Drug interactions
Desipramine + Olanzapine / samidorphan
Severity: Moderate
Desipramine and Olanzapine / samidorphan: 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
Olanzapine and desipramine both cause sedation, orthostatic hypotension and anticholinergic effects, so combined use increases these risks. Dizziness and falls are of most concern in older patients.
What this interaction means in plain words
Desipramine and Olanzapine / samidorphan 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.
Why it happens
Additive CNS depression, hypotensive and anticholinergic effects.
What to do
Monitor blood pressure and sedation, and rise slowly from sitting or lying. Reduce doses if orthostasis or anticholinergic effects develop.
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
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Desipramine with Olanzapine / samidorphan?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Desipramine and Olanzapine / samidorphan 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. Olanzapine and desipramine both cause sedation, orthostatic hypotension and anticholinergic effects, so combined use increases these risks. Dizziness and falls are of most concern in older patients.
How serious is the interaction between Desipramine and Olanzapine / samidorphan?
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 blood pressure and sedation, and rise slowly from sitting or lying. Reduce doses if orthostasis or anticholinergic effects develop.
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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