Drug interactions
Doxepin + Zolpidem
Severity: Moderate
Doxepin and Zolpidem: 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
Both drugs cause sedation, and combining them can intensify drowsiness, dizziness and psychomotor impairment. Complex sleep behaviors and next-day impairment are of concern.
What this interaction means in plain words
Doxepin and Zolpidem 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; Zolpidem belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive CNS depression through GABA-A agonism and histamine H1 antagonism.
What to do
Use the lowest effective doses and counsel on driving and fall risk. Avoid combining if possible, particularly in older adults.
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 Zolpidem
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 Zolpidem?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Doxepin and Zolpidem 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. Both drugs cause sedation, and combining them can intensify drowsiness, dizziness and psychomotor impairment. Complex sleep behaviors and next-day impairment are of concern.
How serious is the interaction between Doxepin and Zolpidem?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Use the lowest effective doses and counsel on driving and fall risk. Avoid combining if possible, particularly in older adults.
What other medicines interact with Zolpidem?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Zolpidem with, for example, Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates, Sodium oxybate, Benzhydrocodone / acetaminophen. The full list is on the Zolpidem page.
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