Drug interactions
Desipramine + Vortioxetine
Severity: Moderate
Desipramine and Vortioxetine: 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
Both drugs increase serotonergic activity, raising the risk of serotonin syndrome. Vortioxetine is metabolized by CYP2D6 and desipramine is a CYP2D6 substrate, so pharmacokinetic competition is also possible.
What this interaction means in plain words
Desipramine and Vortioxetine 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.
Desipramine belongs to Central Nervous System; Vortioxetine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive serotonergic effects with overlapping CYP2D6-mediated metabolism.
What to do
Use the lowest effective doses and monitor for serotonin toxicity after initiation or dose changes. Prefer a single antidepressant if feasible.
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
Other interactions of Vortioxetine
- Isocarboxazid + Vortioxetine Contraindicated
- Linezolid + Vortioxetine Contraindicated
- Methylene blue + Vortioxetine Contraindicated
- Phenelzine + Vortioxetine Contraindicated
- Rasagiline + Vortioxetine Contraindicated
- Selegiline transdermal + Vortioxetine Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Desipramine with Vortioxetine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Desipramine and Vortioxetine 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. Both drugs increase serotonergic activity, raising the risk of serotonin syndrome. Vortioxetine is metabolized by CYP2D6 and desipramine is a CYP2D6 substrate, so pharmacokinetic competition is also possible.
How serious is the interaction between Desipramine and Vortioxetine?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Use the lowest effective doses and monitor for serotonin toxicity after initiation or dose changes. Prefer a single antidepressant if feasible.
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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