Drug interactions
Doxepin + Selegiline
Severity: Contraindicated
Doxepin and Selegiline: 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
Combining an MAO inhibitor with a tricyclic antidepressant such as doxepin can cause serotonin syndrome and hypertensive reactions. The combination is contraindicated in labeling for both drugs.
What this interaction means in plain words
Doxepin and Selegiline 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; Selegiline belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Doxepin inhibits reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine while selegiline inhibits their metabolism, producing excess monoaminergic activity.
What to do
Avoid the combination. Allow at least 14 days between stopping selegiline and starting doxepin, and the reverse.
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 Selegiline
- Amitriptyline + Selegiline Contraindicated
- Amoxapine + Selegiline Contraindicated
- Atomoxetine + Selegiline Contraindicated
- Benzphetamine + Selegiline Contraindicated
- Brimonidine + Selegiline Contraindicated
- Buprenorphine long-acting + Selegiline Contraindicated
Other interactions of Doxepin
- Doxepin + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Doxepin + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Doxepin + Procarbazine Contraindicated
- Doxepin + Safinamide Contraindicated
- Doxepin + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
- Amisulpride + Doxepin Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Doxepin with Selegiline?
MediHelp rates the interaction as contraindicated. Doxepin and Selegiline 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. Combining an MAO inhibitor with a tricyclic antidepressant such as doxepin can cause serotonin syndrome and hypertensive reactions. The combination is contraindicated in labeling for both drugs.
How serious is the interaction between Doxepin and Selegiline?
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 the combination. Allow at least 14 days between stopping selegiline and starting doxepin, and the reverse.
What other medicines interact with Selegiline?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Selegiline with, for example, Amitriptyline, Amoxapine, Atomoxetine. The full list is on the Selegiline page.
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