Drug interactions
Doxepin + Lorazepam
Severity: Moderate
Doxepin and Lorazepam: 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 sedating tricyclic antidepressant with strong antihistamine activity. Taken with lorazepam it increases drowsiness, psychomotor impairment and fall risk, especially in older adults.
What this interaction means in plain words
Doxepin and Lorazepam 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; Lorazepam belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive CNS depression from H1 antagonism by doxepin and GABA-A potentiation by lorazepam.
What to do
Use the lowest effective doses and monitor for oversedation and falls; consider dose reduction in elderly patients and advise against driving until effects are known.
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 Lorazepam
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 Lorazepam?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Doxepin and Lorazepam 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 sedating tricyclic antidepressant with strong antihistamine activity. Taken with lorazepam it increases drowsiness, psychomotor impairment and fall risk, especially in older adults.
How serious is the interaction between Doxepin and Lorazepam?
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 oversedation and falls; consider dose reduction in elderly patients and advise against driving until effects are known.
What other medicines interact with Lorazepam?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Lorazepam with, for example, Alfentanil, Alprazolam, Amobarbital. The full list is on the Lorazepam page.
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