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Drug interactions

Desipramine + Ethinyl estradiol-norgestimate

Severity: Minor

Desipramine and Ethinyl estradiol-norgestimate: minor 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

Estrogen-containing contraceptives may increase desipramine concentrations, raising the risk of anticholinergic effects, sedation and cardiac conduction effects. The magnitude is variable and usually modest.

What this interaction means in plain words

Desipramine and Ethinyl estradiol-norgestimate have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.

Desipramine belongs to Central Nervous System; Ethinyl estradiol-norgestimate belongs to Endocrine.

Evidence level: Low

Why it happens

Ethinyl estradiol may reduce oxidative hepatic metabolism of tricyclic antidepressants.

What to do

Monitor for tricyclic adverse effects and consider checking desipramine levels or reducing the dose if toxicity is suspected.

What to ask your pharmacist

  • Is there anything I should notice while taking both?
  • Do I need to tell my doctor at the next visit?

Bring a full list of your medicines, including over-the-counter products, supplements and herbal remedies, to every pharmacy visit.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I take Desipramine with Ethinyl estradiol-norgestimate?

MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Desipramine and Ethinyl estradiol-norgestimate have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Estrogen-containing contraceptives may increase desipramine concentrations, raising the risk of anticholinergic effects, sedation and cardiac conduction effects. The magnitude is variable and usually modest.

How serious is the interaction between Desipramine and Ethinyl estradiol-norgestimate?

MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor for tricyclic adverse effects and consider checking desipramine levels or reducing the dose if toxicity is suspected.

What other medicines interact with Ethinyl estradiol-norgestimate?

MediHelp also lists interactions of Ethinyl estradiol-norgestimate with, for example, Fezolinetant, Ombitasvir / paritaprevir / ritonavir and dasabuvir, Tranexamic acid. The full list is on the Ethinyl estradiol-norgestimate page.

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