Drug interactions
Benztropine + Doxepin
Severity: Moderate
Benztropine and Doxepin: moderate 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
Doxepin is a tricyclic antidepressant with notable anticholinergic activity that adds to benztropine's effects. This raises the risk of confusion, constipation, urinary retention, dry mouth and tachycardia, especially in older adults.
What this interaction means in plain words
Benztropine and Doxepin can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Benztropine belongs to Central Nervous System; Doxepin belongs to Dermatology.
Why it happens
Additive antimuscarinic effects.
What to do
Monitor for anticholinergic toxicity and cognitive effects, and use the lowest effective doses; low-dose doxepin for insomnia carries less risk.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
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Other interactions of Benztropine
- Benztropine + Memantine-donepezil Major
- Abobotulinumtoxina + Benztropine Moderate
- Amantadine + Benztropine Moderate
- Amitriptyline + Benztropine Moderate
- Amoxapine + Benztropine Moderate
- Atropine iv / + Benztropine Moderate
Other interactions of Doxepin
- Doxepin + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Doxepin + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Doxepin + Procarbazine Contraindicated
- Doxepin + Safinamide Contraindicated
- Doxepin + Selegiline Contraindicated
- Doxepin + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Benztropine with Doxepin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Benztropine and Doxepin can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Doxepin is a tricyclic antidepressant with notable anticholinergic activity that adds to benztropine's effects. This raises the risk of confusion, constipation, urinary retention, dry mouth and tachycardia, especially in older adults.
How serious is the interaction between Benztropine and Doxepin?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor for anticholinergic toxicity and cognitive effects, and use the lowest effective doses; low-dose doxepin for insomnia carries less risk.
What other medicines interact with Benztropine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Benztropine with, for example, Memantine-donepezil, Abobotulinumtoxina, Amantadine. The full list is on the Benztropine page.
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