Drug interactions
Cyproheptadine + Desipramine
Severity: Moderate
Cyproheptadine 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
Both have anticholinergic and sedative properties, so combined use can cause drowsiness, dry mouth, constipation, urinary retention and confusion. Cyproheptadine may also weaken the antidepressant effect through serotonin receptor antagonism.
What this interaction means in plain words
Cyproheptadine 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.
Cyproheptadine belongs to Respiratory; Desipramine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive anticholinergic and CNS depressant effects, with 5-HT2 antagonism by cyproheptadine.
What to do
Monitor for anticholinergic toxicity, sedation and reduced antidepressant response. Use lower doses in older patients.
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 Cyproheptadine
- Cyproheptadine + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Cyproheptadine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Cyproheptadine + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
- Alfentanil + Cyproheptadine Major
- Belladonna and opium + Cyproheptadine Major
- Benzhydrocodone / acetaminophen + Cyproheptadine 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 Cyproheptadine with Desipramine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Cyproheptadine 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. Both have anticholinergic and sedative properties, so combined use can cause drowsiness, dry mouth, constipation, urinary retention and confusion. Cyproheptadine may also weaken the antidepressant effect through serotonin receptor antagonism.
How serious is the interaction between Cyproheptadine 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 anticholinergic toxicity, sedation and reduced antidepressant response. Use lower doses in older patients.
What other medicines interact with Cyproheptadine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Cyproheptadine with, for example, Isocarboxazid, Phenelzine, Tranylcypromine. The full list is on the Cyproheptadine page.
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