Drug interactions
Desipramine + L-tryptophan
Severity: Moderate
Desipramine and L-tryptophan: 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
Tryptophan is a serotonin precursor, and combining it with a tricyclic that inhibits serotonin reuptake may increase serotonergic effects. Cases of serotonin syndrome and agitation have been described with antidepressants and tryptophan.
What this interaction means in plain words
Desipramine and L-tryptophan 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
Increased serotonin synthesis combined with reuptake inhibition produces additive serotonergic effects.
What to do
Avoid combining where possible, or start at low doses and monitor for serotonin toxicity. Stop tryptophan if signs appear.
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?
Pro+ members
Unlock the full page
Create an account and start a Pro+ trial to unlock the full management advice for Desipramine and L-tryptophan, the additional notes, the evidence detail and the whole-prescription interaction checker.
- Full clinical management advice
- Additional notes
- Evidence detail
- Interaction checker for a whole prescription
Try Pro+ free for 7 days on the web. No card needed.
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 L-tryptophan?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Desipramine and L-tryptophan 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. Tryptophan is a serotonin precursor, and combining it with a tricyclic that inhibits serotonin reuptake may increase serotonergic effects. Cases of serotonin syndrome and agitation have been described with antidepressants and tryptophan.
How serious is the interaction between Desipramine and L-tryptophan?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid combining where possible, or start at low doses and monitor for serotonin toxicity. Stop tryptophan if signs appear.
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.
Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app
Open the complete reference, check multi-drug interactions and use dosing tools in the MediHelp app.
