Drug interactions
Doxepin + Modafinil
Severity: Moderate
Doxepin and Modafinil: 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, and modafinil may partly counter drowsiness. Modafinil may also inhibit CYP2C19, which contributes to doxepin metabolism, potentially raising tricyclic levels.
What this interaction means in plain words
Doxepin and Modafinil 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; Modafinil belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Opposing effects on arousal, plus possible CYP2C19 inhibition by modafinil reducing doxepin clearance.
What to do
Monitor for anticholinergic effects, sedation, and cardiac effects such as tachycardia. Reduce the doxepin dose if adverse effects emerge.
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 Modafinil
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 Modafinil?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Doxepin and Modafinil 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, and modafinil may partly counter drowsiness. Modafinil may also inhibit CYP2C19, which contributes to doxepin metabolism, potentially raising tricyclic levels.
How serious is the interaction between Doxepin and Modafinil?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor for anticholinergic effects, sedation, and cardiac effects such as tachycardia. Reduce the doxepin dose if adverse effects emerge.
What other medicines interact with Modafinil?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Modafinil with, for example, Lenacapavir, Leniolisib, Lorlatinib. The full list is on the Modafinil page.
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