Drug interactions
Desipramine + Dosulepin
Severity: Major
Desipramine and Dosulepin: 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
Two tricyclic antidepressants combined produce additive QT prolongation, anticholinergic effects, sedation and serotonergic activity. Overdose-type toxicity and arrhythmia risk are increased.
What this interaction means in plain words
Desipramine and Dosulepin 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.
Desipramine belongs to Central Nervous System; Dosulepin belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive pharmacodynamic effects of two tricyclics, including sodium channel blockade, QT prolongation and monoamine reuptake inhibition.
What to do
Avoid duplicate tricyclic therapy; use a single agent and cross-taper with ECG monitoring if switching.
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 Desipramine
- Desipramine + Disopyramide Contraindicated
- Desipramine + Dofetilide Contraindicated
- Desipramine + Ibutilide Contraindicated
- Desipramine + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Desipramine + Methylene blue Contraindicated
- Desipramine + Pentamidine Contraindicated
Other interactions of Dosulepin
- Dosulepin + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Dosulepin + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Dosulepin + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Dosulepin + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
- Amitriptyline + Dosulepin Major
- Buprenorphine + Dosulepin Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Desipramine with Dosulepin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Desipramine and Dosulepin 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. Two tricyclic antidepressants combined produce additive QT prolongation, anticholinergic effects, sedation and serotonergic activity. Overdose-type toxicity and arrhythmia risk are increased.
How serious is the interaction between Desipramine and Dosulepin?
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 duplicate tricyclic therapy; use a single agent and cross-taper with ECG monitoring if switching.
What other medicines interact with Desipramine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Desipramine with, for example, Disopyramide, Dofetilide, Ibutilide. The full list is on the Desipramine page.
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