Drug interactions
Dosulepin + Duloxetine
Severity: Major
Dosulepin and Duloxetine: 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
Dosulepin is a tricyclic antidepressant with serotonin reuptake inhibition, and together with duloxetine it raises the risk of serotonin syndrome. Duloxetine also inhibits CYP2D6, which may raise tricyclic concentrations and increase anticholinergic and cardiac toxicity.
What this interaction means in plain words
Dosulepin and Duloxetine 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.
Dosulepin belongs to Central Nervous System; Duloxetine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive serotonergic effects plus CYP2D6 inhibition by duloxetine raising tricyclic exposure.
What to do
Avoid combining where possible; if used, lower the dosulepin dose and monitor ECG, serotonin toxicity signs and anticholinergic 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?
Pro+ members
Unlock the full page
Create an account and start a Pro+ trial to unlock the full management advice for Dosulepin and Duloxetine, the additional notes, the evidence detail and the whole-prescription interaction checker.
- Full clinical management advice
- Additional notes
- Evidence detail
- Interaction checker for a whole prescription
Try Pro+ free for 7 days on the web. No card needed.
References
Other interactions of Duloxetine
- Duloxetine + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Duloxetine + Linezolid Contraindicated
- Duloxetine + Methylene blue Contraindicated
- Duloxetine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Duloxetine + Procarbazine Contraindicated
- Duloxetine + Rasagiline Contraindicated
Other interactions of Dosulepin
- Dosulepin + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Dosulepin + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Dosulepin + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Dosulepin + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
- Amitriptyline + Dosulepin Major
- Buprenorphine + Dosulepin Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Dosulepin with Duloxetine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Dosulepin and Duloxetine 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. Dosulepin is a tricyclic antidepressant with serotonin reuptake inhibition, and together with duloxetine it raises the risk of serotonin syndrome. Duloxetine also inhibits CYP2D6, which may raise tricyclic concentrations and increase anticholinergic and cardiac toxicity.
How serious is the interaction between Dosulepin and Duloxetine?
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 combining where possible; if used, lower the dosulepin dose and monitor ECG, serotonin toxicity signs and anticholinergic effects.
What other medicines interact with Duloxetine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Duloxetine with, for example, Isocarboxazid, Linezolid, Methylene blue. The full list is on the Duloxetine page.
Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app
Open the complete reference, check multi-drug interactions and use dosing tools in the MediHelp app.
