Uses
Doxepin is used to treat depression and anxiety. Doxepin is in a class of medications called tricyclic antidepressants. It works by increasing the amounts of certain natural substances in the brain that are needed for mental balance.
Doxepin is also available as a tablet to treat insomnia. This monograph only gives information about doxepin for depression or anxiety. If you are using this medication for insomnia, read the monograph entitled doxepin (insomnia).
Side Effects Of Doxepin (Depression, Anxiety)
Doxepin may cause side effects. Call your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- nausea
- vomiting
- weakness or tiredness
- dizziness
- increase in pupil size
- dry mouth
- mouth sores
- skin more sensitive to sunlight than usual
- flushing
- changes in appetite or weight
- changes in the way things taste
- indigestion
- constipation
- diarrhea
- difficulty urinating
- excessive thirst and urination
- ringing in your ears
- changes in sex drive
- swollen testicles
- increased breast size
- milky discharge from nipples in females
- excessive sweating
- chills
- headache
- hair loss
If you experience any of the following symptoms or those listed in the WARNING or WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS sections, call your doctor immediately:
- yellowing of the skin or eyes
- fast heartbeat
- unusual bleeding or bruising
- skin rash, itching, or swelling
Warnings & Precautions
Before taking doxepin:
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to doxepin, amoxapine, loxapine, any other medications, or any of the ingredients in doxapine capsules, or concentrate.
- tell your doctor if you are taking a monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam, Zelapar), and tranylcypromine (Parnate), or if you have stopped taking an MAO inhibitor within the past 14 days. Also, tell your doctor if you are taking or receiving methylene blue (Provayblue) or linezolid (Zyvox). Your doctor will probably tell you not to take doxepin. If you stop taking doxepin, you should wait at least 14 days before you start to take an MAO inhibitor.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention any of the following: certain antipsychotics such as chlorpromazine, fluphenazine, perphenazine, prochlorperazine (Compro, Procomp), thioridazine, trifluoperazine ; bupropion (Wellbutrin, Zyban, others, in Contrave); cimetidine (Tagamet); duloxetine (Cymbalta); flecainide (Tambocor); propafenone (Rythmol); quinidine (in Nuedexta); selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as citalopram (Celexa), escitalopram (Lexapro), fluoxetine (Prozac, Sarafem, Selfemra, in Symbyax), fluvoxamine (Luvox), paroxetine (Brisdelle, Paxil, Pexeva), and sertraline (Zoloft); and tolazamide (Tolinase). Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects. Your doctor may tell you not to take doxepin if you have taken fluoxetine in the past 5 weeks.
- tell your doctor if you have glaucoma or difficulty urinating. Your doctor will probably tell you not to take doxepin.
- tell your doctor if you have or have ever drunk large amounts of alcohol, or have or have ever had asthma, or liver or kidney disease.
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking this medication, call your doctor.
- talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of taking doxepin if you are 65 years of age or older. Older adults should not usually take doxepin because it is not as safe or effective as other medications that can be used to treat the same condition.
- you should know that this medication may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you.
- ask your doctor about the safe use of alcoholic beverages while you are taking doxepin. Alcohol can make the side effects of doxepin worse.
- you should know that doxepin may cause angle-closure glaucoma (a condition where the fluid is suddenly blocked and unable to flow out of the eye causing a quick, severe increase in eye pressure which may lead to a loss of vision). Talk to your doctor about having an eye examination before you start taking this medication. If you have nausea, eye pain, changes in vision, such as seeing colored rings around lights, and swelling or redness in or around the eye, call your doctor or get emergency medical treatment right away.
Dosage Of Doxepin (Depression, Anxiety)
Doxepin comes as a capsule, or concentrate (liquid) to take by mouth. It is usually taken one to three times a day and may be taken with or without food. Try to take doxepin at around the same time(s) every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take doxepin exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Doxepin concentrate (oral liquid) comes with a specially marked dropper for measuring the dose. Ask your pharmacist to show you how to use the dropper. Dilute the concentrate in 4 ounces (120 mL) of water; whole or skim milk; or orange, grapefruit, tomato, prune, or pineapple juice just before taking it. Do not mix it with carbonated beverages (soft drinks).
It may take several weeks or longer for you to feel the full effect of doxepin. Continue to take doxepin even if you feel well. Do not stop taking doxepin without talking to your doctor. Your doctor will probably want to decrease your dose gradually.
Other
Keep all appointments with your doctor.
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
Source
All information has been provided courtesy of MedLinePlus from the National Library of Medicine and from the FDA.
