Drug interactions
Doxepin + Ethinyl estradiol-norgestimate
Severity: Minor
Doxepin and Ethinyl estradiol-norgestimate: 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
Combined oral contraceptives may increase doxepin concentrations, raising the risk of sedation, anticholinergic effects and cardiac adverse effects. The effect is inconsistent and usually modest.
What this interaction means in plain words
Doxepin and Ethinyl estradiol-norgestimate have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Doxepin belongs to Dermatology; Ethinyl estradiol-norgestimate belongs to Endocrine.
Why it happens
Estrogens may inhibit hepatic oxidative metabolism of tricyclic antidepressants, but the mechanism is not firmly established.
What to do
Monitor for increased sedation, anticholinergic effects and palpitations after starting the contraceptive. Lower the doxepin dose if adverse effects occur.
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?
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Other interactions of Ethinyl estradiol-norgestimate
- Ethinyl estradiol-norgestimate + Fezolinetant Contraindicated
- Ethinyl estradiol-norgestimate + Ombitasvir / paritaprevir / ritonavir and dasabuvir Contraindicated
- Ethinyl estradiol-norgestimate + Tranexamic acid Contraindicated
- Aminocaproic acid + Ethinyl estradiol-norgestimate Major
- Amobarbital + Ethinyl estradiol-norgestimate Major
- Anastrozole + Ethinyl estradiol-norgestimate Major
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 Doxepin with Ethinyl estradiol-norgestimate?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Doxepin and Ethinyl estradiol-norgestimate have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Combined oral contraceptives may increase doxepin concentrations, raising the risk of sedation, anticholinergic effects and cardiac adverse effects. The effect is inconsistent and usually modest.
How serious is the interaction between Doxepin and Ethinyl estradiol-norgestimate?
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 sedation, anticholinergic effects and palpitations after starting the contraceptive. Lower the doxepin dose if adverse effects occur.
What other medicines interact with Ethinyl estradiol-norgestimate?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Ethinyl estradiol-norgestimate with, for example, Fezolinetant, Ombitasvir / paritaprevir / ritonavir and dasabuvir, Tranexamic acid. The full list is on the Ethinyl estradiol-norgestimate page.
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