Drug interactions
Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol + Nortriptyline
Severity: Minor
Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol and Nortriptyline: minor 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 may raise nortriptyline concentrations, increasing anticholinergic, sedative and cardiac adverse effects. Evidence is limited.
What this interaction means in plain words
Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol and Nortriptyline have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol belongs to Endocrine; Nortriptyline belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Ethinyl estradiol may inhibit oxidative metabolism of tricyclic antidepressants.
What to do
Monitor for tricyclic adverse effects; consider nortriptyline levels and reduce the dose if toxicity appears.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there anything I should notice while taking both?
- Do I need to tell my doctor at the next visit?
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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 Nortriptyline
- Disopyramide + Nortriptyline Contraindicated
- Dofetilide + Nortriptyline Contraindicated
- Dronedarone + Nortriptyline Contraindicated
- Ibutilide + Nortriptyline Contraindicated
- Isocarboxazid + Nortriptyline Contraindicated
- Methylene blue + Nortriptyline Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol with Nortriptyline?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol and Nortriptyline have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Estrogen-containing contraceptives may raise nortriptyline concentrations, increasing anticholinergic, sedative and cardiac adverse effects. Evidence is limited.
How serious is the interaction between Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol and Nortriptyline?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor for tricyclic adverse effects; consider nortriptyline levels and reduce the dose if toxicity appears.
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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