Doxepin is an anti depressants / Tricyclic anti depressant (TCA).

Take doxepin exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If do not understand these instructions ask your pharmacist, nurse or doctor to explain them to you.

Take doxepin at regular intervals as advised by your doctor for it to be effective.

Doxepin may take up to 3-4 wks to show its beneficial effects. However continue to take it as advised.

Do not take the medication in larger amounts or for longer duration than recommended by your doctor.

Do not skip doses or stop taking doxepin without consulting your doctor.

What should I discuss with my health care provider before taking doxepin?

Doxepin is known to interact with wide range of drugs. Always remember to inform your health expert if you are currently taking any OTC or prescription drugs like,

Oral anticoagulant like warfarin
Lithium ( mood stabilizer)
MAO inhibitors like Phenelzine
Anti histamine like Terfenadine , Astemizole
Anti convulsants like phenytoin. Phenobarbitone, carbamazepine
Antibiotics like erythromycin, Rifampicin
Anti arrhythmic drugs like quindine flecainide, propafenone

Inform your doctor if you have following medical diseases , as Doxepin should be used cautiously in these conditions

Diabetes mellitus
Suicidal attempts or thoughts
Heart diseases
Glaucoma
Thyroid disorder
Enlargement of prostate
Seizure disorder

When not to take doxepin

Do not use doxepin if you are currently taking any other anti depressants or anti histamine.

What are the precautions I should follow for doxepin?

Children:
Old people: Doxepin should be used cautiously in elderly patients as they more prone for side effects like muscle stiffness, involuntary movements etc

Pregnant woman: Doxepin belongs to FDA pregnancy category C. This means that doxepin may harm an unborn baby if used during pregnancy but potential benefit may warrant use of the drug in pregnant woman despite potential risks. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or are planning for conception.

Lactating women: It is not known whether doxepin passes into breast milk or if it could harm the baby. Do not take doxepin with out first talking to doctor if you are breast feeding a baby.

Other: Avoid alcohol and other sedative drugs as it may increase side effects due to Doxepin.

What are the dosage forms doxepin is available in the market

Doxepin is available in the form of tablets, capsules, cream.

Doses for doxepin

Use as directed by your physician, your physician prescribes depending on the severity of disease. Use the complete course of medication as prescribed by your physician even though you feel better after one or two days of usage of medication.

What about if I missed the dose of doxepin

If it is almost the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not take two doses at same time to cover up the missed dose.

What should I do if I over dosage doxepin

In case of overdose contact your nearest poison control centre or emergency medical centre for immediate care by physician. The overdose symptoms of Doxepin include

Irregular heart rate
Confusion, agitation
Enlarged pupils
Drowsiness
Convulsions
Loss of consciousness

What are the common side effects of doxepin?

Doxepin may cause following side effects

Increase in appetite
Weight gain
Drowsiness
Increased sweating
Heartburn
Altered taste sensation
Dryness of mouth
Giddiness

When to consult the health expert about the side effects of doxepin

Consult your doctor immediately if notice following symptoms.

Allergic reaction like swollen lips, hives, difficulty in breathing, rashes. Peeling of skin etc
Uncontrolled movements of the hands, legs, tongue, face
Suicidal thoughts, depression, hallucination
Worsening of agitation, aggressiveness
Severe mental or mood changes
Weakness on one side of the body
Urinary retention
Easy bruising or bleeding
Visual disturbances

How do I store doxepin?

Store doxepin at room temp (15 – 30 degrees C). Avoid excessive heat, moisture or direct sunlight, never store in the bathroom.
Keep it out of reach of children. Make sure that any leftover portion is disposed off safely.

What is the most important information I should know about doxepin

Doxepin may cause dizziness when getting up from sitting or lying down position due to postural hypotension. Use precaution while changing posture to avoid falling down.
Doxepin increases sensitivity to sunlight. Therefore avoid prolong exposure to the sun and wear long sleeved clothing and use sunscreen when you go out in sun.
Doxepin increases the risk for suicidal thoughts or actions, worsening of depression, mood and behavioural changes especially in teenagers, young adults < 25 yrs. Care givers and family members should watch the patients closely and consult the doctor immediately if they notice any such symptoms.
Doxepin causes giddiness, drowsiness and visual disturbances as side effects. Therefore when affected do not drive, operate heavy machinery or perform unsafe tasks.
Inform your doctor and dentist regarding doxepin medication prior to any planned procedure.

It is imp to read manufacturing packaging instruction carefully if available and always do not hesitate to consult pharmacist or physician for any information.

Written by: Healthplus24 team
Date last updated: November 13,2011

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Disclaimer : Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by healthplus24 team is accurate, up to date and complete but no guarantee is made to that effect. The information contained herein is intended to supplement not substitute for the expertise and knowledge of health care professional. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, adverse effects etc. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist. Healthplus24 team disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.