Drug interactions
Fentanyl + Imipramine
Severity: Moderate
Fentanyl 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
Imipramine adds sedation to fentanyl and may contribute to serotonin syndrome because of its serotonin reuptake inhibition. Anticholinergic and hypotensive effects may also add to opioid effects.
What this interaction means in plain words
Fentanyl 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.
Fentanyl belongs to Musculoskeletal; Imipramine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive CNS depression and additive serotonergic activity.
What to do
Monitor for sedation, respiratory depression and signs of serotonin toxicity. Use the lowest effective doses and adjust if adverse effects appear.
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 Fentanyl
- Alvimopan + Fentanyl Contraindicated
- Fentanyl + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Fentanyl + Olanzapine / samidorphan Contraindicated
- Fentanyl + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Fentanyl + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
- Alfentanil + Fentanyl 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 Fentanyl with Imipramine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Fentanyl 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. Imipramine adds sedation to fentanyl and may contribute to serotonin syndrome because of its serotonin reuptake inhibition. Anticholinergic and hypotensive effects may also add to opioid effects.
How serious is the interaction between Fentanyl 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 for sedation, respiratory depression and signs of serotonin toxicity. Use the lowest effective doses and adjust if adverse effects appear.
What other medicines interact with Fentanyl?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Fentanyl with, for example, Alvimopan, Isocarboxazid, Olanzapine / samidorphan. The full list is on the Fentanyl page.
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