Drug interactions
Galantamine + Imipramine
Severity: Moderate
Galantamine 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
The anticholinergic activity of imipramine opposes the cholinesterase inhibition of galantamine, potentially reducing its cognitive benefit. Galantamine is also partly metabolized by CYP2D6, and imipramine is a substrate and weak inhibitor of that enzyme.
What this interaction means in plain words
Galantamine 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.
Galantamine belongs to Central Nervous System; Imipramine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Pharmacodynamic antagonism between anticholinergic and cholinomimetic effects.
What to do
Prefer an antidepressant with low anticholinergic activity in patients taking galantamine. If combined, monitor cognition and for bradycardia.
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 Imipramine
- Dronedarone + Imipramine Contraindicated
- Imipramine + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Imipramine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Imipramine + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Imipramine + Rasagiline Contraindicated
- Imipramine + Safinamide Contraindicated
Other interactions of Galantamine
- Galantamine + Memantine-donepezil Major
- Galantamine + Physostigmine Major
- Galantamine + Ponesimod Major
- Galantamine + Rivastigmine Major
- Amifampridine + Galantamine Moderate
- Amiodarone + Galantamine Moderate
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Galantamine with Imipramine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Galantamine 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. The anticholinergic activity of imipramine opposes the cholinesterase inhibition of galantamine, potentially reducing its cognitive benefit. Galantamine is also partly metabolized by CYP2D6, and imipramine is a substrate and weak inhibitor of that enzyme.
How serious is the interaction between Galantamine 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: Prefer an antidepressant with low anticholinergic activity in patients taking galantamine. If combined, monitor cognition and for bradycardia.
What other medicines interact with Imipramine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Imipramine with, for example, Dronedarone, Isocarboxazid, Phenelzine. The full list is on the Imipramine page.
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