Drug interactions
Imipramine + Tobacco use
Severity: Moderate
Imipramine and Tobacco use: 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
Tobacco smoke can lower imipramine plasma concentrations and reduce its effect. Levels may rise after a patient stops smoking, increasing the risk of adverse effects.
What this interaction means in plain words
Imipramine and Tobacco use 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.
Why it happens
Smoke hydrocarbons induce CYP1A2, increasing imipramine metabolism.
What to do
Review imipramine dose when smoking status changes and monitor response and tolerability, using plasma levels if needed.
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
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Imipramine with Tobacco use?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Imipramine and Tobacco use 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. Tobacco smoke can lower imipramine plasma concentrations and reduce its effect. Levels may rise after a patient stops smoking, increasing the risk of adverse effects.
How serious is the interaction between Imipramine and Tobacco use?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Review imipramine dose when smoking status changes and monitor response and tolerability, using plasma levels if needed.
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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