Doxepine: Drug Information

Generic name: Doxepin

Brand Name: Sinquan, Aponal, Deptran

Other names: Doxedep, Doxin, Doxetar, Spectra

Drug Class: Tricyclic, Antidepressant

Doxepine 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?

Doxepine 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 Doxepine with or without food at equal intervals during the day.

Safety and precautions:

Doxepine 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 Doxepine :

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

Side Effects of Doxepine:

On the downside, Doxepine 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 Doxepine 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, drie a vehicle or consume alcohol after taking Doxepine as it causes drowsiness.