Posted by azalea on October 30, 2008, at 14:43:11
In reply to Desipramine + Abilify and others?, posted by Cindy Lou on October 30, 2008, at 12:46:45
My understanding (which may be incomplete) about the issue with desipramine and Lexapro is that Lexapro may increase desipramine levels. In other words, you would require a lower dose of desipramine if also taking Lexapro. The half-life of Lexapro is ~30hrs so it will be essentially out of your system in 6-7 days (5 half-lives).
Another option to consider before going the TCA route might be Wellbutrin. It's beneficial for depression + ADD. However, if you add Wellbutrin, you should ask your doctor about decreasing your dose of Abilify by 50% as Wellbutrin inhibits the metabolism of Abilify.
> Hello,
> I haven't visited this board for a long time, and I miss it!
>
> I wanted to get some feedback on a drug combo I'm on, and a new med my pdoc wants to introduce. He said there would be "no drug interactions" but the Internet (Drugs.com) said differently.
>
> I am currently taking:
> Klonapin - 0.5 mg.
> Lyrica (for Fibromyalgia pain): 25-50 mg.
> Abilify (adjunct to Lexapro): 2.5 mg.
> Adderall (for ADD): 60 mg.
>
> I just weaned off of Lexapro, 10 mg.
>
> Dr. wants to add Desipramine, starting at 10 mg.
>
> Help! I feel like alphabet soup and a walking pharmacy! Drugs.com said there could be moderate interactions with Desipramine + Abilify, Klonapin and Lyrica. It also said MAJOR interactions between Desipramine + Lexapro.
>
> Questions:
> 1. How long should I be off Lexapro before starting Desipramine?
>
> 2. Should I consider cutting down or getting off the Abilify, Klonapin or Lyrica before starting the Desipramine?
>
> Any input, feedback, experiences, etc. are greatly appreciated!
>
> Thanks,
> Cindy
>
> P.S. A little more info: I am getting off the Lexapro because SSRIs and SNRIs really don't do much for me and only make me tired. I used Desipramine once years ago and I did well on it, but I was on no other meds at the time. The Desipramine is also supposed to be a good option for ADD + depression.
poster:azalea
thread:859932
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20081027/msgs/859949.html