Doxepin is a tricyclic antidepressant. It works by increasing the amount of certain substances that are naturally present in the brain and help maintain the psychic equilibrium.
What is Doxepin?
Doxepin is used in treatments for anxiety and depression.
How should Doxepin be taken?
Doxepin can be taken orally in form of capsules, tablets or concentrated liquid solution. Typically, one to three administrations per day are required.
Side effects associated with Doxepin
Possible side effects of Doxepin include the following:
- Nausea
- Drowsiness
- Weakness or fatigue
- Nightmares
- Dryness of mouth
- Increased skin sensitivity to light
- Changes in weight or appetite
- Constipation
- Difficult or frequent urination
- Sexual problems
- Excessive sweating
You should immediately contact a doctor if the drug triggers:
- Muscle spasms of the jaw, neck or back
- Difficulty speaking
- Uncontrollable tremors
- Fever
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Rash
- Jaundice
- Irregular heartbeat
- If you walk dragging your feet
Contraindications and warnings associated with the use of Doxepin
To significantly benefit from the treatment with Doxepin, it may take up to several weeks. However, you should not stop taking the medication without first consulting with your doctor. He or she will inform you when it may be appropriate to gradually reduce the dose.
Doxepin should not be mixed with carbonated drinks. The medication may impair the ability to drive or operate hazardous machinery. These side effects may also be increased by alcohol.
Doxepin can cause angle-closure glaucoma. Therefore, it is important to contact a doctor immediately in case its intake triggers eye problems or vision.
Before taking Doxepin, it is important to inform your doctor:
- If you have any allergies to the active substance or any other drug like amoxapin
- If you are taking any medicinal products, herbal remedies or supplements. Mentioning in particular: MAO inhibitors (even if you have stopped treatment within 14 days), antihistamines, anticoagulants, cimetidine, flecainide, levodopa, lithium, drugs for high blood pressure, seizures, Parkinson's, diabetes, asthma, colds or allergies, methylphenidate, muscle relaxants, propafenone, quinidine, sedatives, SSRI, sleeping pills, thyroid medicine, tolazamide and tranquilizers
- If you have difficulty urinating
- If you suffer (or have suffered) from prostatic hypertrophy failure, diabetes, seizures, overactive thyroid or heart, kidney or liver disease
- If you are pregnant or breastfeeding
It is important to inform surgeons and dentists of any ongoing treatment with Doxepin.
