Doxepin
About
Doxepin belongs to a group of medications called 'antidepressants' primarily used to treat depression and anxiety when patients become intolerant to other medicines. In addition, it is also given as a medication to treat insomnia (difficulty in sleeping) in some people. An anxiety disorder is a mental condition characterized by excessive fear or worry affecting an individual's daily activities. High anxiety levels can cause panic attacks, with intense feelings of nervousness, fear, sudden onset of sweating, hyperventilation, fast heartbeat, and skin flushing.
Doxepin contains Doxepin, a tricyclic antidepressant that increases the level of chemicals in the brain known as GABA, responsible for mood changes and causing depression. As a result, your mood is enhanced, and you feel better. If Doxepin is prescribed for insomnia, it helps us sleep for more time and treats sleeping difficulty.
Take Doxepin as prescribed by your doctor. Depending upon your medical condition, you are advised to take Doxepin for as long as your doctor has prescribed it for you. In some cases, you may experience drowsiness, dry mouth, increased heart rate, constipation, weight gain, difficulty in urination, and sudden blood pressure lowering on standing up (orthostatic hypotension). Most of these side effects of Doxepin do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor.
Do not take Doxepin if you have had an allergic reaction to Doxepin or any of its ingredients. Doxepin should not be taken if you have glaucoma (increased eye pressure), severe liver or kidney problems, asthma, difficulty in urination, and have taken monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOs) in the last 15 days. If you are breastfeeding or pregnant, please do not take Doxepin as it is a category C pregnancy drug. Doxepin may lead to withdrawal symptoms if stopped abruptly, 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.
Uses of Doxepin
Medicinal Benefits
Doxepin contains Doxepin which is a tricyclic anti-depressant. It is primarily used to treat depression and anxiety when patients become intolerant to other medicines. In addition to this, it is also given as a medication to treat insomnia (difficulty in sleeping) in some people. Doxepin works by increasing the level of chemicals in the brain responsible for mood changes and causing depression. As a result, your mood is enhanced, and you feel better. If Doxepin is prescribed for insomnia, it helps us sleep for more time and, hence, treats sleeping difficulty.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Doxepin
- Drowsiness
- Dry mouth
- Increased heart rate
- Constipation
- Weight gain
- Difficulty in urination
- Orthostatic hypotension (Sudden lowering of blood pressure on standing up)
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Do not take Doxepin if you have had an allergic reaction to any ingredient present in Doxepin or if you have glaucoma (increased eye pressure), serious liver or kidney problem, asthma, difficulty in urination, and have taken monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOs) in the last 15 days. If you are breastfeeding or pregnant, please do not take Doxepin as it is a category C pregnancy drug. Do not take alcohol and Doxepin as it can affect you much more and make you even more depressed. Avoid driving or anything that requires concentration, as Doxepin is known to cause drowsiness. Doxepin may lead to withdrawal symptoms if stopped abruptly, 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.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Doxepin 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: Doxepin is known to interact with alcohol.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Doxepin should not be given to patients with glaucoma (increased eye pressure), serious liver or kidney problem, difficulty in urination, asthma, or have taken monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOs) in the last 15 days.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeDoxepin should not be taken along with alcohol as it can affect you much more and may make you feel more depressed.
Pregnancy
cautionDoxepin is a pregnancy category C drug. It is not known whether it will harm the baby or not. So, it should be only taken when prescribed by a doctor.
Breast Feeding
unsafeDoxepin is not recommended for breastfeeding women.
Driving
unsafeDoxepin may impair your concentration and lead to drowsiness, so do not drive after taking Doxepin.
Liver
cautionInform your doctor before receiving the Doxepin if you have a history of liver diseases/conditions. Your doctor may adjust your dose depending on your current liver conditions.
Kidney
cautionInform your doctor before receiving the Doxepin if you have a history of liver diseases/conditions. Your doctor may adjust your dose depending on your current liver conditions.
Children
cautionDoxepin is not recommended for children below the age of 12 years.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Regular exercise can help lower anxiety by releasing endorphins and improving 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 a diet rich in whole grains, vegetables, and fruits. This is a healthier option than eating many simple carbohydrates in processed foods.
- Herbs like turmeric, ginger, and chamomile contain anti-inflammatory properties. Including this stuff in the meal can reduce inflammation caused due to anxiety disorder.
- Reduce your alcohol, caffeine, added sugar, high salt, and high fat intake. Especially transfat may help also help reduce inflammation.
- You can include antioxidants in your daily diet, like ashwagandha, omega-3 fatty acids, green tea, and lemon balm.
- 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.
- Doxepin may make you more sensitive to the sun. Limit your time in the sun. Avoid tanning booths and sunlamps. Use sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Anxiety: Anxiety disorders are different from feelings of anxiety and feeling nervous, which involve excessive anxiety, fear, or worry. Fear can arise due to anxiety and emotional response to an immediate threat related to more staying to fight or leaving to escape danger. Fear before getting ready for surgery is also a part of short-term anxiety. Anxiety disorders can affect an individual's job performance, school work, and personal relationships.
Depression: It is a mood disorder characterized by sadness, unhappiness, anger, hopelessness, or loss that interferes with a person's daily activities. Depression can also influence some chronic health conditions and relationships. The exact cause of depression is unknown, but it may be associated with mental problems, trauma, family history, drug use, and medical conditions.
FAQs
Doxepin contains Doxepin which is a tricyclic anti-depressant. Doxepin works by increasing the level of chemicals in the brain responsible for mood changes and causing depression. As a result, your mood is enhanced, and you feel better. If Doxepin is prescribed for insomnia, it helps us to sleep for more time, and hence treats difficulty in sleeping.
The time of taking Doxepin depends upon the medical condition you are taking it for. If you are taking it for insomnia, take it 30 minutes before your bedtime. If you are taking it for anxiety or depression, take it as advised by your doctor for the best results. Also, take medicine at the same time each day.
Doxepin can cause weight gain, but in a sporadic case. If you feel you are gaining weight, please inform your doctor and do as advised.
NO, Doxepin should not be stopped abruptly, even if you feel better. It may lead to 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.
If you have allergies to any of its ingredients or are pregnant, it is advised that you avoid using Doxepin. Do not take the Doxepin if you have glaucoma (increased eye pressure), severe liver or kidney issues, or trouble urinating. Take Doxepin only as recommended by a doctor and with under medical care if you are pregnant or nursing. If you have taken an MAO inhibitor within the last 15 days, avoid taking Doxepin.
Yes, Doxepin can be used to treat insomnia, especially in people who do not fall asleep or have difficulty staying asleep.
