Drug interactions
Desipramine + Lisdexamfetamine
Severity: Major
Desipramine and Lisdexamfetamine: 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
Tricyclics can enhance the cardiovascular effects of amphetamines, causing hypertension, tachycardia and arrhythmias. Amphetamines may also increase tricyclic concentrations in the brain and lower seizure threshold.
What this interaction means in plain words
Desipramine and Lisdexamfetamine 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; Lisdexamfetamine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Tricyclic blockade of norepinephrine reuptake and possible CYP2D6 inhibition potentiate amphetamine sympathomimetic activity.
What to do
Avoid if possible; if combined, start with low doses and monitor blood pressure, heart rate and ECG, adjusting based on response.
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 Lisdexamfetamine
- Isocarboxazid + Lisdexamfetamine Contraindicated
- Linezolid + Lisdexamfetamine Contraindicated
- Lisdexamfetamine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Lisdexamfetamine + Procarbazine Contraindicated
- Lisdexamfetamine + Rasagiline Contraindicated
- Lisdexamfetamine + Safinamide Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Desipramine with Lisdexamfetamine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Desipramine and Lisdexamfetamine 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. Tricyclics can enhance the cardiovascular effects of amphetamines, causing hypertension, tachycardia and arrhythmias. Amphetamines may also increase tricyclic concentrations in the brain and lower seizure threshold.
How serious is the interaction between Desipramine and Lisdexamfetamine?
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 if possible; if combined, start with low doses and monitor blood pressure, heart rate and ECG, adjusting based on response.
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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