Drug interactions
Desipramine + Fenfluramine
Severity: Major
Desipramine and Fenfluramine: 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
Fenfluramine releases serotonin, and tricyclic antidepressants add serotonergic and noradrenergic effects. This may increase the risk of serotonin syndrome, and fenfluramine's labeling also warns about serotonergic combinations.
What this interaction means in plain words
Desipramine and Fenfluramine 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; Fenfluramine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive serotonergic activity, with tricyclic modulation of monoamine reuptake.
What to do
Avoid the combination where possible. If used, monitor for serotonin syndrome features such as agitation, clonus, hyperthermia and diarrhea.
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 Fenfluramine
- Fenfluramine + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Fenfluramine + Linezolid Contraindicated
- Fenfluramine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Fenfluramine + Selegiline Contraindicated
- Fenfluramine + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
- Almotriptan + Fenfluramine Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Desipramine with Fenfluramine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Desipramine and Fenfluramine 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. Fenfluramine releases serotonin, and tricyclic antidepressants add serotonergic and noradrenergic effects. This may increase the risk of serotonin syndrome, and fenfluramine's labeling also warns about serotonergic combinations.
How serious is the interaction between Desipramine and Fenfluramine?
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 the combination where possible. If used, monitor for serotonin syndrome features such as agitation, clonus, hyperthermia and diarrhea.
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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