Drug interactions
Desipramine + Modafinil
Severity: Moderate
Desipramine and Modafinil: 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
Modafinil may modestly raise tricyclic exposure through inhibition of CYP2C19 and, to a lesser extent, CYP2D6 in people with reduced activity. Pharmacodynamically, modafinil is stimulating and desipramine is sedating, so the net clinical effect is unpredictable.
What this interaction means in plain words
Desipramine and Modafinil 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; Modafinil belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Possible modafinil inhibition of tricyclic metabolism, with opposing CNS effects.
What to do
Monitor for tricyclic adverse effects such as anticholinergic symptoms and tachycardia. Consider a lower desipramine dose or a level if toxicity 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
Other interactions of Modafinil
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Desipramine with Modafinil?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Desipramine and Modafinil 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. Modafinil may modestly raise tricyclic exposure through inhibition of CYP2C19 and, to a lesser extent, CYP2D6 in people with reduced activity. Pharmacodynamically, modafinil is stimulating and desipramine is sedating, so the net clinical effect is unpredictable.
How serious is the interaction between Desipramine and Modafinil?
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 for tricyclic adverse effects such as anticholinergic symptoms and tachycardia. Consider a lower desipramine dose or a level if toxicity 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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