Drug interactions
Doxepin + Hydrocodone
Severity: Moderate
Doxepin and Hydrocodone: 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 can add to opioid sedation and respiratory depression, and its anticholinergic activity may worsen constipation and urinary retention. Serotonin syndrome is a theoretical risk with serotonergic opioids and antidepressants.
What this interaction means in plain words
Doxepin and Hydrocodone 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 belongs to Dermatology; Hydrocodone belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Additive CNS depression, anticholinergic effects and possible serotonergic effects.
What to do
Use the lowest effective doses and monitor for sedation, respiratory depression and serotonin toxicity signs. Take particular care when starting or increasing either drug.
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 Hydrocodone
- Alvimopan + Hydrocodone Contraindicated
- Bupropion-naltrexone + Hydrocodone Contraindicated
- Hydrocodone + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Hydrocodone + Olanzapine / samidorphan Contraindicated
- Hydrocodone + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Alfentanil + Hydrocodone 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 Hydrocodone?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Doxepin and Hydrocodone 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 can add to opioid sedation and respiratory depression, and its anticholinergic activity may worsen constipation and urinary retention. Serotonin syndrome is a theoretical risk with serotonergic opioids and antidepressants.
How serious is the interaction between Doxepin and Hydrocodone?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Use the lowest effective doses and monitor for sedation, respiratory depression and serotonin toxicity signs. Take particular care when starting or increasing either drug.
What other medicines interact with Hydrocodone?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Hydrocodone with, for example, Alvimopan, Bupropion-naltrexone, Isocarboxazid. The full list is on the Hydrocodone page.
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