Drug interactions
Imipramine + Sodium oxybate
Severity: Major
Imipramine and Sodium oxybate: major 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
Sodium oxybate is a potent CNS and respiratory depressant, and imipramine adds sedative effects. Together they can cause profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma and death. The risk is greater at higher doses or when alcohol or other depressants are also taken.
What this interaction means in plain words
Imipramine and Sodium oxybate can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.
Imipramine belongs to Central Nervous System; Sodium oxybate belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive pharmacodynamic CNS depression from sodium oxybate and the sedating anticholinergic and antihistaminic properties of imipramine.
What to do
Avoid the combination where possible and choose a non-sedating alternative. If both are essential, use the lowest effective doses for the shortest time and monitor for sedation and respiratory depression.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
- Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
- What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?
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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 Sodium oxybate
- Alprazolam + Sodium oxybate Contraindicated
- Amobarbital + Sodium oxybate Contraindicated
- Butorphanol + Sodium oxybate Contraindicated
- Chloral hydrate + Sodium oxybate Contraindicated
- Clonazepam + Sodium oxybate Contraindicated
- Clorazepate + Sodium oxybate Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Imipramine with Sodium oxybate?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Imipramine and Sodium oxybate can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Sodium oxybate is a potent CNS and respiratory depressant, and imipramine adds sedative effects. Together they can cause profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma and death. The risk is greater at higher doses or when alcohol or other depressants are also taken.
How serious is the interaction between Imipramine and Sodium oxybate?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid the combination where possible and choose a non-sedating alternative. If both are essential, use the lowest effective doses for the shortest time and monitor for sedation and respiratory depression.
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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