Drug interactions
Cyproheptadine + Phenobarbital
Severity: Moderate
Cyproheptadine and Phenobarbital: 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
Phenobarbital and cyproheptadine both cause sedation, and combined use can increase drowsiness and impair coordination. Respiratory depression is more of a concern at high doses or in vulnerable patients.
What this interaction means in plain words
Cyproheptadine and Phenobarbital 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.
Why it happens
Additive CNS depression from GABA-A potentiation and H1 antagonism.
What to do
Monitor for oversedation, especially at initiation or dose increases, and counsel against driving. Avoid additional sedatives and alcohol.
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
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Cyproheptadine with Phenobarbital?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Cyproheptadine and Phenobarbital 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. Phenobarbital and cyproheptadine both cause sedation, and combined use can increase drowsiness and impair coordination. Respiratory depression is more of a concern at high doses or in vulnerable patients.
How serious is the interaction between Cyproheptadine and Phenobarbital?
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 oversedation, especially at initiation or dose increases, and counsel against driving. Avoid additional sedatives and alcohol.
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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