Drug interactions
Amitriptyline + Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol
Severity: Minor
Amitriptyline and Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol: minor 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
Estrogen-containing contraceptives may increase tricyclic antidepressant concentrations, leading to more anticholinergic, sedative and cardiovascular adverse effects. Antidepressant efficacy may also be altered, and the data are limited.
What this interaction means in plain words
Amitriptyline and Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Amitriptyline belongs to Central Nervous System; Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol belongs to Endocrine.
Why it happens
Ethinyl estradiol may inhibit oxidative metabolism of tricyclics; the mechanism is not firmly established.
What to do
Monitor for tricyclic adverse effects such as sedation, dry mouth and tachycardia. Reduce the amitriptyline dose if toxicity appears.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there anything I should notice while taking both?
- Do I need to tell my doctor at the next visit?
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Other interactions of Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol
- Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol + Fezolinetant Contraindicated
- Aminocaproic acid + Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol Major
- Amobarbital + Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol Major
- Anastrozole + Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol Major
- Apalutamide + Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol Major
- Atazanavir + Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol Major
Other interactions of Amitriptyline
- Amitriptyline + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Amitriptyline + Methylene blue Contraindicated
- Amitriptyline + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Amitriptyline + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Amitriptyline + Procarbazine Contraindicated
- Amitriptyline + Safinamide Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Amitriptyline with Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Amitriptyline and Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Estrogen-containing contraceptives may increase tricyclic antidepressant concentrations, leading to more anticholinergic, sedative and cardiovascular adverse effects. Antidepressant efficacy may also be altered, and the data are limited.
How serious is the interaction between Amitriptyline and Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor for tricyclic adverse effects such as sedation, dry mouth and tachycardia. Reduce the amitriptyline dose if toxicity appears.
What other medicines interact with Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol with, for example, Fezolinetant, Aminocaproic acid, Amobarbital. The full list is on the Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol page.
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