Doxepin oral

About doxepin

Doxepin works by preventing certain chemicals (serotonin and noradrenaline) from being reabsorbed back into the nerve cells in the brain. This helps prolong the mood lightening effect of these chemicals, and so helps relieve depression.

Before taking doxepin

Before taking doxepin make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
• If you take medication for thyroid problems.
• If you have recently suffered a heart attack, or have experienced any other heart trouble.
• If you suffer from mood swings.
• If you suffer from mental health problems other than depression (such as thinking or hearing things that are not real).
• If you suffer from glaucoma (increased pressure in the eye).
• If you suffer from liver problems.
• If you suffer from epilepsy.
• If you have experienced difficulty passing water, or had prostate trouble.
• If you are due to have surgery in the near future.
• If you receive electroconvulsive therapy (ECT).
• If you suffer from phaeochromocytoma (a growth on the adrenal glands).
• If you suffer from porphyria (a rare blood disorder).
• If you have taken an antidepressant known as a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) in the last two weeks.
• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.
• If you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal and complementary medicines.

• Doxepin is not recommended for children less than 12 years old.

How to take doxepin

• Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
• Take doxepin exactly as you have been directed by your doctor.
• It may take several weeks before you begin to feel the full benefits of this treatment. Do not stop taking doxepin in the belief that it is not working.
• If you have been asked to take doxepin once each day, take it at night-time as it may cause drowsiness.
• Do not stop taking doxepin without speaking to your doctor first, even if you feel better. Stopping treatment suddenly can cause problems and your doctor will want to reduce your dose gradually.
• Take doxepin at the same times each day to avoid missing any doses. If you do forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is nearly time for your next dose. Do not take two doses together to make up.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Alcohol will increase any feelings of drowsiness caused by taking doxepin. It is best to avoid drinking alcohol while you are taking this medicine.
• Eating regularly and avoiding alcohol can help you to feel better.
• Try and tell people who are close to you how you feel. It is not weak to cry or admit that you are struggling.
• If you are diabetic, you may need to monitor your blood glucose levels more frequently. Your doctor will be able to advise you about this.
• Doxepin can cause some people to become more sensitive to sunlight than they usually are. Avoid sunbeds and try to avoid sunlight or use a suncream higher than factor 15 until you know how your skin reacts.
• If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with doxepin.
• If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment that you are taking doxepin.
• Your doctor may ask you to carry on taking doxepin after you feel better - this is to avoid you experiencing a relapse.

Can doxepin cause problems

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects. These usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Important: Suicidal thoughts have been associated with medicines like doxepin that are used to treat depression. These particularly can occur early in the treatment, or soon after stopping treatment. Tell your doctor straight away if you are having thoughts of harming yourself.

Important: If you notice any yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes (jaundice), speak with your doctor immediately or go to your local accident and emergency department without delay.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store doxepin

• Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines