Drug interactions
Desipramine + Liotrix
Severity: Moderate
Desipramine and Liotrix: 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
Liotrix contains levothyroxine and liothyronine, which can increase sensitivity to catecholamines. With a tricyclic antidepressant this may increase the risk of tachycardia, arrhythmias and CNS stimulation. The effect is most relevant at higher thyroid doses or with cardiac disease.
What this interaction means in plain words
Desipramine and Liotrix 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 adrenergic receptor sensitivity from thyroid hormone, adding to the noradrenergic effects of desipramine.
What to do
Monitor heart rate, rhythm and thyroid function. Adjust the thyroid or antidepressant dose if arrhythmia or marked CNS stimulation occurs.
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 Liotrix?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Desipramine and Liotrix 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. Liotrix contains levothyroxine and liothyronine, which can increase sensitivity to catecholamines. With a tricyclic antidepressant this may increase the risk of tachycardia, arrhythmias and CNS stimulation. The effect is most relevant at higher thyroid doses or with cardiac disease.
How serious is the interaction between Desipramine and Liotrix?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor heart rate, rhythm and thyroid function. Adjust the thyroid or antidepressant dose if arrhythmia or marked CNS stimulation occurs.
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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