Doxepin is a prescription used for the treatment of depression and anxiety.
Depression is a mood disorder characterized by prolonged feelings of sadness and loss of interest in daily activities. This is more than just feeling sad. Everyone feels upset or unmotivated from time to time but this type of condition is more serious. If these symptoms persist for at least two weeks, it is considered a depressive episode. Depression is considered a serious medical condition and it can get worse without proper treatment. Some signs and symptoms may include:
- Continuous sadness or low mood
- Losing motivation
- Losing interest in things
- Feeling irritable, tearful, anxious
- Low self-esteem
- Finding it hard to make decisions
- Speaking or moving slower than usual
- Constipation
- Lack of energy
- Changes in your menstrual cycle
- Disturbed sleep
- Taking part in fewer social activities
Anxiety is a normal part of life that we experience occasionally. However, people with this condition frequently have intense, excessive, and persistent worry and fear about everyday situations. Some signs and symptoms of anxiety may include:
- Having a sense of impending danger or panic
- Feeling nervous or restless
- Breathing rapidly
- Having an increased heart rate
- Trembling
- Sweating
- Feeling weak or tired
- Having trouble sleeping
- Trouble concentrating or thinking about anything other than the present worry
- Having difficulty controlling worry
- Having the urge to avoid the thing that triggers anxiety
Doxepin is in the class of medication called tricyclic antidepressants. This affects the balance of certain natural chemicals in the brain. That it helps improve mood and feelings of well-being. This also relieves anxiety and tension that helps you sleep better and increase your energy level. Doxepin 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.
How does Doxepin work?
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 is released from nerve cells in the brain. This drug stops noradrenaline and serotonin that has 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?
The recommended dosage is based on your medical condition, age, and response to the treatment. Your doctor may direct you to start at a lower dose and eventually increase it. You should take the right dose, not more or less. Remember to take it at the same time and in the same way each day. Do not suddenly stop taking this medication without the consent of your doctor. It may cause another complication or may worsen your current condition. For the best benefit from this product, take it regularly.
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 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. Do not break, chew, or crush it. Drink plenty of fluids while having this treatment. Doing so may lessen the risk of certain side effects. 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
- Swollen testicles
- Increased beast size
- Hair loss
- Fast heartbeat
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes
- Skin rash, swelling, or itching
- Unusual bleeding or bruising
- Milky discharge from nipples in females
Warnings and Precautions
- Before having this drug, let your doctor know if you have any medical history especially of bleeding problems, liver problems, hyperthyroidism, or breathing problems.
- 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.
- Doxepin may make you feel dizzy or blur your vision. Do not drive or do any activity that needs your full alertness.
- While having this treatment, limit alcoholic beverages. It may increase your risk of side effects or may worsen your condition.
- This may make you more sensitive to the sun. Limit your time in the sun and use sunscreen or wear protective clothing when outside.
- During pregnancy, this drug should only be used when needed. If you are breastfeeding women, consult your doctor first.
- This is not recommended for use in children under 12 years of age. This is also not given in people with closed-angle glaucoma, rare hereditary blood disorders, and urinary retention.
- The dosage should be lowered in elderly people, people with kidney or liver problems, with an overactive thyroid gland, with diabetes, or with schizophrenia.
- Do not share this drug with others even if they have the same symptoms as yours.
