Can you take Atropine with Doxepin?
1 drug interaction and 67 additional warnings found for the following 2 drugs:
- atropine
- doxepin
Drug interactions
Moderate drug interactions
Moderate:
atropine doxepin
Applies to: atropine and doxepin
Using atropine together with doxepin may increase side effects such as:
- drowsiness
- blurred vision
- dry mouth
- heat intolerance
- flushing
- decreased sweating
- difficulty urinating
- abdominal cramping
- constipation
- irregular heartbeat
- confusion
- memory problems
Side effects may be more likely to occur in the elderly or those with a debilitating condition.
You should avoid or limit the use of alcohol while being treated with these medications. Also avoid activities requiring mental alertness such as driving or operating hazardous machinery until you know how the medications affect you.
Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.
Food/lifestyle interactions
Moderate food/lifestyle interactions
Moderate:
atropine Alcohol (Ethanol)
Applies to: atropine
Ask your doctor before using atropine together with ethanol (alcohol).
Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while you are taking atropine.
You should be warned not to exceed recommended dosages and to avoid activities requiring mental alertness.
If your doctor prescribes these medications together, you may need a dose adjustment to safely take this combination.
It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.
Moderate:
doxepin Alcohol (Ethanol)
Applies to: doxepin
Ask your doctor before using doxepin together with ethanol (alcohol), this can alter the effects of doxepin and cause increased side effects.
Call the doctor if you experience:
- uneven heartbeats
- extreme drowsiness
- confusion
- agitation
- vomiting
- blurred vision
- sweating
- muscle stiffness
- feeling light-headed
- seizures
You should be warned not to exceed recommended dosages, to avoid alcohol, and to avoid activities requiring mental alertness.
If your doctor prescribes these medications together, you may need a dose adjustment to safely take this combination.
It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.
Disease interactions
65 potential interactions Applies to: 39 conditions, including High Blood Pressure, Depression, GERD, Bipolar Disorder, and Asthma.
Alcoholism
Major:
doxepin
Doxepin has a major potential interaction with Alcoholism.
Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), can lower the seizure threshold and trigger seizures. These drugs should be used with extreme caution in patients with a history of seizures, or other predisposing factors, such as head trauma, CNS abnormalities, and alcoholism. Daily dose restrictions might apply for specific antidepressants. Physicians are encouraged to get additional dosing recommendations on the manufacturer's prescribing information.
Moderate:
doxepin
Doxepin has a moderate potential interaction with Alcoholism.
Tricyclic antidepressants can enhance the response to alcohol. In patients who may use alcohol excessively, it should be borne in mind that the potentiation may increase the danger inherent in any suicide attempt or overdosage.
Arrhythmia
Major:
doxepin
Doxepin has a major potential interaction with Arrhythmia.
Tricyclic and tetracyclic antidepressants (TCAs) may cause orthostatic hypotension, reflex tachycardia, syncope, and dizziness, particularly during initiation of therapy or rapid escalation of dosage. Imipramine appears to have the greatest propensity to induce these effects, while secondary amines such as nortriptyline may do so less frequently. Tolerance to the hypotensive effects often develops after a few doses to a few weeks. Rarely, collapse and sudden death have occurred secondary to severe hypotension. Other reported adverse cardiovascular effects include tachycardia, arrhythmias, heart block, hypertension, thrombosis, thrombophlebitis, myocardial infarction, strokes, congestive heart failure, and ECG abnormalities such as PR and QT interval prolongation. Therapy with TCAs should be avoided during the acute recovery phase following myocardial infarction, and should be administered only with extreme caution in patients with hyperthyroidism, a history of cardiovascular or cerebrovascular disease, or a predisposition to hypotension. Close monitoring of cardiovascular status, including ECG changes, is recommended at all dosages. Many of the newer antidepressants, including bupropion and the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), are considerably less or minimally cardiotoxic and may be appropriate alternatives.
Moderate:
atropine
Atropine has a moderate potential interaction with Arrhythmia.
Antimuscarinic agents block vagal inhibition of the SA nodal pacemaker. These agents should be administered cautiously in patients with tachycardia, congestive heart failure, or coronary artery disease. Premature ventricular depolarization or ventricular tachycardia or fibrillation associated with antimuscarinic drugs is rare.
Moderate:
atropine
Atropine has a moderate potential interaction with Arrhythmia.
Anticholinergics block vagal inhibition of the SA nodal pacemaker. Therapy with anticholinergics should be administered cautiously in patients with tachycardia, congestive heart failure, or coronary artery disease. Premature ventricular depolarization or ventricular tachycardia or fibrillation associated with anticholinergics is rare.
Asthma
Major:
atropine
Atropine has a major potential interaction with Asthma.
The use of systemic anticholinergics is contraindicated in the treatment of lower respiratory tract symptoms including asthma. Muscarinic receptor antagonists reduce bronchial secretions, which can result in decreased fluidity and increased thickening of secretions. However, ipratropium does not produce these effects and can be used safely in treating asthma.
Autonomic Neuropathy
Major:
atropine
Atropine has a major potential interaction with Autonomic Neuropathy.
Agents with anticholinergic activity can exacerbate many of the manifestations of autonomic neuropathy, including tachycardia, anhidrosis, bladder atony, obstipation, dry mouth and eyes, cycloplegia and blurring of vision, and sexual impotence in males. Therapy with antimuscarinic agents and higher dosages of antispasmodic agents (e.g., dicyclomine or oxybutynin) should be administered cautiously in patients with autonomic neuropathy.
Bipolar Disorder
Moderate:
doxepin
Doxepin has a moderate potential interaction with Bipolar Disorder.
A major depressive episode can be the initial presentation of bipolar disorder. Patients with depressive symptoms should be adequately screened to determine if they are at risk for bipolar disorder prior to initiating treatment with doxepin. This screening should include a detailed psychiatric history, including a family history of suicide, bipolar disorder, and depression. It should be noted that doxepin is not approved for use in treating bipolar depression.
Moderate:
doxepin
Doxepin has a moderate potential interaction with Bipolar Disorder.
A major depressive episode can be the initial presentation of bipolar disorder. Patients with depressive symptoms should be adequately screened to determine if they are at risk for bipolar disorder prior to initiating treatment with a tricyclic antidepressant. This screening should include a detailed psychiatric history, including a family history of suicide, bipolar disorder, and depression. It should be noted that tricyclic antidepressants are not approved for use in treating bipolar depression.
Moderate:
doxepin
Doxepin has a moderate potential interaction with Bipolar Disorder.
Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) may aggravate symptoms of psychosis in schizophrenic patients, particularly those with paranoid symptomatology. Depressed patients, usually those with bipolar disorder, may experience a switch from depression to mania or hypomania. These occurrences have also been reported rarely with the tetracyclic antidepressant, maprotiline. Therapy with these agents should be administered cautiously in patients with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or a history of mania.
Bleeding Disorder
Moderate:
atropine
Atropine has a moderate potential interaction with Bleeding Disorder.
Antimuscarinic agents may cause a delay in gastric emptying and possibly antral stasis in patients with gastric ulcer. Therapy with antimuscarinic agents should be administered cautiously to patients with gastric ulcer.
Bone Marrow Depression/Low Blood Counts
Moderate:
doxepin
Doxepin has a moderate potential interaction with Bone Marrow Depression/Low Blood Counts.
The use of tricyclic and tetracyclic antidepressants (TCAs) has rarely been associated with bone marrow suppression. Leukopenia, agranulocytosis, thrombocytopenia, anemia, eosinophilia, purpura, and pancytopenia have been reported with some TCAs. Patients with preexisting bone marrow suppression or blood dyscrasias receiving TCAs should be monitored closely during therapy for further decreases in blood counts.
Cardiovascular Conditions and Disorders
Major:
doxepin
Doxepin has a major potential interaction with Cardiovascular Conditions and Disorders.
Tricyclic antidepressants should be used with extreme caution in patients with evidence of cardiovascular disease because of the possibility of fluctuations in the blood pressure, arrhythmias, conduction defects, tachycardia, myocardial infarction and stroke. This also applies to patients who have family history of sudden death, cardiac dysrhythmias, or conduction disturbances. In some cases a gradual dose titration is recommended.
Major:
doxepin
Doxepin has a major potential interaction with Cardiovascular Conditions and Disorders.
Tricyclic and tetracyclic antidepressants (TCAs) may cause orthostatic hypotension, reflex tachycardia, syncope, and dizziness, particularly during initiation of therapy or rapid escalation of dosage. Imipramine appears to have the greatest propensity to induce these effects, while secondary amines such as nortriptyline may do so less frequently. Tolerance to the hypotensive effects often develops after a few doses to a few weeks. Rarely, collapse and sudden death have occurred secondary to severe hypotension. Other reported adverse cardiovascular effects include tachycardia, arrhythmias, heart block, hypertension, thrombosis, thrombophlebitis, myocardial infarction, strokes, congestive heart failure, and ECG abnormalities such as PR and QT interval prolongation. Therapy with TCAs should be avoided during the acute recovery phase following myocardial infarction, and should be administered only with extreme caution in patients with hyperthyroidism, a history of cardiovascular or cerebrovascular disease, or a predisposition to hypotension. Close monitoring of cardiovascular status, including ECG changes, is recommended at all dosages. Many of the newer antidepressants, including bupropion and the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), are considerably less or minimally cardiotoxic and may be appropriate alternatives.
Moderate:
atropine
Atropine has a moderate potential interaction with Cardiovascular Conditions and Disorders.
Anticholinergics block vagal inhibition of the SA nodal pacemaker. Therapy with anticholinergics should be administered cautiously to patients with tachycardia, congestive heart failure, or coronary artery disease. Premature ventricular depolarization, ventricular tachycardia, and fibrillation associated with anticholinergics are rare.
Central Nervous System Disorders
Major:
doxepin
Doxepin has a major potential interaction with Central Nervous System Disorders.
Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), can lower the seizure threshold and trigger seizures. These drugs should be used with extreme caution in patients with a history of seizures, or other predisposing factors, such as head trauma, CNS abnormalities, and alcoholism. Daily dose restrictions might apply for specific antidepressants. Physicians are encouraged to get additional dosing recommendations on the manufacturer's prescribing information.
Cerebrovascular Insufficiency
Major:
doxepin
Doxepin has a major potential interaction with Cerebrovascular Insufficiency.
Tricyclic and tetracyclic antidepressants (TCAs) may cause orthostatic hypotension, reflex tachycardia, syncope, and dizziness, particularly during initiation of therapy or rapid escalation of dosage. Imipramine appears to have the greatest propensity to induce these effects, while secondary amines such as nortriptyline may do so less frequently. Tolerance to the hypotensive effects often develops after a few doses to a few weeks. Rarely, collapse and sudden death have occurred secondary to severe hypotension. Other reported adverse cardiovascular effects include tachycardia, arrhythmias, heart block, hypertension, thrombosis, thrombophlebitis, myocardial infarction, strokes, congestive heart failure, and ECG abnormalities such as PR and QT interval prolongation. Therapy with TCAs should be avoided during the acute recovery phase following myocardial infarction, and should be administered only with extreme caution in patients with hyperthyroidism, a history of cardiovascular or cerebrovascular disease, or a predisposition to hypotension. Close monitoring of cardiovascular status, including ECG changes, is recommended at all dosages. Many of the newer antidepressants, including bupropion and the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), are considerably less or minimally cardiotoxic and may be appropriate alternatives.
Dehydration
Major:
doxepin
Doxepin has a major potential interaction with Dehydration.
Tricyclic and tetracyclic antidepressants (TCAs) may cause orthostatic hypotension, reflex tachycardia, syncope, and dizziness, particularly during initiation of therapy or rapid escalation of dosage. Imipramine appears to have the greatest propensity to induce these effects, while secondary amines such as nortriptyline may do so less frequently. Tolerance to the hypotensive effects often develops after a few doses to a few weeks. Rarely, collapse and sudden death have occurred secondary to severe hypotension. Other reported adverse cardiovascular effects include tachycardia, arrhythmias, heart block, hypertension, thrombosis, thrombophlebitis, myocardial infarction, strokes, congestive heart failure, and ECG abnormalities such as PR and QT interval prolongation. Therapy with TCAs should be avoided during the acute recovery phase following myocardial infarction, and should be administered only with extreme caution in patients with hyperthyroidism, a history of cardiovascular or cerebrovascular disease, or a predisposition to hypotension. Close monitoring of cardiovascular status, including ECG changes, is recommended at all dosages. Many of the newer antidepressants, including bupropion and the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), are considerably less or minimally cardiotoxic and may be appropriate alternatives.
Depression
Major:
doxepin
Doxepin has a major potential interaction with Depression.
A variety of abnormal thinking and behavior changes have been reported to occur in association with the use of most anxiolytics, sedatives and hypnotics. Some of these changes include decreased inhibition, aggressiveness, agitation, and hallucinations. These drugs can cause or exacerbate mental depression and cause suicidal behavior and ideation. Therapy with these drugs should be administered cautiously in patients with a history of depression or other psychiatric disorders. Patients should be monitored for any changes in mood or behavior. It may be prudent to refrain from dispensing large quantities of medication to these patients.
Diabetes Mellitus
Moderate:
doxepin
Doxepin has a moderate potential interaction with Diabetes Mellitus.
There have been reports of both elevation and lowering of blood sugar levels in patients receiving tricyclic antidepressants. These drugs should be used with caution in patients with hypoglycemia, hyperglycemia or diabetes. Monitoring sugar levels is recommended.
Moderate:
doxepin
Doxepin has a moderate potential interaction with Diabetes Mellitus.
Both elevation and lowering of blood sugar levels have been reported with the use of some tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs). Rarely, these effects have also occurred with maprotiline, a tetracyclic antidepressant. Patients with diabetes should be monitored for worsening control of blood glucose when treated with these agents, particularly during dosage escalation or whenever dosage has been altered.
Diarrhea
Minor:
atropine
Atropine has a minor potential interaction with Diarrhea.
Diarrhea may be a symptom of incomplete intestinal obstruction, especially in patients with ileostomy or colostomy. Antimuscarinic agents may further aggravate the diarrhea. Therefore, these drugs should be administered cautiously in patients with diarrhea.
Esophageal Obstruction
Major:
atropine
Atropine has a major potential interaction with Esophageal Obstruction.
Anticholinergics are contraindicated in patients with obstructive diseases such as achalasia, esophageal stricture or stenosis, pyloroduodenal stenosis, stenosing peptic ulcer, pyloric obstruction, and paralytic ileus. Anticholinergics may further suppress intestinal motility with resultant precipitation or aggravation of toxic megacolon.
Fever
Minor:
atropine
Atropine has a minor potential interaction with Fever.
Atropine-like agents may increase the risk of hyperthermia in patients with fever by producing anhidrosis. Therapy with atropine-like agents should be administered cautiously in febrile patients.
Gastrointestinal Obstruction
Major:
atropine
Atropine has a major potential interaction with Gastrointestinal Obstruction.
Anticholinergics are contraindicated in patients with obstructive diseases such as achalasia, esophageal stricture or stenosis, pyloroduodenal stenosis, stenosing peptic ulcer, pyloric obstruction, and paralytic ileus. Anticholinergics may further suppress intestinal motility with resultant precipitation or aggravation of toxic megacolon.
Major:
doxepin
Doxepin has a major potential interaction with Gastrointestinal Obstruction.
Tricyclic and tetracyclic antidepressants (TCAs) have anticholinergic activity, to which elderly patients are particularly sensitive. Tertiary amines such as amitriptyline and trimipramine tend to exhibit greater anticholinergic effects than other agents in the class. Therapy with TCAs should be administered cautiously in patients with preexisting conditions that are likely to be exacerbated by anticholinergic activity, such as urinary retention or obstruction; angle-closure glaucoma, untreated intraocular hypertension, or uncontrolled primary open-angle glaucoma; and gastrointestinal obstructive disorders. In patients with angle-closure glaucoma, even average doses can precipitate an attack. Glaucoma should be treated and under control prior to initiation of therapy with TCAs, and intraocular pressure monitored during therapy.
GERD
Moderate:
atropine
Atropine has a moderate potential interaction with GERD.
Antimuscarinic agents decrease gastric motility and relax the lower esophageal sphincter which promotes gastric retention and can aggravate reflux. These drugs should be administered cautiously in patients with gastroesophageal reflux or hiatal hernia associated with reflux esophagitis.
Glaucoma, Narrow Angle
Moderate:
doxepin
Doxepin has a moderate potential interaction with Glaucoma, Narrow Angle.
Tricyclic antidepressants as other type of antidepressants have an effect on pupil size causing dilation. This effect can potentially narrow the eye angle resulting in increased intraocular pressure and angle closure glaucoma, especially in predisposed patients. These drugs should be used with caution in patients with anatomically narrow angle or history of glaucoma. Doxepin hydrochloride capsules are contraindicated in patients with glaucoma.
Glaucoma/Intraocular Hypertension
Major:
atropine
Atropine has a major potential interaction with Glaucoma/Intraocular Hypertension.
Anticholinergic agents are contraindicated in patients with primary glaucoma, a tendency toward glaucoma (narrow anterior chamber angle), or adhesions (synechiae) between the iris and lens, as well as for the elderly and others in whom undiagnosed glaucoma or excessive pressure in the eye may be present. Because anticholinergics cause mydriasis, they may exacerbate these conditions.
Major:
doxepin
Doxepin has a major potential interaction with Glaucoma/Intraocular Hypertension.
The use of doxepin is contraindicated in patients with glaucoma, or a tendency to urinary retention. These disorders should be ruled out before starting treatment, especially in elderly patients.
Major:
doxepin
Doxepin has a major potential interaction with Glaucoma/Intraocular Hypertension.
Tricyclic and tetracyclic antidepressants (TCAs) have anticholinergic activity, to which elderly patients are particularly sensitive. Tertiary amines such as amitriptyline and trimipramine tend to exhibit greater anticholinergic effects than other agents in the class. Therapy with TCAs should be administered cautiously in patients with preexisting conditions that are likely to be exacerbated by anticholinergic activity, such as urinary retention or obstruction; angle-closure glaucoma, untreated intraocular hypertension, or uncontrolled primary open-angle glaucoma; and gastrointestinal obstructive disorders. In patients with angle-closure glaucoma, even average doses can precipitate an attack. Glaucoma should be treated and under control prior to initiation of therapy with TCAs, and intraocular pressure monitored during therapy.
Moderate:
doxepin
Doxepin has a moderate potential interaction with Glaucoma/Intraocular Hypertension.
Some hypnotic drugs can have an anticholinergic effect and should be used with caution in patients with glaucoma, and trouble urinating due to retention or enlarged prostate.
Heart Attack
Major:
doxepin
Doxepin has a major potential interaction with Heart Attack.
The use of most tricyclic antidepressants is contraindicated in patients that are going through the acute recovery period after a myocardial infarction.
High Blood Pressure
Minor:
atropine
Atropine has a minor potential interaction with High Blood Pressure.
Cardiovascular effects of anticholinergics may exacerbate hypertension. Therapy with anticholinergic agents should be administered cautiously in patients with hypertension.
History - Cerebrovascular Disease
Major:
doxepin
Doxepin has a major potential interaction with History - Cerebrovascular Disease.
Tricyclic and tetracyclic antidepressants (TCAs) may cause orthostatic hypotension, reflex tachycardia, syncope, and dizziness, particularly during initiation of therapy or rapid escalation of dosage. Imipramine appears to have the greatest propensity to induce these effects, while secondary amines such as nortriptyline may do so less frequently. Tolerance to the hypotensive effects often develops after a few doses to a few weeks. Rarely, collapse and sudden death have occurred secondary to severe hypotension. Other reported adverse cardiovascular effects include tachycardia, arrhythmias, heart block, hypertension, thrombosis, thrombophlebitis, myocardial infarction, strokes, congestive heart failure, and ECG abnormalities such as PR and QT interval prolongation. Therapy with TCAs should be avoided during the acute recovery phase following myocardial infarction, and should be administered only with extreme caution in patients with hyperthyroidism, a history of cardiovascular or cerebrovascular disease, or a predisposition to hypotension. Close monitoring of cardiovascular status, including ECG changes, is recommended at all dosages. Many of the newer antidepressants, including bupropion and the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), are considerably less or minimally cardiotoxic and may be appropriate alternatives.
History - Myocardial Infarction
Major:
doxepin
Doxepin has a major potential interaction with History - Myocardial Infarction.
Tricyclic and tetracyclic antidepressants (TCAs) may cause orthostatic hypotension, reflex tachycardia, syncope, and dizziness, particularly during initiation of therapy or rapid escalation of dosage. Imipramine appears to have the greatest propensity to induce these effects, while secondary amines such as nortriptyline may do so less frequently. Tolerance to the hypotensive effects often develops after a few doses to a few weeks. Rarely, collapse and sudden death have occurred secondary to severe hypotension. Other reported adverse cardiovascular effects include tachycardia, arrhythmias, heart block, hypertension, thrombosis, thrombophlebitis, myocardial infarction, strokes, congestive heart failure, and ECG abnormalities such as PR and QT interval prolongation. Therapy with TCAs should be avoided during the acute recovery phase following myocardial infarction, and should be administered only with extreme caution in patients with hyperthyroidism, a history of cardiovascular or cerebrovascular disease, or a predisposition to hypotension. Close monitoring of cardiovascular status, including ECG changes, is recommended at all dosages. Many of the newer antidepressants, including bupropion and the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), are considerably less or minimally cardiotoxic and may be appropriate alternatives.
Hyperthyroidism
Major:
doxepin
Doxepin has a major potential interaction with Hyperthyroidism.
Tricyclic and tetracyclic antidepressants (TCAs) may cause orthostatic hypotension, reflex tachycardia, syncope, and dizziness, particularly during initiation of therapy or rapid escalation of dosage. Imipramine appears to have the greatest propensity to induce these effects, while secondary amines such as nortriptyline may do so less frequently. Tolerance to the hypotensive effects often develops after a few doses to a few weeks. Rarely, collapse and sudden death have occurred secondary to severe hypotension. Other reported adverse cardiovascular effects include tachycardia, arrhythmias, heart block, hypertension, thrombosis, thrombophlebitis, myocardial infarction, strokes, congestive heart failure, and ECG abnormalities such as PR and QT interval prolongation. Therapy with TCAs should be avoided during the acute recovery phase following myocardial infarction, and should be administered only with extreme caution in patients with hyperthyroidism, a history of cardiovascular or cerebrovascular disease, or a predisposition to hypotension. Close monitoring of cardiovascular status, including ECG changes, is recommended at all dosages. Many of the newer antidepressants, including bupropion and the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), are considerably less or minimally cardiotoxic and may be appropriate alternatives.
Moderate:
doxepin
Doxepin has a moderate potential interaction with Hyperthyroidism.
Most tricyclic antidepressants should be administered with caution in hyperthyroid patients or those receiving thyroid medication as they may develop arrhythmias when these drugs are given.
Minor:
atropine
Atropine has a minor potential interaction with Hyperthyroidism.
In general, agents with anticholinergic activity may exacerbate hyperthyroidism. Therapy with anticholinergics should be administered cautiously in patients with hyperthyroidism. Thyroid levels should be monitored if usage is prolonged.
Hypoglycemia
Moderate:
doxepin
Doxepin has a moderate potential interaction with Hypoglycemia.
There have been reports of both elevation and lowering of blood sugar levels in patients receiving tricyclic antidepressants. These drugs should be used with caution in patients with hypoglycemia, hyperglycemia or diabetes. Monitoring sugar levels is recommended.
Hypotension
Major:
doxepin
Doxepin has a major potential interaction with Hypotension.
Tricyclic and tetracyclic antidepressants (TCAs) may cause orthostatic hypotension, reflex tachycardia, syncope, and dizziness, particularly during initiation of therapy or rapid escalation of dosage. Imipramine appears to have the greatest propensity to induce these effects, while secondary amines such as nortriptyline may do so less frequently. Tolerance to the hypotensive effects often develops after a few doses to a few weeks. Rarely, collapse and sudden death have occurred secondary to severe hypotension. Other reported adverse cardiovascular effects include tachycardia, arrhythmias, heart block, hypertension, thrombosis, thrombophlebitis, myocardial infarction, strokes, congestive heart failure, and ECG abnormalities such as PR and QT interval prolongation. Therapy with TCAs should be avoided during the acute recovery phase following myocardial infarction, and should be administered only with extreme caution in patients with hyperthyroidism, a history of cardiovascular or cerebrovascular disease, or a predisposition to hypotension. Close monitoring of cardiovascular status, including ECG changes, is recommended at all dosages. Many of the newer antidepressants, including bupropion and the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), are considerably less or minimally cardiotoxic and may be appropriate alternatives.
Infectious Gastroenteritis
Major:
atropine
Atropine has a major potential interaction with Infectious Gastroenteritis.
The use of drugs with antiperistaltic activity (primarily antidiarrheal and antimuscarinic agents, but also antispasmodic agents such as dicyclomine or oxybutynin at high dosages) is contraindicated in patients with diarrhea due to pseudomembranous enterocolitis or enterotoxin-producing bacteria. These drugs may prolong and/or worsen diarrhea associated with organisms that invade the intestinal mucosa, such as toxigenic E. coli, Salmonella and Shigella, and pseudomembranous colitis due to broad-spectrum antibiotics. Other symptoms and complications such as fever, shedding of organisms and extraintestinal illness may also be increased or prolonged. In general, because antiperistaltic agents decrease gastrointestinal motility, they may delay the excretion of infective gastroenteric organisms or toxins and should be used cautiously in patients with any infectious diarrhea, particularly if accompanied by high fever or pus or blood in the stool. Some cough and cold and other combination products may occasionally include antimuscarinic agents for their drying effects and may, therefore, require careful selection when necessary.
Ischemic Heart Disease
Moderate:
atropine
Atropine has a moderate potential interaction with Ischemic Heart Disease.
Antimuscarinic agents block vagal inhibition of the SA nodal pacemaker. These agents should be administered cautiously in patients with tachycardia, congestive heart failure, or coronary artery disease. Premature ventricular depolarization or ventricular tachycardia or fibrillation associated with antimuscarinic drugs is rare.
Liver Disease
Moderate:
atropine
Atropine has a moderate potential interaction with Liver Disease.
Atropine-like agents undergo significant hepatic metabolism. Therapy with atropine-like agents should be administered cautiously to patients with liver disease.
Moderate:
doxepin
Doxepin has a moderate potential interaction with Liver Disease.
Tricyclic and tetracyclic antidepressants (TCAs) are known to undergo metabolism in the liver. Some of the metabolites, such as those of imipramine, clomipramine and desipramine, may be pharmacologically active. Many of the metabolites are also excreted by the kidney. There are very limited data concerning the use of TCAs in patients with renal and/or liver disease. Therapy with TCAs should be administered cautiously in patients with significantly impaired renal or hepatic function. Dosage adjustments may be necessary.
Moderate:
doxepin
Doxepin has a moderate potential interaction with Liver Disease.
In general, tricyclic antidepressants should be used with caution in patients with liver or renal disease, as these drugs are metabolized and excreted through the liver and kidneys. Dose selection, especially in the elderly patients that might have liver or renal dysfunction, should usually be limited to the smallest effective total daily dose. Some tricyclic antidepressants such as clomipramine and nortriptyline have occasionally been associated with elevations in SGOT (AST) and SGPT (ALT), and other hepatic adverse events such as jaundice. Although serious liver injury has only been reported rarely, therapy with these drugs should be administered cautiously in patients with preexisting liver disease and periodic monitoring of liver enzyme levels is recommended.
Moderate:
doxepin
Doxepin has a moderate potential interaction with Liver Disease.
Some anxiolytics, sedatives and hypnotics are extensively metabolized by the liver, and excreted in the urine. Patients with impaired renal and/or hepatic function may be at greater risk for adverse effects, including central nervous system and respiratory depression, due to drug and metabolite accumulation. Therapy with these drugs should be administered cautiously in such patients, with careful dose selection usually starting at the low end of the dosing range.
Moderate:
doxepin
Doxepin has a moderate potential interaction with Liver Disease.
In general, anxiolytics, sedatives and hypnotics are extensively metabolized by the liver. Their plasma clearance may be decreased and their half-life prolonged in patients with impaired hepatic function. Therapy with these drugs should be administered cautiously in patients with liver disease (some are not recommended in severe liver impairment), and the dosage should be adjusted accordingly. Laboratory testing is recommended prior and during treatment.
Mania
Moderate:
doxepin
Doxepin has a moderate potential interaction with Mania.
Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) may aggravate symptoms of psychosis in schizophrenic patients, particularly those with paranoid symptomatology. Depressed patients, usually those with bipolar disorder, may experience a switch from depression to mania or hypomania. These occurrences have also been reported rarely with the tetracyclic antidepressant, maprotiline. Therapy with these agents should be administered cautiously in patients with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or a history of mania.
Myasthenia Gravis
Major:
atropine
Atropine has a major potential interaction with Myasthenia Gravis.
Because antimuscarinic agents have anticholinergic effects, they are contraindicated in patients with myasthenia gravis. Their use may be appropriate to reduce adverse muscarinic effects caused by an anticholinesterase agent.
Neutropenia
Moderate:
doxepin
Doxepin has a moderate potential interaction with Neutropenia.
The use of some tricyclic antidepressants has been associated with neutropenia (ANC < 500/mm3) and agranulocytosis (ANC < 500/mm3). Leukocyte and differential blood counts should be performed in patients that develop fever and sore throat during treatment. Therapy should be discontinued if there is evidence of pathologic neutrophil depression.
Pheochromocytoma
Major:
doxepin
Doxepin has a major potential interaction with Pheochromocytoma.
Tricyclic and tetracyclic antidepressants (TCAs) may potentiate the effects of circulating catecholamines. Enhanced sympathetic activity can provoke hypertensive crises in patients with pheochromocytoma or other tumors of the adrenal medulla, such as some neuroblastomas. Therapy with TCAs should be administered cautiously in patients with these tumors.
Renal Dysfunction
Moderate:
atropine
Atropine has a moderate potential interaction with Renal Dysfunction.
Atropine-like agents are primarily eliminated by the kidney. Therapy with atropine-like agents should be administered cautiously to patients with renal disease.
Moderate:
doxepin
Doxepin has a moderate potential interaction with Renal Dysfunction.
Tricyclic and tetracyclic antidepressants (TCAs) are known to undergo metabolism in the liver. Some of the metabolites, such as those of imipramine, clomipramine and desipramine, may be pharmacologically active. Many of the metabolites are also excreted by the kidney. There are very limited data concerning the use of TCAs in patients with renal and/or liver disease. Therapy with TCAs should be administered cautiously in patients with significantly impaired renal or hepatic function. Dosage adjustments may be necessary.
Moderate:
doxepin
Doxepin has a moderate potential interaction with Renal Dysfunction.
In general, tricyclic antidepressants should be used with caution in patients with liver or renal disease, as these drugs are metabolized and excreted through the liver and kidneys. Dose selection, especially in the elderly patients that might have liver or renal dysfunction, should usually be limited to the smallest effective total daily dose. Some tricyclic antidepressants such as clomipramine and nortriptyline have occasionally been associated with elevations in SGOT (AST) and SGPT (ALT), and other hepatic adverse events such as jaundice. Although serious liver injury has only been reported rarely, therapy with these drugs should be administered cautiously in patients with preexisting liver disease and periodic monitoring of liver enzyme levels is recommended.
Moderate:
doxepin
Doxepin has a moderate potential interaction with Renal Dysfunction.
Some anxiolytics, sedatives and hypnotics are extensively metabolized by the liver, and excreted in the urine. Patients with impaired renal and/or hepatic function may be at greater risk for adverse effects, including central nervous system and respiratory depression, due to drug and metabolite accumulation. Therapy with these drugs should be administered cautiously in such patients, with careful dose selection usually starting at the low end of the dosing range.
Schizophrenia
Moderate:
doxepin
Doxepin has a moderate potential interaction with Schizophrenia.
Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) may aggravate symptoms of psychosis in schizophrenic patients, particularly those with paranoid symptomatology. Depressed patients, usually those with bipolar disorder, may experience a switch from depression to mania or hypomania. These occurrences have also been reported rarely with the tetracyclic antidepressant, maprotiline. Therapy with these agents should be administered cautiously in patients with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or a history of mania.
Moderate:
doxepin
Doxepin has a moderate potential interaction with Schizophrenia.
Some tricyclic antidepressants have shown to cause activation or exacerbation of psychosis in schizophrenic patients. A dosage reduction might be required.
Tardive Dyskinesia
Moderate:
doxepin
Doxepin has a moderate potential interaction with Tardive Dyskinesia.
Tricyclic and tetracyclic antidepressants (TCAs) have anticholinergic activity, to which elderly patients are particularly sensitive. Tertiary amines such as amitriptyline and trimipramine tend to exhibit greater anticholinergic effects than other agents in the class. As with other drugs that possess anticholinergic activity, TCAs may aggravate tardive dyskinesia or induce previously suppressed symptoms. Patients with tardive dyskinesia requiring therapy with TCAs should be monitored for exacerbation of the condition.
Ulcerative Colitis
Moderate:
atropine
Atropine has a moderate potential interaction with Ulcerative Colitis.
Antimuscarinic agents may suppress intestinal motility and produce paralytic ileus with resultant precipitation of toxic megacolon. These drugs should be administered cautiously to patients with ulcerative colitis.
Urinary Retention
Major:
atropine
Atropine has a major potential interaction with Urinary Retention.
In general, the use of anticholinergic agents is contraindicated in patients with urinary retention and bladder neck obstruction caused by prostatic hypertrophy. Dysuria may occur and may require catheterization. Also, anticholinergic drugs may aggravate partial obstructive uropathy. Caution is advised even when using agents with mild to moderate anticholinergic activity, particularly in elderly patients.
Major:
doxepin
Doxepin has a major potential interaction with Urinary Retention.
The use of doxepin is contraindicated in patients with glaucoma, or a tendency to urinary retention. These disorders should be ruled out before starting treatment, especially in elderly patients.
Major:
doxepin
Doxepin has a major potential interaction with Urinary Retention.
Tricyclic and tetracyclic antidepressants (TCAs) have anticholinergic activity, to which elderly patients are particularly sensitive. Tertiary amines such as amitriptyline and trimipramine tend to exhibit greater anticholinergic effects than other agents in the class. Therapy with TCAs should be administered cautiously in patients with preexisting conditions that are likely to be exacerbated by anticholinergic activity, such as urinary retention or obstruction; angle-closure glaucoma, untreated intraocular hypertension, or uncontrolled primary open-angle glaucoma; and gastrointestinal obstructive disorders. In patients with angle-closure glaucoma, even average doses can precipitate an attack. Glaucoma should be treated and under control prior to initiation of therapy with TCAs, and intraocular pressure monitored during therapy.
Moderate:
doxepin
Doxepin has a moderate potential interaction with Urinary Retention.
Due to their anticholinergic properties, tricyclic antidepressants should be administered with caution in patients with history of urinary retention. Particularly doxepin hydrochloride capsules are contraindicated in patients with tendency to urinary retention.
Moderate:
doxepin
Doxepin has a moderate potential interaction with Urinary Retention.
Some hypnotic drugs can have an anticholinergic effect and should be used with caution in patients with glaucoma, and trouble urinating due to retention or enlarged prostate.
More resources
atropine
A total of 235 drugs are known to interact with atropine.
- Atropine is in the following drug classes: anticholinergic chronotropic agents, anticholinergics/antispasmodics, antidotes.
- Atropine is used to treat the following conditions:
doxepin
A total of 735 drugs are known to interact with doxepin.
- Doxepin is in the following drug classes: miscellaneous anxiolytics, sedatives and hypnotics, tricyclic antidepressants.
-
Doxepin is used to treat the following conditions:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Insomnia
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (off-label)
- Major Depressive Disorder
- Neuropathic Pain (off-label)
- Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome (off-label)
- Urticaria
Drug Interaction Classification
| Highly clinically significant. Avoid combinations; the risk of the interaction outweighs the benefit. | |
| Moderately clinically significant. Usually avoid combinations; use it only under special circumstances. | |
| Minimally clinically significant. Minimize risk; assess risk and consider an alternative drug, take steps to circumvent the interaction risk and/or institute a monitoring plan. | |
| No interaction information available. |
Further information
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