Drug interactions
Doxepin + Melatonin
Severity: Moderate
Doxepin and Melatonin: 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 H1 antagonism, and melatonin may add to drowsiness. Impaired alertness may result. Melatonin may also be taken with doxepin for insomnia.
What this interaction means in plain words
Doxepin and Melatonin 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; Melatonin belongs to Gastrointestinal Tract.
Why it happens
Additive CNS depression from H1 antagonism and melatonin receptor-mediated sedation.
What to do
Counsel about additive drowsiness and avoid driving until the response is known; reduce doses if sedation is excessive.
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 Melatonin
- Fluvoxamine + Melatonin Major
- Alfentanil + Melatonin Moderate
- Belladonna and opium + Melatonin Moderate
- Buprenorphine buccal + Melatonin Moderate
- Butabarbital + Melatonin Moderate
- Butalbital + Melatonin Moderate
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 Melatonin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Doxepin and Melatonin 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 H1 antagonism, and melatonin may add to drowsiness. Impaired alertness may result. Melatonin may also be taken with doxepin for insomnia.
How serious is the interaction between Doxepin and Melatonin?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Counsel about additive drowsiness and avoid driving until the response is known; reduce doses if sedation is excessive.
What other medicines interact with Melatonin?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Melatonin with, for example, Fluvoxamine, Alfentanil, Belladonna and opium. The full list is on the Melatonin page.
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