Amoxapine
About
Amoxapine is a second-generation tricyclic dibenzoxazepine antidepressant. It is used in the treatment of depression along with anxiety and agitation. Depression is a common but serious medical condition with a low/sad mood and lack of interest in daily activities. This condition negatively affects the person's feelings, thinking and how they act. Anxiety is a mental condition characterized by excessive fear or worry affecting an individual's daily activities. This medicine is mostly given when patients become intolerant to other antidepressants.
Amoxapine contains Amoxapine, which is a second-generation tricyclic dibenzoxazepine antidepressant. It works by increasing the level of certain chemicals (GABA) in the brain that are responsible for your mental health and mood changes. This medicine helps make your mood good and feel better.
Amoxapine may cause certain common side effects such as drowsiness, dry mouth, increased heart rate, constipation, dizziness, difficulty in urination, headache, fatigue, weakness, excessive appetite, restlessness, nervousness, confusion, and sudden blood pressure lowering on standing up (orthostatic hypotension). Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor. Take Amoxapine as prescribed by your doctor. Your doctor will decide the dose of the medicine based on the severity of the condition.
Avoid taking Amoxapine if you are allergic to it or any of its ingredients. Amoxapine is contraindicated in patients suffering from angle closure glaucoma (increased eye pressure), severe liver or kidney problems, asthma, difficulty in urination, bipolar disorder, neuroleptic malignant syndrome, tardive dyskinesia, and if taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOs). Let your doctor know about your entire medical history beforehand. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy or breastfeeding before starting treatment with Amoxapine. Do not stop taking Amoxapine suddenly, as it can cause withdrawal symptoms like suicidal thoughts, irritability, and excessive aggression, which can sometimes be fatal. This medicine is not recommended for use in children below 16 years of age as the safety and efficacy are not established.
Uses of Amoxapine
Medicinal Benefits
Amoxapine contains Amoxapine which is a second-generation tricyclic dibenzoxazepine antidepressant. It works by increasing the level of certain chemicals (GABA) in the brain that are responsible for your mental health and mood changes. This medicine helps make your mood good and feel better. Amoxapine helps treat depression when patients become intolerant to other medicines
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Amoxapine
- Drowsiness
- Dry mouth
- Increased heart rate
- Constipation
- Difficulty in urination
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Weakness
- Excessive appetite
- Restlessness
- Nervousness
- Confusion
- Orthostatic hypotension (Sudden lowering of blood pressure on standing up)
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Amoxapine should be avoided if you are allergic to it or any of its ingredients. Amoxapine is contraindicated in patients suffering from angle closure glaucoma (increased eye pressure), severe liver or kidney problems, asthma, difficulty in urination, bipolar disorder, neuroleptic malignant syndrome, tardive dyskinesia, and if taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning for pregnancy or breastfeeding before starting treatment with Amoxapine. Let your doctor know if you have liver or kidney disease, asthma, seizures, Parkinson’s disease, and high blood pressure before starting treatment with this medicine, as it may cause serious side effects. It is advised not to stop taking Amoxapine suddenly as it can cause withdrawal symptoms like suicidal thoughts, irritability, and excessive aggression, which can sometimes be fatal. This medicine is not recommended for use in children below 16 years of age as the safety and efficacy are not established.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Amoxapine is known to interact with monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors (e.g. isocarboxazid, phenelzine, selegiline, tranylcypromine), antipsychotics (e.g. chlorpromazine, fluphenazine, perphenazine, prochlorperazine, thioridazine, trifluoperazine, bupropion), medication to treat stomach ulcer (e.g. cimetidine), thyroid hormone, anti-diabetic medications (e.g. tolazamide), opioid pain or cough relievers (e.g. codeine, hydrocodone), and drugs used for sleep or anxiety disorders (e.g. alprazolam, lorazepam, zolpidem).
Drug-Food Interactions: Amoxapine is known to interact with alcohol.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Amoxapine should not be given to patients with glaucoma (increased eye pressure), serious liver or kidney problem, asthma, or difficulty in urination.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeAlcohol should be avoided while on treatment with Amoxapine as it can affect you much more and may make you feel more depressed.
Pregnancy
consult your doctorIf you are pregnant or planning pregnancy inform your doctor before taking Amoxapine. Your doctor may prescribe this medicine if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast Feeding
consult your doctorIf you are breastfeeding, inform your doctor before receiving Amoxapine. Your doctor may prescribe this medicine if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Driving
unsafeAmoxapine may cause drowsiness and impair your concentration. Hence, it is advised not to drive or operate machines while on treatment with Amoxapine.
Liver
cautionIf you have a pre-existing or a history of liver disease, inform your doctor before taking Amoxapine. Your doctor may adjust the dose of this medicine or prescribe a suitable alternative based on your condition.
Kidney
cautionIf you have a pre-existing or a history of kidney disease, inform your doctor before taking Amoxapine. Your doctor may adjust the dose of this medicine or prescribe a suitable alternative based on your condition.
Children
unsafeAmoxapine is not recommended for use in children below 16 years of age as the safety and efficacy are not established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Try to do regular exercise, which can help lower anxiety and improve your sleep and self-image.
- Find humour in your daily life. Try to watch a comedy show to help relieve stress.
- You can try increasing your mindfulness by including yoga, meditation, cognitive therapy, and mindfulness-based stress reduction.
- Drink enough water to stay hydrated, and limit or avoid alcohol and caffeine to relieve anxiety.
- Include your diet with whole grains, vegetables, and fruits which is a healthier option than eating many simple carbohydrates in processed foods.
- Include herbs like turmeric, ginger, and chamomile in the meal. It can reduce inflammation caused due to anxiety disorder.
- Reduce your alcohol, caffeine, added sugar, high salt, and high fat intake.
- Try to spend time with your friends and family. Having a strong social network may help you lower your risk of anxiety.
Special Advise
- Regular blood tests are required to monitor blood sugar and sodium level.
- Regular blood tests for monitoring various kinds of blood cells.
- Family members should monitor the patient for suicidal thoughts, unusual or withdrawal symptoms while taking Amoxapine.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Depression: Depression is a common but serious medical condition with a low/sad mood and lack of interest in daily activities. This condition negatively affects the persons feeling, thinking and how they act. The exact cause of depression is unknown, but it may be associated with mental problems, trauma, family history, drug use, and medical conditions. It can influence some chronic health conditions and relationships. This condition is characterized by sadness, unhappiness, anger, hopelessness, etc.
FAQs
Amoxapine contains Amoxapine, which belongs to the tricyclic antidepressant class of medicine. It works by increasing the level of certain chemicals (GABA) in the brain that are responsible for your mental health and mood changes.
It is always advised to take Amoxapine around the same time every day for better results. Do not take more than the prescribed dose.
No, it is advised not to stop taking Amoxapine suddenly as it can cause withdrawal symptoms like suicidal thoughts, irritability, and excessive aggression, which can sometimes be fatal. So, please consult your doctor; the doctor might lower your dose depending on your medical condition.
