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Drug interactions

Dosulepin + Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone

Severity: Minor

Dosulepin and Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone: 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 tricyclic antidepressant exposure, and a few reports suggest more anticholinergic, sedative or cardiovascular adverse effects. The effect is variable and usually modest. Dosulepin-specific data are scarce.

What this interaction means in plain words

Dosulepin and Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.

Dosulepin belongs to Central Nervous System; Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone belongs to Endocrine.

Evidence level: Low

Why it happens

Ethinyl estradiol may inhibit oxidative metabolism of tricyclic antidepressants, though the mechanism is not firmly established.

What to do

Monitor for increased tricyclic adverse effects such as sedation, dry mouth and tachycardia after starting the contraceptive. Reduce the dosulepin dose if these effects appear.

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?

Bring a full list of your medicines, including over-the-counter products, supplements and herbal remedies, to every pharmacy visit.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I take Dosulepin with Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone?

MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Dosulepin and Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone 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 tricyclic antidepressant exposure, and a few reports suggest more anticholinergic, sedative or cardiovascular adverse effects. The effect is variable and usually modest. Dosulepin-specific data are scarce.

How serious is the interaction between Dosulepin and Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone?

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 increased tricyclic adverse effects such as sedation, dry mouth and tachycardia after starting the contraceptive. Reduce the dosulepin dose if these effects appear.

What other medicines interact with Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone?

MediHelp also lists interactions of Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone with, for example, Fezolinetant, Ombitasvir / paritaprevir / ritonavir, Ombitasvir / paritaprevir / ritonavir and dasabuvir. The full list is on the Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone page.

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