Drug interactions
Butalbital + Desipramine
Severity: Moderate
Butalbital 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
Butalbital is a barbiturate that adds to the sedative effect of desipramine. Enzyme induction may also reduce tricyclic exposure with prolonged use.
What this interaction means in plain words
Butalbital 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.
Why it happens
Additive CNS depression and possible induction of hepatic metabolism.
What to do
Monitor for oversedation and loss of antidepressant efficacy. Limit butalbital use to the smallest frequency needed.
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
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Butalbital with Desipramine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Butalbital 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. Butalbital is a barbiturate that adds to the sedative effect of desipramine. Enzyme induction may also reduce tricyclic exposure with prolonged use.
How serious is the interaction between Butalbital 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 oversedation and loss of antidepressant efficacy. Limit butalbital use to the smallest frequency needed.
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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