Drug interactions
Desipramine + Selegiline transdermal
Severity: Contraindicated
Desipramine and Selegiline transdermal: contraindicated 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
Combining a tricyclic antidepressant with an MAO inhibitor such as selegiline can cause serotonin syndrome or hypertensive crisis. Selegiline transdermal labeling contraindicates or strongly restricts use with tricyclics.
What this interaction means in plain words
Desipramine and Selegiline transdermal are not normally used together. Taking them at the same time is expected to cause harm or make one of them unsafe, so a different medicine is usually chosen for one of the two.
Why it happens
MAO inhibition together with tricyclic reuptake inhibition increases synaptic serotonin and norepinephrine.
What to do
Do not coadminister. Allow an adequate washout between the drugs, and for selegiline at least 2 weeks after stopping it before starting a tricyclic.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there an alternative to one of these two medicines for me?
- If both are essential, who is monitoring me and how often?
- Which symptoms mean I should stop and seek help straight away?
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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 Selegiline transdermal?
MediHelp rates the interaction as contraindicated. Desipramine and Selegiline transdermal are not normally used together. Taking them at the same time is expected to cause harm or make one of them unsafe, so a different medicine is usually chosen for one of the two. Combining a tricyclic antidepressant with an MAO inhibitor such as selegiline can cause serotonin syndrome or hypertensive crisis. Selegiline transdermal labeling contraindicates or strongly restricts use with tricyclics.
How serious is the interaction between Desipramine and Selegiline transdermal?
MediHelp rates it contraindicated, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Do not coadminister. Allow an adequate washout between the drugs, and for selegiline at least 2 weeks after stopping it before starting a tricyclic.
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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