Drug interactions
Desipramine + Methamphetamine
Severity: Major
Desipramine and Methamphetamine: 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
Tricyclic antidepressants can potentiate the pressor and cardiovascular effects of sympathomimetic amines, though they may also blunt the effect of indirectly acting agents. Hypertension, tachycardia and arrhythmias are possible, and desipramine levels may also rise.
What this interaction means in plain words
Desipramine and Methamphetamine 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; Methamphetamine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Blocked norepinephrine reuptake and altered neuronal uptake of amphetamines, with possible CYP2D6-related increases in tricyclic exposure.
What to do
Avoid the combination where possible. If used, monitor blood pressure, heart rate and ECG and start with low doses.
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?
Pro+ members
Unlock the full page
Create an account and start a Pro+ trial to unlock the full management advice for Desipramine and Methamphetamine, 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.
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 Methamphetamine
- Isocarboxazid + Methamphetamine Contraindicated
- Linezolid + Methamphetamine Contraindicated
- Methamphetamine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Methamphetamine + Procarbazine Contraindicated
- Methamphetamine + Rasagiline Contraindicated
- Methamphetamine + Safinamide Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Desipramine with Methamphetamine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Desipramine and Methamphetamine 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. Tricyclic antidepressants can potentiate the pressor and cardiovascular effects of sympathomimetic amines, though they may also blunt the effect of indirectly acting agents. Hypertension, tachycardia and arrhythmias are possible, and desipramine levels may also rise.
How serious is the interaction between Desipramine and Methamphetamine?
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 blood pressure, heart rate and ECG and start with low doses.
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.
