Drug interactions
Desvenlafaxine + Imipramine
Severity: Major
Desvenlafaxine and Imipramine: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: US FDA label
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
Desvenlafaxine adds serotonergic and noradrenergic effects to imipramine, raising the risk of serotonin syndrome. Desvenlafaxine is a modest CYP2D6 inhibitor and may slightly raise imipramine levels.
What this interaction means in plain words
Desvenlafaxine and Imipramine 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.
Desvenlafaxine belongs to Central Nervous System; Imipramine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive serotonergic effects with mild CYP2D6 inhibition.
What to do
Avoid if possible; otherwise use low doses and monitor for serotonin toxicity, blood pressure and tricyclic adverse effects.
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 Imipramine
- Dronedarone + Imipramine Contraindicated
- Imipramine + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Imipramine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Imipramine + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Imipramine + Rasagiline Contraindicated
- Imipramine + Safinamide Contraindicated
Other interactions of Desvenlafaxine
- Desvenlafaxine + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Desvenlafaxine + Methylene blue Contraindicated
- Desvenlafaxine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Desvenlafaxine + Rasagiline Contraindicated
- Desvenlafaxine + Safinamide Contraindicated
- Desvenlafaxine + Selegiline Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Desvenlafaxine with Imipramine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Desvenlafaxine and Imipramine 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. Desvenlafaxine adds serotonergic and noradrenergic effects to imipramine, raising the risk of serotonin syndrome. Desvenlafaxine is a modest CYP2D6 inhibitor and may slightly raise imipramine levels.
How serious is the interaction between Desvenlafaxine and Imipramine?
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 if possible; otherwise use low doses and monitor for serotonin toxicity, blood pressure and tricyclic adverse effects.
What other medicines interact with Imipramine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Imipramine with, for example, Dronedarone, Isocarboxazid, Phenelzine. The full list is on the Imipramine page.
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