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Brand Name

Apo-Doxepin

Common Name

doxepin HCl

How does this medication work? What will it do for me?

Doxepin belongs to the family of medications known as tricyclic antidepressants. It is used to treat depression, especially when anxiety is one of the symptoms. Doxepin is also used to treat people with alcoholism who also have anxiety or depression.

Tricyclic antidepressants work by increasing the amount of norepinephrine and serotonin neurotransmitters available in certain parts of the brain.

Your doctor may choose to use a medication for conditions other than the ones listed in these drug information articles. If you're unsure why you are taking this medication, contact your doctor.

How should I use this medication?

The recommended adult daily dose of doxepin ranges from 75 mg to 300 mg in three divided doses. The usual starting dose is 25 mg three times daily. The total dose can be taken at bedtime once the final dose is reached. Lower doses may be used by seniors.

Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.

It is important that this medication be taken exactly as prescribed by the doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue on with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue on with your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

What form(s) does this medication come in?

10 mg
Each No. 4, pink and scarlet capsule, identified "APO 10", contains doxepin HCl equivalent to doxepin base 10 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: colloidal silicon dioxide, croscarmellose sodium, lactose, microcrystalline cellulose, stearic acid and talc; capsule shell: EEC amaranth, D&C Red No. 28, D&C Yellow No. 10, edible black ink (pharmaceutical glaze, synthetic black iron oxide, FD&C Blue No. 2 aluminum lake, FD&C Red No. 40 aluminum lake, FD&C Blue No. 1 aluminum lake, D&C Yellow No. 10 aluminum lake; may contain: n-butyl alcohol, propylene glycol, SDA-3A alcohol), FD&C Blue No. 1, FD&C Red No. 40, FD&C Yellow No. 6, gelatin and titanium dioxide.

25 mg
Each No. 4, pink and blue capsule, identified "APO 25", contains doxepin HCl equivalent to doxepin base 25 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: colloidal silicon dioxide, croscarmellose sodium, lactose, microcrystalline cellulose, stearic acid and talc; capsule shell: D&C Red No. 28, edible black ink (pharmaceutical glaze, synthetic black iron oxide, FD&C Blue No. 2 aluminum lake, FD&C Red No. 40 aluminum lake, FD&C Blue No. 1 aluminum lake, D&C Yellow No. 10 aluminum lake; may contain: n-butyl alcohol, propylene glycol, SDA-3A alcohol), FD&C Blue No. 1, FD&C Red No. 40, gelatin, silicon dioxide, sodium lauryl sulfate and titanium dioxide.

50 mg
Each No. 2, flesh and pink capsule, identified "APO 50", contains doxepin HCl equivalent to doxepin base 50 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: colloidal silicon dioxide, croscarmellose sodium, lactose, microcrystalline cellulose, stearic acid and talc; capsule shell: D&C Red No. 28, D&C Yellow No. 10, edible black ink (pharmaceutical glaze, synthetic black iron oxide, FD&C Blue No. 2 aluminum lake, FD&C Red No. 40 aluminum lake, FD&C Blue No. 1 aluminum lake, D&C Yellow No. 10 aluminum lake; may contain: n-butyl alcohol, propylene glycol, SDA-3A alcohol), FD&C Blue No. 1, FD&C Red No. 40, gelatin, silicon dioxide, sodium lauryl sulfate and titanium dioxide.

75 mg
Each No. 2, flesh - coloured capsule, identified "APO 75", contains doxepin HCl equivalent to doxepin base 75 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: colloidal silicon dioxide, croscarmellose sodium, lactose, microcrystalline cellulose, stearic acid and talc; capsule shell: D&C Red No. 28, D&C Yellow No. 10, edible black ink (pharmaceutical glaze, synthetic black iron oxide, FD&C Blue No. 2 aluminum lake, FD&C Red No. 40 aluminum lake, FD&C Blue No. 1 aluminum lake, D&C Yellow No. 10 aluminum lake; may contain: n-butyl alcohol, propylene glycol, SDA-3A alcohol), FD&C Blue No. 1, gelatin, silicon dioxide, sodium lauryl sulfate and titanium dioxide.

100 mg
Each No. 1, flesh and blue capsule, identified "APO 100", contains doxepin HCl equivalent to doxepin base 100 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: colloidal silicon dioxide, croscarmellose sodium, lactose, microcrystalline cellulose, stearic acid and talc; capsule shell: D&C Red No. 28, D&C Yellow No. 10, edible black ink (pharmaceutical glaze, synthetic black iron oxide, FD&C Blue No. 2 aluminum lake, FD&C Red No. 40 aluminum lake, FD&C Blue No. 1 aluminum lake, D&C Yellow No. 10 aluminum lake; may contain: n-butyl alcohol, propylene glycol, SDA-3A alcohol), FD&C Blue No. 1, gelatin, sodium lauryl sulfate, silicon dioxide and titanium dioxide.

Some medications may have other generic brands available. Always ask your doctor or pharmacist about the safety of switching between brands of the same medication.

Who should NOT take this medication?

Doxepin should not be taken by anyone who:

• is allergic to doxepin or any of the ingredients of the medication or any other dibenzoxepin compounds
• has glaucoma or increased eye pressure
• has urinary retention
• has just had a heart attack
• has acute congestive heart failure
• has blood disorders
• has severe liver disease
• has taken a MAO inhibitor (e.g., phenelzine, tranylcypromine) within the last 14 days
• is a child

What side effects are possible with this medication?

The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes this medication. If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with your doctor. Your health professional may be able to help you deal with some of the effects.

The following side effects may go away as your body becomes used to the medicine; check with your doctor if they continue or become bothersome.

More common:

• dizziness
• drowsiness
• dryness of mouth
• increased appetite (may include craving for sweets)
• nausea
• tiredness or weakness (mild)
• unpleasant taste in mouth
• weight gain

  Less common:

• diarrhea
• headache
• heartburn
• increased sweating
• trouble sleeping
• vomiting

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

Less common:

• blurred vision
• confusion or delirium
• constipation (especially for seniors)
• decreased sexual ability
• difficulty speaking or swallowing
• eye pain
• fainting
• fast or irregular heartbeat (pounding, racing, skipping)
• hallucinations
• loss of balance control
• nervousness or restlessness
• numbness or tingling sensation in arms and legs
• problems urinating
• shakiness or trembling
• shuffling walk
• slowed movements
• stiffness of arms and legs

  Rare:

• anxiety
• breast enlargement (both males and females)
• hair loss
• inappropriate secretion of milk (females)
• increased sensitivity to sunlight
• irritability
• muscle twitching
• red or brownish spots on skin
• ringing, buzzing, or other unexplained sounds in the ears
• seizures
• skin rash and itching
• sore throat and fever
• swelling of face and tongue
• swelling of testicles
• trouble with teeth or gums
• weakness
• yellow eyes or skin

Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking this medication.

Are there any other precautions or warnings for this medication?

Heart disease: Tricyclic antidepressant drugs such as doxepin can cause abnormal heart rhythms, particularly when taken in high doses. Doxepin should be taken with caution by seniors as well as those who have a history of heart disease.

Liver function: Doxepin should be taken with caution by people with reduced liver function.

Mania: Doxepin may induce mania in people with a history of mania or bipolar disorder.

Occupational hazards: Since doxepin may cause drowsiness, avoid driving or engaging in activities requiring mental alertness and physical coordination until you determine your response to the medication.

Seizures: Doxepin should be taken with caution by anyone who has previously had seizures.

Withdrawal: Stopping doxepin treatment after having taken it for a long period of time may produce nausea, headache, and malaise. These symptoms are not indicative of addiction. Do not stop taking doxepin suddenly without first talking with your doctor.

Pregnancy: The safety of doxepin use during pregnancy has not been established. It should not be used by women who are or may become pregnant unless, in the opinion of their doctor, the potential benefits outweigh the possible risks.

Breast-feeding: The safety of doxepin use while breast-feeding has not been established. It should not be used by nursing women unless, in the opinion of their doctor, the potential benefits outweigh the possible risks.

Children: This medication is not recommended for use by children, as its safety and efficacy have not been established for this age group.

What other drugs could interact with this medication?

The following medications may affect how doxepin works or increase the risk of side effects:

• alcohol
• anticholinergic medications (e.g., atropine)
• barbiturates (e.g., phenobarbital)
• carbamazepine
• benzodiazepines (e.g., diazepam, lorazepam)
• cimetidine
• quinidine
• MAO inhibitors (e.g., phenelzine, moclobemide)
• methyldopa
• metoclopramide
• methylphenidate
• phenothiazines (e.g., chlorpromazine)
• pimozide
• propoxyphene
• SSRI antidepressants (e.g., fluoxetine, fluvoxamine)

Doxepin may affect how the following medications work:

• amphetamines
• guanethidine

If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. In many cases, interactions are intended or are managed by close monitoring. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Medications other than the ones listed above may interact with this medication. Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications that you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, the nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.

Disclaimer

The information within this website is for Canadian audiences only. This content is for informational purposes only. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects. It should not be construed to indicate that the use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you. It should not be relied upon or interpreted as a recommendation for any specific treatment plan, product or course of action. The information on the site is not intended as a substitute of any kind for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Speak to your healthcare professional before taking any product, changing your lifestyle, or beginning or discontinuing any course of treatment. If you suspect that you are ill or may have a medical emergency, contact a physician, a health professional or call 911 immediately.