Drug interactions
Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol + Imipramine
Severity: Moderate
Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol and Imipramine: 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
Estrogen-containing contraceptives can raise imipramine concentrations, increasing anticholinergic, sedative and cardiovascular adverse effects. Case-level data suggest the effect can be noticeable in some patients.
What this interaction means in plain words
Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol and Imipramine 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.
Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol belongs to Endocrine; Imipramine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Ethinyl estradiol inhibits oxidative metabolism of imipramine, likely via CYP1A2 and CYP2C19 pathways.
What to do
Monitor for tricyclic toxicity and consider measuring imipramine levels. Reduce the dose if adverse effects occur.
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 Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol
- Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol + Fezolinetant Contraindicated
- Aminocaproic acid + Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol Major
- Amobarbital + Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol Major
- Anastrozole + Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol Major
- Apalutamide + Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol Major
- Atazanavir + Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol Major
Other interactions of Imipramine
- Dronedarone + Imipramine Contraindicated
- Imipramine + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Imipramine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Imipramine + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Imipramine + Rasagiline Contraindicated
- Imipramine + Safinamide Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol with Imipramine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol and Imipramine 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. Estrogen-containing contraceptives can raise imipramine concentrations, increasing anticholinergic, sedative and cardiovascular adverse effects. Case-level data suggest the effect can be noticeable in some patients.
How serious is the interaction between Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol and Imipramine?
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 tricyclic toxicity and consider measuring imipramine levels. Reduce the dose if adverse effects occur.
What other medicines interact with Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol with, for example, Fezolinetant, Aminocaproic acid, Amobarbital. The full list is on the Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol page.
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