Drug interactions
Imipramine + Lorazepam
Severity: Moderate
Imipramine and Lorazepam: 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 is a tricyclic antidepressant with sedative properties, and with lorazepam it can increase drowsiness and impair psychomotor skills. The risk is higher at the start of therapy, with high doses, and in older patients.
What this interaction means in plain words
Imipramine and Lorazepam 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 belongs to Central Nervous System; Lorazepam belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive CNS depression through GABA-A potentiation and the antihistaminic and anticholinergic effects of the tricyclic.
What to do
Monitor for oversedation and dizziness when starting or adjusting either drug. Counsel patients about driving and alcohol.
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 Lorazepam
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 Imipramine with Lorazepam?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Imipramine and Lorazepam 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 is a tricyclic antidepressant with sedative properties, and with lorazepam it can increase drowsiness and impair psychomotor skills. The risk is higher at the start of therapy, with high doses, and in older patients.
How serious is the interaction between Imipramine and Lorazepam?
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 oversedation and dizziness when starting or adjusting either drug. Counsel patients about driving and alcohol.
What other medicines interact with Lorazepam?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Lorazepam with, for example, Alfentanil, Alprazolam, Amobarbital. The full list is on the Lorazepam page.
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