Drug interactions
Aripiprazole + Desipramine
Severity: Moderate
Aripiprazole and Desipramine: moderate 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
Desipramine may modestly raise aripiprazole exposure through weak CYP2D6 inhibition. Both drugs have small effects on sedation and QT interval, so the combination is generally tolerated but needs awareness.
What this interaction means in plain words
Aripiprazole and Desipramine can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Aripiprazole belongs to Central Nervous System; Desipramine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Possible CYP2D6 inhibition raising aripiprazole levels, with additive sedation and minor QT effects.
What to do
Monitor for sedation, akathisia and orthostasis, and obtain an ECG in patients with cardiac risk factors. Adjust the aripiprazole dose if adverse effects occur.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
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Other interactions of Desipramine
- Desipramine + Disopyramide Contraindicated
- Desipramine + Dofetilide Contraindicated
- Desipramine + Ibutilide Contraindicated
- Desipramine + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Desipramine + Methylene blue Contraindicated
- Desipramine + Pentamidine Contraindicated
Other interactions of Aripiprazole
- Aripiprazole + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Aripiprazole + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Amisulpride + Aripiprazole Major
- Aripiprazole + Arsenic trioxide Major
- Aripiprazole + Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates Major
- Aripiprazole + Carbamazepine Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Aripiprazole with Desipramine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Aripiprazole and Desipramine can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Desipramine may modestly raise aripiprazole exposure through weak CYP2D6 inhibition. Both drugs have small effects on sedation and QT interval, so the combination is generally tolerated but needs awareness.
How serious is the interaction between Aripiprazole and Desipramine?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor for sedation, akathisia and orthostasis, and obtain an ECG in patients with cardiac risk factors. Adjust the aripiprazole dose if adverse effects occur.
What other medicines interact with Desipramine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Desipramine with, for example, Disopyramide, Dofetilide, Ibutilide. The full list is on the Desipramine page.
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