What is Doxepin and how does it work?
Doxepin is a prescription used for the treatment of depression and anxiety. This is in the class of medication called tricyclic antidepressants. This affects the balance of certain natural chemicals in the brain.
This is supplied as a capsule for oral use. Each capsule contains Doxepin as an active ingredient. This is available in the dosage forms of 10 mg, 25 mg, 50 mg, 75 mg, 100 mg, and 150 mg. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has already approved this prescription.
Doxepin works by enhancing the activity of the neurotransmitters noradrenaline and serotonin in the brain. Neurotransmitters are natural body chemicals that act as chemical messengers between the nerve cells. Noradrenaline and serotonin are neurotransmitters known to be involved in regulating mood, emotions, and behavior. In depression, less noradrenaline and serotonin than normal are released from nerve cells in the brain. This drug stops noradrenaline and serotonin that have been released from being reabsorbed back into the nerve cells in the brain. This helps to prolong their effects and over time, this helps to lighten the mood and relieve the condition.
Doxepin will not change your personality or make you feel instantly happy and relaxed. This works overtime to correct the chemical changes in your brain that have made you depressed or anxious. This helps you get back to feeling like your old self.
How to use Doxepin?
Doxepin is to be taken by mouth usually one to three times a day or as directed by your doctor. If you take it only once a day, take it at bedtime to lessen daytime sleepiness. You may take each dose with or without a meal. Swallow the tablet as a whole with a full glass of water.
Drink plenty of fluids while having this treatment. If you missed a dose, take it as soon as you remember it. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose, and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to make up for the missed dose. Let your doctor know if your condition does not improve or if it gets worse.
What are the side effects of Doxepin?
Common side effects:
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Blurred vision
- Dry mouth
- Trouble urinating
- Headache
- Constipation
- Upset stomach
- Nausea or vomiting
- Weight gain
- Changes in how the food taste
Call your doctor if these occur:
- Mouth sores
- Changes in appetite
- Diarrhea
- Excessive thirst
- Ringing in your ears
- Skin more sensitive to sunlight than usual
- Increase in pupil size
Precautions:
- Doxepin may make you feel dizzy or blur your vision. Do not drive or do any activity that needs your full alertness.
- Tell your doctor if you are allergic to this medicine. This may contain an inactive ingredient that causes an allergic reaction. If an allergic reaction occurs, call for medical help right away.
- Before having this drug, let your doctor know if you have any medical history especially of bleeding problems, liver problems, hyperthyroidism, or breathing problems.
- During pregnancy, this drug should only be used when needed. If you are breastfeeding women, consult your doctor first.
- Do not share this drug with others even if they have the same symptoms as yours.
