Drug interactions
Desipramine + Morphine
Severity: Moderate
Desipramine and Morphine: 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
Desipramine can add sedation and may contribute to serotonergic effects when given with morphine. Tricyclics have also been reported to increase opioid exposure or effect in some cases.
What this interaction means in plain words
Desipramine and Morphine 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; Morphine belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Additive CNS depression, with a possible serotonergic contribution from desipramine's reuptake inhibition.
What to do
Monitor for sedation, respiratory depression and signs of serotonin syndrome. Begin with lower doses and titrate gradually.
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 Morphine
- Alvimopan + Morphine Contraindicated
- Isocarboxazid + Morphine Contraindicated
- Morphine + Olanzapine / samidorphan Contraindicated
- Morphine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Morphine + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
- Alfentanil + Morphine Major
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 Morphine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Desipramine and Morphine 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 can add sedation and may contribute to serotonergic effects when given with morphine. Tricyclics have also been reported to increase opioid exposure or effect in some cases.
How serious is the interaction between Desipramine and Morphine?
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 sedation, respiratory depression and signs of serotonin syndrome. Begin with lower doses and titrate gradually.
What other medicines interact with Morphine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Morphine with, for example, Alvimopan, Isocarboxazid, Olanzapine / samidorphan. The full list is on the Morphine page.
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