Drug interactions
Doxepin + Isocarboxazid
Severity: Contraindicated
Doxepin and Isocarboxazid: contraindicated 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 with an MAOI can cause serotonin syndrome and hypertensive episodes. Severe reactions including hyperthermia, seizures and death have been reported with tricyclics and MAOIs.
What this interaction means in plain words
Doxepin and Isocarboxazid are not normally used together. Taking them at the same time is expected to cause harm or make one of them unsafe, so a different medicine is usually chosen for one of the two.
Doxepin belongs to Dermatology; Isocarboxazid belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive increase in synaptic serotonin and norepinephrine from MAO inhibition and doxepin reuptake inhibition.
What to do
Avoid combined use. Allow a washout of at least 14 days after stopping isocarboxazid before starting doxepin, and observe the labeled washout in the reverse direction.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there an alternative to one of these two medicines for me?
- If both are essential, who is monitoring me and how often?
- Which symptoms mean I should stop and seek help straight away?
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Other interactions of Isocarboxazid
- 5-HTP + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Amitriptyline + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Amobarbital + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Amoxapine + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Apraclonidine + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Atomoxetine + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
Other interactions of Doxepin
- Doxepin + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Doxepin + Procarbazine Contraindicated
- Doxepin + Safinamide Contraindicated
- Doxepin + Selegiline Contraindicated
- Doxepin + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
- Amisulpride + Doxepin Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Doxepin with Isocarboxazid?
MediHelp rates the interaction as contraindicated. Doxepin and Isocarboxazid are not normally used together. Taking them at the same time is expected to cause harm or make one of them unsafe, so a different medicine is usually chosen for one of the two. Doxepin with an MAOI can cause serotonin syndrome and hypertensive episodes. Severe reactions including hyperthermia, seizures and death have been reported with tricyclics and MAOIs.
How serious is the interaction between Doxepin and Isocarboxazid?
MediHelp rates it contraindicated, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid combined use. Allow a washout of at least 14 days after stopping isocarboxazid before starting doxepin, and observe the labeled washout in the reverse direction.
What other medicines interact with Isocarboxazid?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Isocarboxazid with, for example, 5-HTP, Amitriptyline, Amobarbital. The full list is on the Isocarboxazid page.
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