Medications · FAQ
Can I take low-dose doxepin with alcohol or other medicines?
Short answer
Avoid alcohol while taking low-dose doxepin. Combining it with other medicines that cause sleepiness can increase sedation and safety risks. Tell your physician about every medicine and supplement you use, including sleep aids and allergy products. Some combinations must be avoided, while others may need a dose change.
Alcohol can add to doxepin's sedating effects and raise the risk of unsafe sleep behaviors. Do not drink alcohol while using it. Other medicines that cause drowsiness can also increase impairment. These include opioids, benzodiazepines, some allergy medicines, and other sleep aids.
Do not take doxepin with a monoamine oxidase inhibitor, called an MAOI, or within 14 days after stopping one. These drugs can have serious interactions. If you are switching medicines, your physician must set the timing.
Some medicines can raise doxepin levels in your body. Cimetidine, a heartburn medicine, is one example. Certain antidepressants can also interact with doxepin. Your physician or pharmacist should review the full list rather than relying only on whether a product makes you sleepy.
Include vitamins, herbal products, cannabis, and over-the-counter medicines in that list. Do not start a new sleep supplement or stop a prescribed medicine on your own. Ask for guidance before making a change.
Sources
Written by the Verra clinical team · Medical review pending
General information, not medical advice. If you're in crisis, call or text 988.