Adapin: Drug Information

Generic Name: Doxepin

Brand Name: Doxepin, Sinequan, Doxdep, Doxetar, Doxin, Spectra

Drug Class: Tricyclic, Antidepressant

Uses of Adapin:

Adapin is a tricyclic antidepressant and acts as a mood enhancer. It is widely used in the treatment of depressive disorders and anxiety. Other uses of the medicine include treatment of chronic pain, peptic ulcers and skin disorders.

How does the drug work?

Adapin inhibits the reuptake of monoamines once released in the synapse. It has anticholinergic, antiserotonin and antihistamine properties that affect the musculoskeletal system. The effects of the medication can be noticed within 3 to 5 weeks.

Recommended dosage: It is essential for you to take the medication as directed by your physician. You can take Adapin with or without food at equal intervals during the day.

Safety and precautions:

Adapin should not be administered to patients suffering from mania, glaucoma or urinary retention. It should not be given to neonates. Careful drug monitoring should be done if the drug is given to epileptic patients, those suffering from hypertension, individuals with cardiovascular disease and during pregnancy and lactation. It s not recommended to co-administer the drug with anesthetics.

Drug Interactions of Adapin:

Adapin should not be co-administered with barbiturates and methylphenidates as the former reduce while the latter increase the level of plasma doxepin. If it is taken along with clonidine, reserpine, methyldopa or bethanidine it will reduce the hypotensive action of these drugs. This medicine is known to aggravate the hypertensive action of sympathomimetics and it also increases the anticholinergic effects of mono amine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs).

Individuals taking Adapin should not consume alcohol as the medicine is known to increase its sedative effect which can be extremely hazardous.

Side Effects of Adapin:

On the downside, Adapin has various side effects and must be taken only under medical supervision. Some of the most common side effects of the medicine are dizziness, hypotension, drowsiness, dryness of the mouth, tachycardia, unclear vision, constipation, headache, confusion, rashes, insomnia and nausea.

A note of precaution:

If you are allergic to Adapin or any other medications, you need to bring it to your physician’s notice.

You must also tell your doctor if you are pregnant or lactating.

In case you are taking other medications such as MAOIs, anticoagulants, sleeping pills or medications to treat asthma, diabetes, thyroid, seizures and vitamin supplements, you need to notify your doctor.

You must NOT operate any heavy machinery, drive a vehicle or consume alcohol after taking Adapin as it causes drowsiness.