Drug interactions
Desipramine + Zolmitriptan
Severity: Moderate
Desipramine and Zolmitriptan: 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
Zolmitriptan with a tricyclic antidepressant has been associated with rare serotonin syndrome reports. Desipramine, which is less serotonergic than many tricyclics, probably carries a low risk.
What this interaction means in plain words
Desipramine and Zolmitriptan 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; Zolmitriptan belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive serotonergic effects (5-HT1B/1D agonism plus inhibition of serotonin reuptake).
What to do
Monitor for agitation, tremor, sweating and hyperreflexia when starting or adjusting either drug. Stop both agents if serotonin syndrome is suspected.
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 Zolmitriptan
- Almotriptan + Zolmitriptan Contraindicated
- Dihydroergotamine intranasal + Zolmitriptan Contraindicated
- Dihydroergotamine + Zolmitriptan Contraindicated
- Eletriptan + Zolmitriptan Contraindicated
- Ergoloid mesylates + Zolmitriptan Contraindicated
- Ergotamine + Zolmitriptan Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Desipramine with Zolmitriptan?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Desipramine and Zolmitriptan 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. Zolmitriptan with a tricyclic antidepressant has been associated with rare serotonin syndrome reports. Desipramine, which is less serotonergic than many tricyclics, probably carries a low risk.
How serious is the interaction between Desipramine and Zolmitriptan?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor for agitation, tremor, sweating and hyperreflexia when starting or adjusting either drug. Stop both agents if serotonin syndrome is suspected.
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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