maddoglover45: Alcohol when reducing imipramine

[maddoglover45]

Hi. This is my first post.

 

I have been on imipramine for 6 years (clomipramine before that for 22) and am also on aripiprazole. Am reducing imipramine atm and have over 2 months come down to 100mg from 150mg. Tonight have had a glass of wine and am wondering if should avoid a second as had slight palpitations earlier after drinking it. Is this normal when reducing off imipramine? Is it safe to have another glass of wine?

 

Thanks.

[brassmonkey]

No it is not a good idea to have a second glass of wine. Alcohol reacts badly with  clomipramine, and can cause increased side effects and symptoms.  We highly recommend that people stop drinking alcohol while taking and tapering ADs. It is known to trigger very bad waves and is one of the best ways there is to derail an otherwise successful taper.

[maddoglover45]

Thank you for your reply.

[ChessieCat]

Hi maddoglover and welcome to SA,

 

So that we can see your drug history at a glance, please create your drug signature.  The topic explains what is needed: 

• please-summarize-your-withdrawal-history-in-your-signature

 

This link takes you straight to your signature.  Remember to Save when you have completed it. 

• Account Settings – Create or Edit a signature

 

SA recommends tapering by no more than 10% of the previous dose followed by a hold of about 4 weeks to allow the brain to adapt to not getting as much of the drug.  Please see this topic.

• Why taper by 10% of my dosage?

 

If a psychiatric drug is reduced too quickly a person might experience withdrawal symptoms.

• Dr Joseph Glenmullen's Withdrawal Symptoms

 

This topic explains how to get the doses you need.

• tips-for-tapering-off-imipramine-tofranil

 

 

 

[ChessieCat]

15 hours ago, maddoglover45 said:

Tonight have had a glass of wine and am wondering if should avoid a second as had slight palpitations earlier after drinking it. Is this normal when reducing off imipramine? Is it safe to have another glass of wine?

 

From https://www.drugs.com/drug_interactions.html

Interactions between your drugs

Moderate

imipramine ARIPiprazole

Applies to: imipramine, aripiprazole

Using imipramine together with ARIPiprazole may increase side effects such as drowsiness, blurred vision, dry mouth, heat intolerance, flushing, decreased sweating, difficulty urinating, abdominal cramping, constipation, irregular heartbeat, confusion, and memory problems. Side effects may be more likely to occur in the elderly or those with a debilitating condition. You should avoid or limit the use of alcohol while being treated with these medications.

[maddoglover45]

Thank you for all that info ChessieCat, is much appreciated.