Drug interactions
Dextromethorphan + Imipramine
Severity: Moderate
Dextromethorphan 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
Combining dextromethorphan with imipramine may increase serotonergic effects and serotonin syndrome risk. Imipramine is also metabolized by CYP2D6, so competition may raise levels of either drug.
What this interaction means in plain words
Dextromethorphan 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.
Dextromethorphan belongs to Respiratory; Imipramine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive serotonergic effects and competition for CYP2D6 metabolism.
What to do
Use low short-course doses of dextromethorphan and monitor for serotonin toxicity. Use a different antitussive if symptoms develop.
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?
Pro+ members
Unlock the full page
Create an account and start a Pro+ trial to unlock the full management advice for Dextromethorphan and Imipramine, 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.
Other interactions of Dextromethorphan
- Dextromethorphan + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Dextromethorphan + Linezolid Contraindicated
- Dextromethorphan + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Dextromethorphan + Rasagiline Contraindicated
- Dextromethorphan + Safinamide Contraindicated
- Dextromethorphan + Selegiline Contraindicated
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 Dextromethorphan with Imipramine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Dextromethorphan 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. Combining dextromethorphan with imipramine may increase serotonergic effects and serotonin syndrome risk. Imipramine is also metabolized by CYP2D6, so competition may raise levels of either drug.
How serious is the interaction between Dextromethorphan 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: Use low short-course doses of dextromethorphan and monitor for serotonin toxicity. Use a different antitussive if symptoms develop.
What other medicines interact with Dextromethorphan?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Dextromethorphan with, for example, Isocarboxazid, Linezolid, Phenelzine. The full list is on the Dextromethorphan 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.
