Drug interactions
Desipramine + Dextromethorphan
Severity: Moderate
Desipramine and Dextromethorphan: 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 has weaker serotonergic activity than other tricyclics, but combined use with dextromethorphan may still increase serotonin syndrome risk. Desipramine is also a CYP2D6 substrate and may compete for metabolism.
What this interaction means in plain words
Desipramine and Dextromethorphan 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 belongs to Central Nervous System; Dextromethorphan belongs to Respiratory.
Why it happens
Additive serotonergic effects and competition for CYP2D6 metabolism.
What to do
Use standard short-course doses of dextromethorphan and monitor for serotonin toxicity and anticholinergic or CNS effects. Switch to another antitussive if symptoms 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 Dextromethorphan
- Dextromethorphan + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Dextromethorphan + Linezolid Contraindicated
- Dextromethorphan + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Dextromethorphan + Rasagiline Contraindicated
- Dextromethorphan + Safinamide Contraindicated
- Dextromethorphan + Selegiline Contraindicated
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 Desipramine with Dextromethorphan?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Desipramine and Dextromethorphan 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 has weaker serotonergic activity than other tricyclics, but combined use with dextromethorphan may still increase serotonin syndrome risk. Desipramine is also a CYP2D6 substrate and may compete for metabolism.
How serious is the interaction between Desipramine and Dextromethorphan?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Use standard short-course doses of dextromethorphan and monitor for serotonin toxicity and anticholinergic or CNS effects. Switch to another antitussive if symptoms occur.
What other medicines interact with Dextromethorphan?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Dextromethorphan with, for example, Isocarboxazid, Linezolid, Phenelzine. The full list is on the Dextromethorphan page.
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