Drug interactions
Imipramine + Trazodone
Severity: Major
Imipramine and Trazodone: 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
Both drugs have serotonergic activity and can prolong the QT interval, so the combination increases risks of serotonin syndrome and arrhythmia. Trazodone may also raise tricyclic levels and both cause sedation and orthostatic hypotension.
What this interaction means in plain words
Imipramine and Trazodone 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; Trazodone belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive serotonergic, QT-prolonging, sedative and hypotensive effects, with possible pharmacokinetic interaction.
What to do
Use low doses, monitor ECG, blood pressure and signs of serotonin toxicity, and consider tricyclic levels.
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 Trazodone
- Arsenic trioxide + Trazodone Contraindicated
- Ibutilide + Trazodone Contraindicated
- Isocarboxazid + Trazodone Contraindicated
- Levoketoconazole + Trazodone Contraindicated
- Methylene blue + Trazodone Contraindicated
- Phenelzine + Trazodone Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Imipramine with Trazodone?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Imipramine and Trazodone 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. Both drugs have serotonergic activity and can prolong the QT interval, so the combination increases risks of serotonin syndrome and arrhythmia. Trazodone may also raise tricyclic levels and both cause sedation and orthostatic hypotension.
How serious is the interaction between Imipramine and Trazodone?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Use low doses, monitor ECG, blood pressure and signs of serotonin toxicity, and consider tricyclic levels.
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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