Drug interactions
Desipramine + Flurazepam
Severity: Moderate
Desipramine and Flurazepam: 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
Flurazepam has long-acting active metabolites and is strongly sedating. Together with desipramine it can cause prolonged drowsiness, impaired coordination and falls, particularly in older adults.
What this interaction means in plain words
Desipramine and Flurazepam 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.
Why it happens
Additive CNS depression via GABA-A potentiation and sedative properties of the tricyclic.
What to do
Prefer a shorter-acting hypnotic or a lower flurazepam dose in older patients. Monitor for daytime sedation, confusion and falls.
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 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 Flurazepam?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Desipramine and Flurazepam 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. Flurazepam has long-acting active metabolites and is strongly sedating. Together with desipramine it can cause prolonged drowsiness, impaired coordination and falls, particularly in older adults.
How serious is the interaction between Desipramine and Flurazepam?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Prefer a shorter-acting hypnotic or a lower flurazepam dose in older patients. Monitor for daytime sedation, confusion and falls.
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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