Drug interactions
Desipramine + Phendimetrazine
Severity: Major
Desipramine and Phendimetrazine: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: US FDA label
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
Tricyclic antidepressants can alter the response to sympathomimetic anorectics, potentiating cardiovascular effects such as hypertension, tachycardia and arrhythmias. Indirect-acting agents may also have a reduced effect because their uptake into the neuron is blocked.
What this interaction means in plain words
Desipramine and Phendimetrazine can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.
Why it happens
Desipramine blocks norepinephrine reuptake and neuronal uptake of indirect sympathomimetics, altering their pressor and stimulant effects.
What to do
Avoid the combination where possible. If used, monitor blood pressure and heart rate closely and reduce the sympathomimetic dose if cardiovascular effects appear.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
- Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
- What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?
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References
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 Phendimetrazine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Desipramine and Phendimetrazine can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Tricyclic antidepressants can alter the response to sympathomimetic anorectics, potentiating cardiovascular effects such as hypertension, tachycardia and arrhythmias. Indirect-acting agents may also have a reduced effect because their uptake into the neuron is blocked.
How serious is the interaction between Desipramine and Phendimetrazine?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid the combination where possible. If used, monitor blood pressure and heart rate closely and reduce the sympathomimetic dose if cardiovascular effects appear.
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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