Clonidine and Doxepin interaction

Clonidine and Doxepin: both prescribing labels flag this combination with the strongest language, such as a contraindication, a boxed warning, or an instruction to avoid it.

Major

Do not combine without a prescriber's guidance. The label language below is the strongest FDA uses.

What the FDA labels say

From the Clonidine (QLONILIK) label · effective 2026-08-12

Major

Avoid use with other central nervous system (CNS) depressants ( 5.3 )

Warnings and precautionsby drug classView label on DailyMed
Major

Avoid use with other central nervous system (CNS) depressants, as this combination may cause excessive drowsiness or sedation [see Drug Interactions (7) ].

Warnings and precautionsby drug classView label on DailyMed
Moderate

Tricyclic antidepressants Clinical Implication Concomitant use of tricyclic antidepressants with clonidine can increase blood pressure and may counteract the hypotensive effects of clonidine.

Drug interactionsby drug classView label on DailyMed
Moderate

Concomitant use of tricyclic antidepressants with clonidine can increase blood pressure and may counteract the hypotensive effects of clonidine.

Drug interactionsby drug classView label on DailyMed

From the Doxepin (Silenor) label · effective 2026-04-21

Moderate

Although behaviors such as "sleep-driving" may occur with hypnotics alone at therapeutic doses, the use of alcohol and other CNS depressants with hypnotics appears to increase the risk of such behaviors, as does the use of hypnotics at doses exceeding the maximum recommended dose.

Warnings and precautionsby drug classView label on DailyMed
Moderate

When taken with SILENOR, the sedative effects of alcoholic beverages, sedating antihistamines, and other CNS depressants may be potentiated [s ee Warnings and Precautions (5.2) and Drug Interactions (7.3 , 7.4) ].

Warnings and precautionsby drug classView label on DailyMed

Taking more than these two? Interactions stack. Check your whole list at once; it stays in your browser.

Open in the checker

Not medical advice. Interaction Checker quotes FDA label text and NIH fact sheets. Whether an interaction matters for you depends on doses, timing, kidney and liver function, and other conditions. Confirm with a pharmacist or prescriber.