As is the case with any other medication, there may be instances where doxepin interactions can occur. In such cases, use is not recommended, or usage will have to be adjusted to prevent or reduce the risk of negative interactions occurring from other drugs, medical conditions, or even food and drink.
Drug Interactions
According to the FDA, drugs that may interact with this medication include the following.
- Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs): Doxepin is not right for patients on MAOIs or who have taken them within the past two weeks
- Cimetidine: Increases exposure to doxepin
- Alcohol: Sedative effects can increase
- Other CNS Depressants and Sedating Antihistamines: Sedative effects can increase
- Tolazamide: The FDA notes that a case of severe hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) occurred following concomitant use
- Drugs Metabolized by the Enzyme P450 2D6: A lower dose of doxepin may be required with concomitant use
Please note that this list may not be complete, and other interactions with drugs not listed here may occur.
Trazodone
Taking trazodone (Desyrel) with doxepin can increase the risk of serotonin syndrome, a rare, potentially life-threatening condition that can increase blood pressure and heart rate.
Xanax
Taking alprazolam (Xanax) and doxepin could increase certain side effects, such as drowsiness, dizziness, confusion, and trouble concentrating.
Gabapentin
Gabapentin depresses, or calms down, the central nervous system (CNS). Taking doxepin with gabapentin (Neurontin) could therefore increase certain side effects of CNS depression, such as dizziness, confusion, and trouble concentrating.
Benadryl
Taking diphenhydramine (Benadryl) with doxepin could increase certain side effects, such as drowsiness, dizziness, confusion, and trouble concentrating.
Lexapro
Taking escitalopram (Lexapro) with doxepin can increase the risk of serotonin syndrome, a rare condition that can be life-threatening.
Prozac
Taking fluoxetine (Prozac) with doxepin may increase sedative effects and the risk of certain side effects, such as abnormal heartbeat, dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation, and urinary retention. Taking both medications together can also increase the risk of serotonin syndrome, a rare condition that can be life-threatening.
Wellbutrin
Combining bupropion (Wellbutrin) and doxepin can increase the risk of seizures. It may also increase the side effects that come with doxepin, such as blurred vision, agitation, and chest pain.
Food Interactions
Sometimes the foods we eat and the beverages we drink can also interact with our medications. Food and drink that may interact with this drug include:
- Alcohol
Please note that this list may not be complete, and there may be other foods and beverages that interact with this drug.
Doxepin and Alcohol
For more information, please visit our page on doxepin and alcohol interactions.
Disease & Conditions Interactions
Sometimes certain medications can increase the risk of negative side effects for patients with certain diseases or other medical conditions. According to the FDA, diseases and medical conditions that are known to negatively interact with doxepin include:
- Untreated narrow angle glaucoma
- Severe urinary retention
Please note that this list may not be complete, and there may be other diseases and medical conditions where patients should not take this medication.
Doxepin and Pregnancy
For more information, please visit our page on doxepin and pregnancy risks.
Weight Gain
Some people report weight gain on doxepin, a common side effect of the tricyclic antidepressant drug class. Weight gain can be short or long term.
Disclaimer: this article does not constitute or replace medical advice. If you have an emergency or a serious medical question, please contact a medical professional or call 911 immediately. To see our full medical disclaimer, visit our Terms of Use page.
