Drug interactions
Codeine + Desipramine
Severity: Moderate
Codeine 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 adds sedation and anticholinergic effects to codeine. It is also a CYP2D6 substrate and weak inhibitor that may reduce conversion of codeine to morphine, and a combined serotonergic effect is possible.
What this interaction means in plain words
Codeine 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.
Codeine belongs to Musculoskeletal; Desipramine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive CNS depression plus CYP2D6 competition that may reduce formation of morphine from codeine.
What to do
Monitor for sedation and for reduced analgesia; consider a non-CYP2D6-dependent opioid if pain control is inadequate. Watch for signs of serotonin toxicity.
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 Codeine
- Alvimopan + Codeine Contraindicated
- Codeine + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Codeine + Olanzapine / samidorphan Contraindicated
- Codeine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Codeine + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
- Alfentanil + Codeine Major
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 Codeine with Desipramine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Codeine 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 adds sedation and anticholinergic effects to codeine. It is also a CYP2D6 substrate and weak inhibitor that may reduce conversion of codeine to morphine, and a combined serotonergic effect is possible.
How serious is the interaction between Codeine 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 and for reduced analgesia; consider a non-CYP2D6-dependent opioid if pain control is inadequate. Watch for signs of serotonin toxicity.
What other medicines interact with Codeine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Codeine with, for example, Alvimopan, Isocarboxazid, Olanzapine / samidorphan. The full list is on the Codeine page.
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