonergic activity. This increases the risk of tricyclic toxicity and serotonin syndrome.
What this interaction means in plain words
Clomipramine and Nefazodone 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
CYP3A4 inhibition by nefazodone raises clomipramine exposure, combined with additive serotonin reuptake inhibition.
What to do
Avoid the combination if possible. If used, lower the clomipramine dose, monitor ECG and clinical signs of serotonin toxicity and tricyclic overdose.
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?
Pro+ members
Unlock the full page
Create an account and start a Pro+ trial to unlock the full management advice for Clomipramine and Nefazodone, the additional notes, the evidence detail and the whole-prescription interaction checker.
- Full clinical management advice
- Additional notes
- Evidence detail
- Interaction checker for a whole prescription
Try Pro+ free for 7 days on the web. No card needed.
References
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 Nefazodone?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Clomipramine and Nefazodone 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. Nefazodone inhibits CYP3A4 and may raise clomipramine levels, and both drugs enhance serotonergic activity. This increases the risk of tricyclic toxicity and serotonin syndrome.
How serious is the interaction between Clomipramine and Nefazodone?
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 if possible. If used, lower the clomipramine dose, monitor ECG and clinical signs of serotonin toxicity and tricyclic overdose.
What other medicines interact with Clomipramine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Clomipramine with, for example, Arsenic trioxide, Dofetilide, Droperidol. The full list is on the Clomipramine page.
Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app
Open the complete reference, check multi-drug interactions and use dosing tools in the MediHelp app.
