Drug interactions
Desipramine + Zolpidem
Severity: Moderate
Desipramine and Zolpidem: 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
Desipramine is less sedating than many tricyclics but can still add to zolpidem's drowsiness and psychomotor impairment. The effect is usually modest but relevant to driving and falls.
What this interaction means in plain words
Desipramine and Zolpidem 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; Zolpidem belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive CNS effects from GABA-A potentiation and tricyclic receptor blockade.
What to do
Use the lowest zolpidem dose and counsel on next-day impairment. Monitor for excess sedation, particularly in older patients.
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 Zolpidem
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 Zolpidem?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Desipramine and Zolpidem 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 is less sedating than many tricyclics but can still add to zolpidem's drowsiness and psychomotor impairment. The effect is usually modest but relevant to driving and falls.
How serious is the interaction between Desipramine and Zolpidem?
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 zolpidem dose and counsel on next-day impairment. Monitor for excess sedation, particularly in older patients.
What other medicines interact with Zolpidem?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Zolpidem with, for example, Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates, Sodium oxybate, Benzhydrocodone / acetaminophen. The full list is on the Zolpidem page.
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