Drug interactions
Clomipramine + Desvenlafaxine
Severity: Major
Clomipramine and Desvenlafaxine: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: US FDA label
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
Both drugs increase synaptic serotonin, so combined use raises the risk of serotonin syndrome. Desvenlafaxine can also raise blood pressure, adding cardiovascular strain.
What this interaction means in plain words
Clomipramine and Desvenlafaxine can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.
Clomipramine belongs to Central Nervous System; Desvenlafaxine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibition.
What to do
Avoid combining where possible. If necessary, use low doses with gradual titration and monitor for serotonin toxicity and blood pressure.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
- Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
- What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?
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References
Other interactions of Clomipramine
- Arsenic trioxide + Clomipramine Contraindicated
- Clomipramine + Dofetilide Contraindicated
- Clomipramine + Droperidol Contraindicated
- Clomipramine + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Clomipramine + Methylene blue Contraindicated
- Clomipramine + Pentamidine Contraindicated
Other interactions of Desvenlafaxine
- Desvenlafaxine + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Desvenlafaxine + Methylene blue Contraindicated
- Desvenlafaxine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Desvenlafaxine + Rasagiline Contraindicated
- Desvenlafaxine + Safinamide Contraindicated
- Desvenlafaxine + Selegiline Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Clomipramine with Desvenlafaxine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Clomipramine and Desvenlafaxine can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Both drugs increase synaptic serotonin, so combined use raises the risk of serotonin syndrome. Desvenlafaxine can also raise blood pressure, adding cardiovascular strain.
How serious is the interaction between Clomipramine and Desvenlafaxine?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid combining where possible. If necessary, use low doses with gradual titration and monitor for serotonin toxicity and blood pressure.
What other medicines interact with Clomipramine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Clomipramine with, for example, Arsenic trioxide, Dofetilide, Droperidol. The full list is on the Clomipramine page.
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