Drug interactions
Desipramine + Diazepam
Severity: Moderate
Desipramine and Diazepam: 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 is less sedating than other tricyclics but can still add to diazepam's CNS depression, producing drowsiness and impaired performance. Anticholinergic and orthostatic effects may also contribute in older adults.
What this interaction means in plain words
Desipramine and Diazepam 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; Diazepam belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Additive CNS depression from GABA-A potentiation and antihistaminic and anticholinergic effects of the tricyclic.
What to do
Monitor for sedation, dizziness and falls, especially at initiation and dose increases. Counsel on driving and alcohol use.
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 Diazepam
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 Diazepam?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Desipramine and Diazepam 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 is less sedating than other tricyclics but can still add to diazepam's CNS depression, producing drowsiness and impaired performance. Anticholinergic and orthostatic effects may also contribute in older adults.
How serious is the interaction between Desipramine and Diazepam?
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, dizziness and falls, especially at initiation and dose increases. Counsel on driving and alcohol use.
What other medicines interact with Diazepam?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Diazepam with, for example, Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates, Alfentanil, Alprazolam. The full list is on the Diazepam page.
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