Drug interactions
Cyproheptadine + Imipramine
Severity: Moderate
Cyproheptadine 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
Both drugs are sedating and strongly anticholinergic, so combined use can cause marked drowsiness, confusion, dry mouth, constipation, urinary retention and tachycardia. Cyproheptadine may also oppose imipramine's antidepressant effect through serotonin antagonism.
What this interaction means in plain words
Cyproheptadine 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.
Cyproheptadine belongs to Respiratory; Imipramine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive CNS depression and antimuscarinic effects, with possible 5-HT2 antagonism reducing antidepressant effect.
What to do
Monitor anticholinergic toxicity, sedation and depressive symptoms, and use the lowest effective doses. Avoid in elderly or those with glaucoma or urinary retention when possible.
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 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 Cyproheptadine with Imipramine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Cyproheptadine 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. Both drugs are sedating and strongly anticholinergic, so combined use can cause marked drowsiness, confusion, dry mouth, constipation, urinary retention and tachycardia. Cyproheptadine may also oppose imipramine's antidepressant effect through serotonin antagonism.
How serious is the interaction between Cyproheptadine 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 anticholinergic toxicity, sedation and depressive symptoms, and use the lowest effective doses. Avoid in elderly or those with glaucoma or urinary retention when possible.
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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