Drug interactions
Dexchlorpheniramine + Nortriptyline
Severity: Moderate
Dexchlorpheniramine and Nortriptyline: 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
Dexchlorpheniramine is a sedating antihistamine with anticholinergic effects that add to those of nortriptyline. This can cause drowsiness, dry mouth, constipation, urinary retention and confusion, especially in older adults.
What this interaction means in plain words
Dexchlorpheniramine and Nortriptyline 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; Nortriptyline belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive CNS depression and antimuscarinic effects.
What to do
Monitor for sedation and anticholinergic effects, and use a non-sedating antihistamine if 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 Nortriptyline
- Disopyramide + Nortriptyline Contraindicated
- Dofetilide + Nortriptyline Contraindicated
- Dronedarone + Nortriptyline Contraindicated
- Ibutilide + Nortriptyline Contraindicated
- Isocarboxazid + Nortriptyline Contraindicated
- Methylene blue + Nortriptyline Contraindicated
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 Nortriptyline?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Dexchlorpheniramine and Nortriptyline 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 is a sedating antihistamine with anticholinergic effects that add to those of nortriptyline. This can cause drowsiness, dry mouth, constipation, urinary retention and confusion, especially in older adults.
How serious is the interaction between Dexchlorpheniramine and Nortriptyline?
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 sedation and anticholinergic effects, and use a non-sedating antihistamine if possible.
What other medicines interact with Nortriptyline?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Nortriptyline with, for example, Disopyramide, Dofetilide, Dronedarone. The full list is on the Nortriptyline page.
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