Details

Doxepin is a tricyclic antidepressant. Doxepin is used to treat symptoms of depression or anxiety associated with alcoholism, psychiatric conditions, or manic-depressive conditions. You should not take doxepin if you have glaucoma or problems with urination. To make sure doxepin is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have sleep apnoea (breathing stops during sleep) diabetes (doxepin may raise or lower blood sugar) or bipolar disorder (manic-depression). Do not give doxepin to anyone under 18 years old without the advice of a doctor.

Typical Uses

Doxepin is used to treat mental/mood problems such as depression and anxiety. It may help improve mood and feelings of well-being, relieve anxiety and tension, help you sleep better, and increase your energy level. This medication belongs to a class of medications called tricyclic antidepressants. It works by affecting the balance of certain natural chemicals (neurotransmitters) in the brain. Take this medication by mouth, usually 1 to 3 times daily or as directed by your doctor. If you take it only once a day, take it at bedtime to reduce daytime sleepiness.

Side Effects

Inform any worsening symptoms to your doctor like mood or behaviour changes, anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, or if you feel impulsive, irritable, agitated, hostile, aggressive, restless, hyperactive (mentally or physically), more depressed, or have thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself. Some of the other side effects of doxepin include blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain or swelling, seeing halos around lights a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out skin rash, bruising, severe tingling, numbness, pain, muscle weakness tremors, restless muscle movements in your eyes, tongue, jaw, or neck confusion, hallucinations, unusual thoughts, seizure (convulsions) or painful or difficult urination, urinating less than usual.

Drug Interactions

• Doxepin+anagrelide- Using anagrelide together with doxepin can increase the risk of an irregular heart rhythm that may be serious and potentially life-threatening, although it is a relatively rare side effect. You may be more susceptible if you have a heart condition called congenital long QT syndrome, other cardiac diseases, conduction abnormalities, or electrolyte disturbances.

• Doxepin+arbutamine- Using doxepin and arbutamine is not recommended. Taking these drugs can cause pain or discomfort in your chest, shortness of breath, dizzy or lightheaded, or weakness. It is important that you tell your healthcare provider about all other medications that you are using including vitamins and herbs.

• Doxepin+bedaquiline- Using bedaquiline together with doxepin can increase the risk of an irregular heart rhythm that may be serious and potentially life-threatening, although it is a relatively rare side effect. You may be more susceptible if you have a heart condition called congenital long QT syndrome, other cardiac diseases, conduction abnormalities, or electrolyte disturbances.

• Doxepin+buspirone- Using buspirone together with doxepin can increase the risk of a rare but serious condition called the serotonin syndrome, which may include symptoms such as confusion, hallucination, seizure, extreme changes in blood pressure, increased heart rate, fever, excessive sweating, shivering or shaking, blurred vision, muscle spasm or stiffness, tremor, incoordination, stomach cramp, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea. Severe cases may result in coma and even death.

Mechanism of action

Doxepin belongs to a category of drugs called tricyclic antidepressants. It acts by preventing the deactivation of noradrenaline in the brain, which causes elevation of mood and decreases depressive symptoms.

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