Drug interactions
Desipramine + Quetiapine
Severity: Major
Desipramine and Quetiapine: 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
Both drugs are sedating, anticholinergic and associated with QT prolongation, so the combination increases the risk of arrhythmia, particularly in overdose or with other risk factors. Additive orthostatic hypotension is also common.
What this interaction means in plain words
Desipramine and Quetiapine 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.
Desipramine belongs to Central Nervous System; Quetiapine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive QT prolongation, CNS depression, anticholinergic effects and alpha-1 blockade.
What to do
Obtain a baseline ECG and correct electrolyte abnormalities. Avoid the combination in patients with QT risk factors, otherwise use the lowest doses and monitor ECG and blood pressure.
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
Other interactions of Quetiapine
- Adagrasib + Quetiapine Major
- Amiodarone + Quetiapine Major
- Amisulpride + Quetiapine Major
- Amoxapine + Quetiapine Major
- Anagrelide + Quetiapine Major
- Apalutamide + Quetiapine Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Desipramine with Quetiapine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Desipramine and Quetiapine 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. Both drugs are sedating, anticholinergic and associated with QT prolongation, so the combination increases the risk of arrhythmia, particularly in overdose or with other risk factors. Additive orthostatic hypotension is also common.
How serious is the interaction between Desipramine and Quetiapine?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Obtain a baseline ECG and correct electrolyte abnormalities. Avoid the combination in patients with QT risk factors, otherwise use the lowest doses and monitor ECG and blood pressure.
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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