Drug interactions
Imipramine + Secobarbital
Severity: Moderate
Imipramine and Secobarbital: 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
Secobarbital can induce the enzymes that metabolise imipramine, reducing its concentrations and antidepressant effect. Both drugs also cause CNS depression, so sedation is additive.
What this interaction means in plain words
Imipramine and Secobarbital 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; Secobarbital belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Induction of CYP1A2, CYP2C19 and CYP3A4 by secobarbital increases imipramine clearance, plus additive CNS depression.
What to do
Monitor clinical response and, if available, tricyclic serum levels, adjusting the imipramine dose. Counsel on sedation and avoid 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 Secobarbital
- Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates + Secobarbital Contraindicated
- Doravirine + Secobarbital Contraindicated
- Elbasvir / grazoprevir + Secobarbital Contraindicated
- Elvitegravir / cobicistat / emtricitabine / tenofovir df + Secobarbital Contraindicated
- Isavuconazonium + Secobarbital Contraindicated
- Lonafarnib + Secobarbital 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 Imipramine with Secobarbital?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Imipramine and Secobarbital 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. Secobarbital can induce the enzymes that metabolise imipramine, reducing its concentrations and antidepressant effect. Both drugs also cause CNS depression, so sedation is additive.
How serious is the interaction between Imipramine and Secobarbital?
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 clinical response and, if available, tricyclic serum levels, adjusting the imipramine dose. Counsel on sedation and avoid alcohol.
What other medicines interact with Secobarbital?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Secobarbital with, for example, Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates, Doravirine, Elbasvir / grazoprevir. The full list is on the Secobarbital page.
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