Drug interactions
Dexchlorpheniramine + Esketamine
Severity: Moderate
Dexchlorpheniramine and Esketamine: 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 cause drowsiness and psychomotor impairment, so using them together can deepen sedation and reduce alertness. Esketamine already causes sedation and dissociation after dosing, and a sedating antihistamine adds to this.
What this interaction means in plain words
Dexchlorpheniramine and Esketamine 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.
Dexchlorpheniramine belongs to Respiratory; Esketamine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive central nervous system depression from esketamine and the sedating first-generation antihistamine.
What to do
Avoid giving sedating antihistamines around esketamine sessions where possible, or choose a non-sedating antihistamine. Observe the patient for excess sedation during the post-dose monitoring period.
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 Esketamine
Other interactions of Dexchlorpheniramine
- Alprazolam + Dexchlorpheniramine Moderate
- Amisulpride + Dexchlorpheniramine Moderate
- Amitriptyline + Dexchlorpheniramine Moderate
- Amobarbital + Dexchlorpheniramine Moderate
- Asenapine + Dexchlorpheniramine Moderate
- Azelastine-fluticasone + Dexchlorpheniramine Moderate
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Dexchlorpheniramine with Esketamine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Dexchlorpheniramine and Esketamine 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 cause drowsiness and psychomotor impairment, so using them together can deepen sedation and reduce alertness. Esketamine already causes sedation and dissociation after dosing, and a sedating antihistamine adds to this.
How serious is the interaction between Dexchlorpheniramine and Esketamine?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid giving sedating antihistamines around esketamine sessions where possible, or choose a non-sedating antihistamine. Observe the patient for excess sedation during the post-dose monitoring period.
What other medicines interact with Esketamine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Esketamine with, for example, Alfentanil, Amobarbital, Belladonna and opium. The full list is on the Esketamine page.
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