Kratom + Lofepramine
Lofepramine brand names: Feprapax, Lomont, Gamanil, Tymelyt.
Lofepramine falls into 4 drug categories that Kratom can interact with; the most serious is rated moderate. Theoretically, concomitant use might increase the risk for adverse CNS depressant effects.
Read the full interaction reportKratom and Lofepramine
These two interact in 4 distinct ways. Each one is explained separately below.
Why Are There 4 Interactions?
Kratom interacts with whole categories of medication. Lofepramine falls into 4 of those categories, so it can interact with Kratom in 4 different ways. We’ve listed each one below — your overall risk is driven by the most serious of them (Moderate).
CNS DEPRESSANTS
1 of 4Why this applies to Lofepramine
Lofepramine falls under CNS DEPRESSANTS — the group Kratom interacts with.
Kratom contains mitragynine, a mu-receptor agonist that may cause respiratory depression. Although results from animal research suggest that mitragynine causes less respiratory depression than the CNS depressant codeine, fatalities have been reported for patients who ingested a combination of kratom and O-desmethyltramadol, another mu-receptor agonist. Additionally, observational research suggests that adverse effects such as drowsiness and coma are more likely to occur in individuals taking kratom in combination with agents such as opioids and sedatives. Theoretically, ingesting kratom along with other CNS depressants can increase the risk of adverse effects, including drowsiness, coma, and/or severe or fatal respiratory depression.
Interaction has been documented in animal or in lab research, or the interaction has been documented in humans but is limited to case reports or conflicting clinical research exists.
Lofepramine is a tricyclic antidepressant, and like others in that family it can leave you feeling drowsy, foggy, or sedated, especially when you first start it. Kratom acts partly like an opioid on the brain and can add its own calming, slowing effects. Put them together and those sedating effects can stack up, so you may feel more sleepy, dizzy, or mentally slowed than you would expect from either one alone.
To be fair, this is a theoretical concern based on how both substances behave, not on solid studies of this exact pair. Still, the real worry is breathing that becomes too slow or shallow if effects add together, which has been seen when kratom is mixed with other depressants. I would not start, stop, or change anything on your own. Please talk it through with your pharmacist or doctor first.
- Backstrom BG, Classon G, Lowenhielm P, Thelander G. [Krypton--new, deadly Internet drug. Since October 2009 have nine young persons died in Sweden]. Lakartidningen 2010;107(50):3196-3197.
- Kronstrand R, Roman M, Thelander G, Eriksson A. Unintentional fatal intoxications with mitragynine and O-desmethyltramadol from the herbal blend Krypton. J Anal Toxicol 2011;35(4):242-247. PubMed
- Jansen KL, Prast CJ. Ethnopharmacology of kratom and the Mitragyna alkaloids. J Ethnopharmacol 1988;23(1):115-119. PubMed
- Davidson C, Cao D, King T, et al. A comparative analysis of kratom exposure cases in Thailand and the United States from 2010-2017. Am J Drug Alcohol Abuse. 2020:1-10. PubMed
CYTOCHROME P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) SUBSTRATES
2 of 4Lofepramine also falls under CYTOCHROME P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) SUBSTRATES.
In vitro research suggests that kratom extract inhibits CYP2D6 enzyme activity. However, human research shows that a single low dose of kratom tea 2 grams does not inhibit CYP2D6 activity. However, this kratom dose is lower than what is normally taken for psychoactive effects. In one case report, a 63-year-old male presented with possible serotonin syndrome after taking an unknown dose of kratom for up to 3 months along with serotonergic prescription medications bupropion, buspirone, desvenlafaxine, trazodone, and ziprasidone. It was hypothesized that kratom inhibited CYP2D6-mediated metabolism of buspirone and consequently increased systemic exposure to serotonin. In another case, a 37-year-old male stable for 15 years on amitriptyline presented with anticholinergic symptoms including xerostomia, dry eyes, and constipation, along with mildly elevated bilirubin and liver enzymes after taking progressively higher doses of up to 14 grams of kratom daily for 12 weeks. It was hypothesized that the adverse effects of amitriptyline were precipitated by CYP2D6 inhibition by kratom.
Interaction has been documented in animal or in lab research, or the interaction has been documented in humans but is limited to case reports or conflicting clinical research exists.
Here's the gist: your body relies on a liver enzyme called CYP2D6 to break down and clear lofepramine, a tricyclic antidepressant. Kratom may slow that enzyme down. If it does, lofepramine could build up in your system more than expected, which can mean stronger side effects like a dry mouth, blurry vision, constipation, drowsiness, dizziness, or a faster heartbeat. Lofepramine is not a prodrug, so this is about more drug effect, not less.
I want to be honest about the evidence here. This is mostly theoretical and based on lab work plus a couple of case reports, and one came from a similar tricyclic. A tiny dose of kratom tea didn't block the enzyme, but typical kratom amounts are much higher. Please don't change anything on your own. Just loop in your pharmacist or doctor first.
- Kong WM, Chik Z, Ramachandra M, et al. Evaluation of the effects of Mitragyna speciosa alkaloid extract on cytochrome P450 enzymes using a high throughput assay. Molecules. 2011;16(9):7344-7356. PubMed
- Eudaley ST, Brooks SP, Hamilton LA. Case Report: Possible Serotonin Syndrome in a Patient Taking Kratom and Multiple Serotonergic Agents. J Pharm Pract 2022. PubMed
- Tanna RS, Nguyen JT, Hadi DL, et al. Clinical Assessment of the Drug Interaction Potential of the Psychotropic Natural Product Kratom. Clin Pharmacol Ther 2023;113(6):1315-1325. PubMed
- Vanani NB, Stevanovic SG, Stevanovic N. Adverse Drug Interaction Between Kratom and Amitriptyline With Gastrointestinal and Mild Hepatic Effects. Cureus 2023;15(1):e33809. PubMed
CYTOCHROME P450 1A2 (CYP1A2) SUBSTRATES
3 of 4Lofepramine also falls under CYTOCHROME P450 1A2 (CYP1A2) SUBSTRATES.
In vitro research suggests that kratom extract inhibits the activity of CYP1A2. In one case report, a 63-year-old male presented with possible serotonin syndrome after taking an unknown dose of kratom for up to 3 months along with serotonergic prescription medications bupropion, buspirone, desvenlafaxine, trazodone, and ziprasidone. It was hypothesized that kratom inhibited CYP1A2-mediaed metabolism of ziprasidone which consequently increased systemic exposure to serotonin.
Interaction has been documented in animal or in lab research, or the interaction has been documented in humans but is limited to case reports or conflicting clinical research exists.
Here's the basic idea with kratom and lofepramine, your tricyclic antidepressant. Lofepramine is partly cleared from your body by a liver enzyme called CYP1A2. Lab studies suggest kratom may slow that enzyme down. If that happens, lofepramine could build up a bit more than usual, which can mean stronger effects and more side effects.
With lofepramine, that might look like extra drowsiness, dry mouth, constipation, blurred vision, dizziness on standing, or a faster heartbeat. I want to be honest though: this is a theoretical concern based mostly on test-tube research, not strong human studies. Kratom carries its own real risks too, so please talk with your pharmacist or doctor before mixing these.
- Kong WM, Chik Z, Ramachandra M, et al. Evaluation of the effects of Mitragyna speciosa alkaloid extract on cytochrome P450 enzymes using a high throughput assay. Molecules. 2011;16(9):7344-7356. PubMed
- Eudaley ST, Brooks SP, Hamilton LA. Case Report: Possible Serotonin Syndrome in a Patient Taking Kratom and Multiple Serotonergic Agents. J Pharm Pract 2022. PubMed
CYTOCHROME P450 2C19 (CYP2C19) SUBSTRATES
4 of 4Lofepramine also falls under CYTOCHROME P450 2C19 (CYP2C19) SUBSTRATES.
In vitro research shows that kratom extract weakly inhibits CYP2C19 enzyme activity.
Interaction has been documented in animal or in lab research, or the interaction has been documented in humans but is limited to case reports or conflicting clinical research exists.
Lofepramine is a tricyclic antidepressant, and one of the pathways your body uses to break it down is an enzyme called CYP2C19. The thinking here is that kratom may gently slow that enzyme, so in theory more lofepramine could linger in your system. If that happened, you might notice the usual tricyclic side effects feeling a bit stronger, things like drowsiness, dry mouth, constipation, blurred vision, or a faster heartbeat.
I want to be honest about how soft this evidence is: it comes only from lab dish studies showing weak blocking of the enzyme, not from real patients. So this is very much a theoretical, minor concern. Still, since kratom carries its own serious risks, please check with your pharmacist or doctor before pairing the two.
- Kong WM, Chik Z, Ramachandra M, et al. Evaluation of the effects of Mitragyna speciosa alkaloid extract on cytochrome P450 enzymes using a high throughput assay. Molecules. 2011;16(9):7344-7356. PubMed
What These Ratings Mean
Every interaction above is graded three ways — here’s the key to each label.
Clinically significant. Avoid the combination, or use only under close professional supervision.
Usually worth avoiding or managing — may need monitoring, a dose change, or timing apart.
Generally not serious. Be aware of it and mention it to your pharmacist.
- LikelyWell-controlled human studies have demonstrated the likely existence of this interaction.
- ProbableInteraction has not been documented in well-controlled studies, however, the interaction has been demonstrated in some small human studies or in controlled animal studies in conjunction with multiple case reports.
- PossibleInteraction has been documented in animal or in lab research, or the interaction has been documented in humans but is limited to case reports or conflicting clinical research exists.
- UnlikelyInteraction has been demonstrated in animal or in lab research but has been shown not to occur in humans.
- AHigh-quality meta-analysis (quantitative systematic review).
- BCase-control study.
- CConsensus.
- DAnecdotal evidence.
These ratings are for information only. Never start, stop, or otherwise change your therapy before speaking with your provider.
Kratom Also Interacts With Other Medications
Kratom has 982 moderate, 12 minor known drug interactions in our database — the Lofepramine one above is among them. If you take anything else, check it against the full list below.
Check Another of Your Medications Against Kratom
We haven’t checked that one against Kratom yet — ask our pharmacists directly.
Covers the 2,830 medications we’ve checked against Kratom. Pick one to open its full report.
Questions About Kratom or Lofepramine
These are real questions from readers, answered by the pharmacists at HelloPharmacist — written by a person, not generated from a database. Each one covers Kratom or Lofepramine, not necessarily both, but if one is close to what you were about to ask it will usually go further than a database entry can:
Not quite your question? Ask our pharmacists directly — it is free, there is no account required, and answers usually come back within 24 hours.
See Every Supplement That Interacts With Lofepramine
This page covers Kratom only. If you take other supplements — a multivitamin, a sleep aid, something for joints — the Lofepramine page lists 244 supplements it has a documented interaction with, worst first, each one explained.
The most serious there right now: 1,4-butanediol (major), Activated Charcoal (major), American Hellebore (major), Arsenic (major) and Beer (major).
By severity: 15 major · 190 moderate · 39 minor.
Taking Kratom as Part of a Dietary Supplement Product? Check It for Interactions
We hold 8 real supplement products containing Kratom, each one broken down to its full ingredient list — and combination products often carry several ingredients besides Kratom. Your product may carry other ingredients that interact with Lofepramine too, on top of Kratom — and those would not show on this page. Find your product and we’ll check every ingredient on its label:
Where Kratom and Lofepramine Sit Against Everything Else
Out of every supplement and medication people look up on HelloPharmacist, here is where these two land this week — and which way each has been moving.
#366 of 1,452 supplements looked up here in the last 7 days
#1,900 of 2,830 medications looked up here in the last 7 days
Position among everything looked up on this site, not a measure of how commonly either one is used or how important it is. A supplement can climb this list because of a news story. It counts every request to the page, automated ones included, and nothing here identifies anyone.
About Kratom
What is Kratom?
- Pain relief
- Opioid withdrawal symptoms
- Anxiety and stress
- Low energy or fatigue
- Mood enhancement
Kratom is a Southeast Asian plant whose leaves act on the brain's opioid receptors and can produce both stimulant-like and opioid-like effects. It is not approved or proven safe by health regulators, carries real risks of dependence and serious harm, and its legal status varies widely. Talk to a pharmacist or doctor before considering it.
Other Drugs & Kratom
Browse every other medication we’ve checked against Kratom — both the ones with a known interaction and the ones without. Select any drug for the full detail.
No drugs match “”.
982 interactions
- Diltiazem ›
- Theophylline ›
- Nifedipine ›
- Metronidazole ›
- Diphenhydramine ›
- Hydrocortisone ›
- Methylphenidate ›
- Naproxen ›
- Erythromycin ›
- Estradiol ›
- Propranolol ›
- Lidocaine ›
- Norethindrone ›
- Testosterone ›
- Verapamil ›
- Levonorgestrel ›
- Prednisone ›
- Quinidine ›
- Cyclosporine ›
- Dexamethasone ›
- Flurazepam ›
- Triazolam ›
- Zopiclone ›
- Ciprofloxacin ›
- Colchicine ›
- Fentanyl ›
- Oxybutynin ›
- Oxycodone ›
- Phenytoin ›
- Prednisolone ›
- Tacrolimus ›
- Temazepam ›
- Budesonide ›
- Carbamazepine ›
- Clindamycin ›
- Dextromethorphan ›
- Doxorubicin ›
- Fluticasone ›
- Formoterol ›
- Miconazole ›
- Morphine Sulfate ›
- Nitrazepam ›
- Phenylephrine ›
- Trimipramine ›
- Acetaminophen ›
- Amphetamine ›
- Buprenorphine ›
- Conjugated Estrogens ›
- Diazepam ›
- Everolimus ›
- Ivabradine ›
- Medroxyprogesterone ›
- Medroxyprogesterone Acetate ›
- Meprobamate ›
- Nortriptyline ›
- Oxymorphone ›
- Propoxyphene ›
- Rifampin ›
- Selegiline ›
- Sumatriptan Succinate ›
Showing 60 of 982 moderate interactions — see all 982 on the Kratom page.
12 interactions
No interaction 1,835 drugs checked — show the list
We also checked Kratom against these medications and found no known interaction in our sources. Open any page to confirm.
- Levothyroxine ›
- Aspirin ›
- Ivermectin ›
- Rosuvastatin ›
- Docusate ›
- Valacyclovir ›
- Hydroxyurea ›
- Ibuprofen ›
- Semaglutide ›
- Tirzepatide ›
- Bupropion ›
- Metformin ›
- Amoxicillin ›
- Acyclovir ›
- Lisinopril ›
- Doxycycline ›
- Methotrexate ›
- Azithromycin ›
- Isotretinoin ›
- Levothyroxine, Liothyronine ›
- Cyclopentolate ›
- Candesartan Cilexetil ›
- Cephalexin ›
- Mannitol ›
- Pegunigalsidase Alfa-iwxj ›
- Daptomycin ›
- Hexobarbitone ›
- Valsartan ›
- Levothyroxine Sodium ›
- Factor 7a ›
- Carbidopa, Levodopa ›
- Thyroid Hormone ›
- Minoxidil ›
- Mitomycin ›
- Levodopa ›
- Cefaclor ›
- Ezetimibe ›
- Spironolactone ›
- Lenvatinib ›
- Vancomycin ›
- Hethylphenidate Hcl ›
- Bentoquatam ›
- Dirithromycin ›
- Procainamide ›
- Tenecteplase ›
- Hydroxychloroquine ›
- Amoxicillin, Clavulanate Potassium ›
- Digoxin ›
- Azelaic Acid ›
- Dextrothyroxine ›
- Triptorelin ›
- Lomustine ›
- Acetylsalicylic Acid ›
- Diclofenac Sodium ›
- Hydrochlorothiazide ›
- Tocainide ›
- Pizotifen ›
- Succimer ›
- Rocuronium ›
- Mitomycin C ›
Showing the 60 most looked-up of 1,835 medications checked with no known interaction — see the full Kratom list.
Sources & How We Checked
Interaction details are evidence-graded and sourced from the Natural Medicines database. The medication overview comes from MedlinePlus.
- Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center) — Evidence-graded clinical reference for vitamins, herbs and supplements — the basis for our interaction data.
- MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine — NIH consumer drug information, used for the medication overviews.
- NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD) — Official supplement product labels.
Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.
Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.
DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.
© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC
Lofepramine Is Linked to Lower Levels of 3 Nutrients
Natural Medicines records Lofepramine as a medicine that can lower these. This is not an interaction with Kratom — it is a separate effect of the medicine, and it is a reason some people are advised to supplement rather than to avoid one:
Read the full Lofepramine nutrient depletion report ›
Depletion records come from the licensed Natural Medicines database. Do not start a supplement on the strength of this page — ask your pharmacist or doctor whether it applies to you.
Taking Kratom and Lofepramine Together: Common Questions
Can you take Kratom with Lofepramine?
Why are there 4 interactions listed for Kratom and Lofepramine?
How serious is the Kratom and Lofepramine interaction?
Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy
Still Have a Question About Lofepramine and Kratom?
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This information is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always check with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or combining supplements and medications.