What is Doxepin?
Doxepin is a tricyclic depressant. Doxepin oral liquid and capsules are used to treat depression or anxiety symptoms associated with alcoholism, manic depressive disorder, or other mental illnesses. Silenor (Doxepin) is used to treat insomnia. This guide only contains information on doxepin liquid and capsules. Doxepin can be used in other ways not mentioned in this guide.
Side effects of Doxepin
If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction, seek immediate medical attention: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of your lips, face, or throat. You should tell your doctor if any symptoms worsen or change, including: anxiety, panic attack, difficulty sleeping, or feeling impulsive, irritable, or agitated; hostile or aggressive; restless or hyperactive.
Doxepin can cause serious side effects. If you experience:
- Blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain, swelling, or seeing halos around lights
- A feeling of lightheadedness, as if you could pass out.
- Tremors are restless movements of the muscles in your mouth, eyes, jaw, or neck.
- Constipation is severe.
- Confusion, hallucinations (unusual thoughts), seizures
- Urination that is painful or difficult
Some of the common side effects associated with doxepin include:
- Drowsiness, dizziness;
- Increased blood pressure
- Vision changes
- Rash, swelling;
- Nausea, vomiting, indigestion;
- Little or no urination
- Constipation and dry mouth are both symptoms of constipation.
- Sexual drive can be reduced or increased.
There may be other side effects. Call your physician if experiencing side effects; otherwise contact the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 to report them.
Warnings
If you have glaucoma or if you experience problems with urination, then you should avoid taking doxepin. Use doxepin only if you have not taken MAO inhibitors in the last 14 days. These include isocarboxazid (linezolid), phenelzine (phenelzine injection), rasagiline (selegiline), or tranylcypromine. Young adults starting an antidepressant may experience suicidal thoughts when starting, so be alert for changes to mood or symptoms and notify your physician of any new or worsening signs and symptoms.
Before you take this drug
If you have an allergy to doxepin, similar medicines like amoxapine and loxapine (or if:
- Glaucoma;
- Urination problems.
If you've used an MAO inhibitor in the last 14 days, do not take doxepin. Harmful drug interactions may occur. MAO inhibitors are isocarboxazid (linezolid), phenelzine (phenelzine injection), rasagiline (selegiline), methylene blue injection, and others. Tell your doctor if, in the last 5 weeks, you've taken an antidepressant called "SSRI", such as citalopram (Prozac), escitalopram (Citalopram), paroxetine (Paroxetine), sertraline ("Zoloft"), trazodone (Trazodone), or vilazodone.
Inform your physician of any of the following conditions:
- Bipolar I disorder (manic depression).
Young adults starting an antidepressant medication may experience suicidal thoughts upon beginning treatment, so regular appointments with their physician is a useful way of monitoring treatment progress and keeping up-to-date on changes to mood or symptoms. Being informed should include notifying friends and family if anything unexpected arises in either regard. Inform your doctor of any pregnancies or nursing mothers. Doxepin should not be used by anyone under the age of 12.
How to take Doxepin?
Read all the instructions or guides that come with your medication and follow the directions. Sometimes, your doctor will change the dose. Take your medication exactly as instructed. Measuring liquid medicine is important. Use the provided dosing device or a dose-measuring tool (not a spoon). Mix the measured amount with 4 ounces of water, orange juice (grapefruit), tomato juice, pineapple juice, or prune juice. Mix with water or milk only. Do not add grape juice, carbonated drinks, or any other soft drink. Mix the mixture well, and consume it all immediately. Don't save it to use later. You may experience unpleasant withdrawal symptoms if you suddenly stop taking doxepin. You should ask your doctor about how to stop doxepin safely. Your symptoms may not improve for up to three weeks. Continue to take your medication as directed, and notify your physician if there has been no improvement in symptoms. Store away from heat and moisture at room temperature; when not in use, always keep tightly sealed.
What happens if I miss the dose?
If it is almost time for your next dose, skip any missed one as taking two doses at the same time could prove harmful to your health.
What happens if I overdose?
Call Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222 or seek emergency medical care. Doxepin overdoses can be fatal. Overdose symptoms include an irregular heartbeat, feeling as if you're about to pass out, seizures, or a coma.
What should be avoided?
Don't drink alcohol. Side effects and death can occur. Do not drive or engage in any hazardous activities until you have a better understanding of how doxepin affects you. You may be unable to react properly.
Interaction with other drug
This effect can be worsened by taking doxepin along with other drugs that make you sleepy. Before taking an opioid, a sleeping tablet, a muscle-relaxing medication, or medicine to treat anxiety or seizures, consult your doctor. Other drugs, such as prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products, may also affect doxepinInform your physician of all medications you currently take as well as those you will start or stop taking in order to protect their wellbeing.
