Drug interactions
Doxepin + Metaxalone
Severity: Moderate
Doxepin and Metaxalone: 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 antihistaminic and anticholinergic properties. With metaxalone it can increase drowsiness and psychomotor impairment, and serotonergic effects have also been reported with metaxalone.
What this interaction means in plain words
Doxepin and Metaxalone 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; Metaxalone belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Additive CNS depression; a minor serotonergic contribution is theoretically possible.
What to do
Start with low doses and monitor for sedation, confusion and falls, particularly in older adults. Watch for signs of serotonin toxicity such as agitation, tremor or hyperthermia.
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 Metaxalone
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 Metaxalone?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Doxepin and Metaxalone 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 antihistaminic and anticholinergic properties. With metaxalone it can increase drowsiness and psychomotor impairment, and serotonergic effects have also been reported with metaxalone.
How serious is the interaction between Doxepin and Metaxalone?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Start with low doses and monitor for sedation, confusion and falls, particularly in older adults. Watch for signs of serotonin toxicity such as agitation, tremor or hyperthermia.
What other medicines interact with Metaxalone?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Metaxalone with, for example, Alfentanil, Belladonna and opium, Benzhydrocodone / acetaminophen. The full list is on the Metaxalone page.
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