Drug interactions
Desipramine + Yohimbine
Severity: Major
Desipramine and Yohimbine: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: Base de donnees publique des medicaments (France)
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
Yohimbine is an alpha-2 antagonist that increases noradrenergic outflow, and with a tricyclic it may cause hypertension, tachycardia and anxiety. Pressor responses may be marked.
What this interaction means in plain words
Desipramine and Yohimbine 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
Alpha-2 blockade by yohimbine increases norepinephrine release while desipramine prevents its reuptake.
What to do
Avoid the combination. If it is used, monitor blood pressure and heart rate closely and stop yohimbine if hypertensive symptoms occur.
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 Yohimbine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Desipramine and Yohimbine 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. Yohimbine is an alpha-2 antagonist that increases noradrenergic outflow, and with a tricyclic it may cause hypertension, tachycardia and anxiety. Pressor responses may be marked.
How serious is the interaction between Desipramine and Yohimbine?
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. If it is used, monitor blood pressure and heart rate closely and stop yohimbine if hypertensive symptoms occur.
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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