Drug interactions
Desipramine + Neostigmine
Severity: Minor
Desipramine and Neostigmine: minor 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 has anticholinergic properties that oppose the cholinergic effect of neostigmine. This may reduce the benefit of neostigmine, for example on muscle strength in myasthenia gravis or on bowel and bladder function.
What this interaction means in plain words
Desipramine and Neostigmine have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Desipramine belongs to Central Nervous System; Neostigmine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Pharmacodynamic antagonism between tricyclic antimuscarinic activity and cholinesterase inhibition.
What to do
Monitor for reduced response to neostigmine and adjust the dose if needed. Consider a less anticholinergic antidepressant if the effect is clinically relevant.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there anything I should notice while taking both?
- Do I need to tell my doctor at the next visit?
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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 Neostigmine
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Desipramine with Neostigmine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Desipramine and Neostigmine have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Desipramine has anticholinergic properties that oppose the cholinergic effect of neostigmine. This may reduce the benefit of neostigmine, for example on muscle strength in myasthenia gravis or on bowel and bladder function.
How serious is the interaction between Desipramine and Neostigmine?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor for reduced response to neostigmine and adjust the dose if needed. Consider a less anticholinergic antidepressant if the effect is clinically relevant.
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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