Drug interactions
Desipramine + Ethinylestradiol
Severity: Minor
Desipramine and Ethinylestradiol: 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 raise tricyclic antidepressant concentrations, and in some patients the antidepressant response is altered. Patients may experience more anticholinergic, sedative or cardiovascular adverse effects from desipramine.
What this interaction means in plain words
Desipramine and Ethinylestradiol have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Why it happens
Ethinylestradiol may reduce oxidative hepatic metabolism of tricyclic antidepressants, although the mechanism is not firmly established.
What to do
Monitor for tricyclic adverse effects such as dry mouth, sedation and tachycardia when starting or stopping the estrogen. Consider checking desipramine levels or reducing the dose if toxicity appears.
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?
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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 Ethinylestradiol?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Desipramine and Ethinylestradiol 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 raise tricyclic antidepressant concentrations, and in some patients the antidepressant response is altered. Patients may experience more anticholinergic, sedative or cardiovascular adverse effects from desipramine.
How serious is the interaction between Desipramine and Ethinylestradiol?
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 such as dry mouth, sedation and tachycardia when starting or stopping the estrogen. Consider checking desipramine levels or reducing the dose if toxicity appears.
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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