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Drug interactions

Desipramine + Same

Severity: Moderate

Desipramine and Same: 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

S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe) is a supplement with reported serotonergic activity, and cases of serotonin syndrome have been described with antidepressants. Combined use with desipramine may add to serotonergic effects, although the evidence is limited.

What this interaction means in plain words

Desipramine and Same 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.

Evidence level: Low

Why it happens

Possible additive serotonergic and monoaminergic effects; the mechanism is not firmly established.

What to do

Avoid combining unless there is a clear reason, and counsel patients on symptoms of serotonin toxicity such as agitation, tremor, sweating and hyperreflexia. Stop SAMe if such symptoms appear.

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?

Bring a full list of your medicines, including over-the-counter products, supplements and herbal remedies, to every pharmacy visit.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I take Desipramine with Same?

MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Desipramine and Same 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. S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe) is a supplement with reported serotonergic activity, and cases of serotonin syndrome have been described with antidepressants. Combined use with desipramine may add to serotonergic effects, although the evidence is limited.

How serious is the interaction between Desipramine and Same?

MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid combining unless there is a clear reason, and counsel patients on symptoms of serotonin toxicity such as agitation, tremor, sweating and hyperreflexia. Stop SAMe if such symptoms 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.

Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app

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