Drug interactions
Imipramine + Yohimbine
Severity: Major
Imipramine and Yohimbine: 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
Yohimbine blocks alpha-2 receptors and increases noradrenergic outflow, and imipramine blocks norepinephrine reuptake. Together they can cause hypertension, tachycardia, anxiety and agitation. Yohimbine has also been reported to cause hypertensive responses in patients on tricyclics.
What this interaction means in plain words
Imipramine and Yohimbine 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.
Why it happens
Additive increase in synaptic norepinephrine from alpha-2 antagonism by yohimbine and reuptake inhibition by imipramine.
What to do
Avoid the combination. If yohimbine is used, monitor blood pressure and heart rate and stop it if hypertension or marked anxiety develops.
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
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Imipramine with Yohimbine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Imipramine and Yohimbine 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. Yohimbine blocks alpha-2 receptors and increases noradrenergic outflow, and imipramine blocks norepinephrine reuptake. Together they can cause hypertension, tachycardia, anxiety and agitation. Yohimbine has also been reported to cause hypertensive responses in patients on tricyclics.
How serious is the interaction between Imipramine and Yohimbine?
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. If yohimbine is used, monitor blood pressure and heart rate and stop it if hypertension or marked anxiety develops.
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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