Drug interactions
Desipramine + Midazolam
Severity: Moderate
Desipramine and Midazolam: 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
Both drugs cause sedation, so combined use can increase drowsiness and psychomotor impairment. Desipramine is a less sedating tricyclic, but the effect is still additive.
What this interaction means in plain words
Desipramine and Midazolam 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.
Desipramine belongs to Central Nervous System; Midazolam belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive CNS depression via GABA-A potentiation and antihistaminic/anticholinergic effects of the tricyclic.
What to do
Start with a reduced midazolam dose and titrate to response. Monitor sedation level and respiration, and counsel outpatients on driving and machinery.
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 Midazolam
- Atazanavir + Midazolam Contraindicated
- Cobicistat + Midazolam Contraindicated
- Darunavir + Midazolam Contraindicated
- Elvitegravir / cobicistat / emtricitabine / tenofovir df + Midazolam Contraindicated
- Fosamprenavir + Midazolam Contraindicated
- Indinavir + Midazolam Contraindicated
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 Midazolam?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Desipramine and Midazolam 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. Both drugs cause sedation, so combined use can increase drowsiness and psychomotor impairment. Desipramine is a less sedating tricyclic, but the effect is still additive.
How serious is the interaction between Desipramine and Midazolam?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Start with a reduced midazolam dose and titrate to response. Monitor sedation level and respiration, and counsel outpatients on driving and machinery.
What other medicines interact with Midazolam?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Midazolam with, for example, Atazanavir, Cobicistat, Darunavir. The full list is on the Midazolam page.
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