Doxepin

Doxepin

Doxepin is an antidepressant that belongs to a group of medications called tricyclic antidepressants. It is typically used for the treatment of depression and anxiety disorders. The drug also has anticholinergic, histamine H1-blocking, and sedative effects. It works by increasing the levels of norepinephrine and serotonin in the brain. It works by blocking the reuptake of these neurotransmitters, which increases their levels in the synapses.

Uses For

Doxepin is used for the treatment of depression, anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, and insomnia. It can also be used to treat chronic pain, fibromyalgia, and neuropathic pain.

Mechanism Of Action

Doxepin increases the levels of certain chemicals in the brain, known as serotonin and norepinephrine. It works by blocking the reuptake of both of these neurotransmitters, which increases their levels in the synapses. This helps to relieve symptoms of depression and anxiety.

How Long Does It Take To Work?

The effects of doxepin may not be immediate. It usually takes several weeks of treatment for the drug to reach its full therapeutic levels in the body. It may take up to 8 weeks before the full therapeutic effects of doxepin are seen in an individual.

Absorption

Doxepin is rapidly and completely absorbed, with peak concentrations reached 30 minutes to 1 hour after oral administration. It has an overall bioavailability of 85%.

Route Of Elimination

Doxepin is metabolized in the liver and the metabolites are excreted primarily in the urine and to a lesser extent in the feces.

Dosage

Doxepin is available in immediate-release, sustained-release, and extended-release tablets. The recommended starting dose for depression and anxiety is 10 mg to 25 mg three times daily. The highest dose of doxepin can be up to 150 mg per day, divided into three or four doses.

Administration

Doxepin should be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor. It is available as an immediate-release, sustained-release, or extended-release tablet, to be taken orally with or without food. The tablets should be swallowed whole. Do not crush, chew, or break the tablets.

Side Effects

Common side effects of doxepin include dry mouth, constipation, difficulty urinating, drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision, and weight gain. Other side effects include increased appetite, difficulty sleeping, confusion, and agitation.

Toxicity

Doxepin can be toxic if taken in large doses. Symptoms of an overdose include confusion, agitation, hallucinations, seizures, and coma. If an overdose is suspected, seek medical attention immediately.

Precaution

It is important to inform your doctor if you have a history of glaucoma, kidney disease, heart disease, liver disease, or seizure disorder before taking doxepin. Do not stop taking doxepin suddenly, as this may lead to withdrawal symptoms. Also, avoid alcohol while taking doxepin, as it can interact with the drug.

Interaction

Doxepin should not be taken with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or other antidepressants. Certain medications, such as cimetidine, carbamazepine, or phenytoin, may interact with doxepin and increase its levels in the body. Certain medications, such as quinidine, may decrease the levels of doxepin in the body. Grapefruit juice can also interact with doxepin and increase the levels of the drug in the body.

Disease Interaction

Doxepin is not recommended for individuals with a history of glaucoma, kidney disease, heart disease, liver disease, or seizure disorder. The drug can also make some existing medical conditions worse. For instance, it can increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior in individuals with depression.

Drug Interaction

Certain medications, such as cimetidine, carbamazepine, or phenytoin, may interact with doxepin and increase its levels in the body. Certain medications, such as quinidine, may decrease the levels of doxepin in the body. Grapefruit juice can also interact with doxepin and increase the levels of the drug in the body.

Food Interactions

Doxepin should be taken with food if possible, as it can increase the absorption of the drug. Alcohol should be avoided while taking doxepin, as it can increase the side effects of the drug.

Pregnancy Use

Doxepin is not recommended for use in pregnant women. It can cause harm to the unborn baby, and is better avoided during pregnancy.

Lactation Use

It is not known if doxepin is secreted in breast milk. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid using doxepin while breastfeeding.

Acute Overdose

An overdose of doxepin can be fatal. Symptoms of an overdose include confusion, agitation, hallucinations, seizures, and coma. Seek medical attention immediately if an overdose is suspected.

Contraindication

Doxepin is not recommended for individuals with a history of glaucoma, kidney disease, heart disease, liver disease, or seizure disorder. The use of the drug is also contraindicated in individuals with a known hypersensitivity to doxepin or other tricyclic antidepressants.

Use Direction

Doxepin should be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take more or less of the medication than prescribed. Do not stop taking doxepin without talking to your doctor, as this may lead to withdrawal symptoms.

Storage Condition

Doxepin should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Keep the medication out of reach of children and pets.

Volume Of Distribution

The volume of distribution of doxepin is 0.7 L/kg.

Half Life

The elimination half-life of doxepin is 8-25 hours, with the average being 12 hours.

Clearance

The clearance of doxepin is about 28.2 mL/min/kg.

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Some Frequently Asked Questions About Doxepin