Doxepin and Phenelzine interaction
Doxepin and Phenelzine: both prescribing labels flag this combination with the strongest language, such as a contraindication, a boxed warning, or an instruction to avoid it.
Do not combine without a prescriber's guidance. The label language below is the strongest FDA uses.
What the FDA labels say
From the Doxepin (Silenor) label · effective 2026-04-21
Co-administration with Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs): Do not administer if patient is taking MAOIs or has used MAOIs within the past two weeks.
Co-administration with Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) Serious side effects and even death have been reported following the concomitant use of certain drugs with MAO inhibitors.
Do not administer SILENOR if patient is currently on MAOIs or has used MAOIs within the past two weeks.
The exact length of time may vary depending on the particular MAOI dosage and duration of treatment.
DRUG INTERACTIONS MAO inhibitors: SILENOR should not be administered in patients on MAOIs within the past two weeks.
From the Phenelzine (phenelzine sulfate) label · effective 2026-05-21
Anyone considering the use of phenelzine sulfate or any other antidepressant in a child, adolescent, or young adult must balance this risk with the clinical need.
Phenelzine sulfate should not be used in combination with dextromethorphan or with CNS depressants such as alcohol and certain narcotics.
At least 14 days should elapse between the discontinuation of phenelzine sulfate and the institution of another antidepressant or buspirone HCl, or the discontinuation of another MAO inhibitor and the institution of phenelzine sulfate.
…nortriptyline hydrochloride amitriptyline hydrochloride perphenazine and amitriptyline hydrochloride clomipramine hydrochloride desipramine hydrochloride imipramine hydrochloride doxepin carbamazepine cyclobenzaprine HCl amoxapine maprotiline HCl trimipramine maleate protriptyline HCl mirtazapine Phenelzine sulfate should be used with caution in combination…
Concomitant Use with Dibenzazepine Derivative Drugs If the decision is made to administer phenelzine sulfate concurrently with other antidepressant drugs, or within less than 10 days after discontinuation of antidepressant therapy, the patient should be cautioned by the physician regarding the possibility of adverse drug interaction.
Taking more than these two? Interactions stack. Check your whole list at once; it stays in your browser.
Open in the checkerNot 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.