Drug interactions
Doxepin + Sumatriptan
Severity: Moderate
Doxepin and Sumatriptan: 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 tricyclic antidepressant that inhibits serotonin reuptake, and with sumatriptan it may rarely cause serotonin syndrome. Low-dose doxepin used for insomnia carries less risk than antidepressant doses.
What this interaction means in plain words
Doxepin and Sumatriptan 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; Sumatriptan belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive serotonergic activity via reuptake inhibition and 5-HT1 receptor agonism.
What to do
Educate the patient about serotonin syndrome symptoms and monitor after dose changes. Discontinue the agents and provide supportive treatment if toxicity occurs.
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 Sumatriptan
- Almotriptan + Sumatriptan Contraindicated
- Dihydroergotamine intranasal + Sumatriptan Contraindicated
- Dihydroergotamine + Sumatriptan Contraindicated
- Eletriptan + Sumatriptan Contraindicated
- Ergoloid mesylates + Sumatriptan Contraindicated
- Ergotamine + Sumatriptan Contraindicated
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 Sumatriptan?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Doxepin and Sumatriptan 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 tricyclic antidepressant that inhibits serotonin reuptake, and with sumatriptan it may rarely cause serotonin syndrome. Low-dose doxepin used for insomnia carries less risk than antidepressant doses.
How serious is the interaction between Doxepin and Sumatriptan?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Educate the patient about serotonin syndrome symptoms and monitor after dose changes. Discontinue the agents and provide supportive treatment if toxicity occurs.
What other medicines interact with Sumatriptan?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Sumatriptan with, for example, Almotriptan, Dihydroergotamine intranasal, Dihydroergotamine. The full list is on the Sumatriptan page.
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