Doxepin is a medication that can be prescribed for the treatment of anxiety and depression. This eMedTV Web page offers a more in-depth look at doxepin, including a description of how it works and a list of potential side effects that may occur.
Confusion, dizziness, and drowsiness are some of the most common doxepin side effects. This eMedTV article describes other common side effects of doxepin and also lists less common but more serious problems that require medical attention.
If you are taking doxepin and dry mouth occurs, you can try sipping water often and avoiding alcohol. This eMedTV page explains the likelihood of developing dry mouth while using doxepin and lists other suggestions for helping with a dry mouth.
What is doxepin used for? As this page on the eMedTV site explains, doxepin is used for treating anxiety and depression symptoms. Possible off-label doxepin uses, such as migraine or insomnia treatment, are also described in this article.
For most people starting treatment with doxepin, dosing generally begins at 75 mg daily. This eMedTV segment offers more details on doxepin dosing guidelines, including information on when and how to take the medication.
Certain medications may cause drug interactions with doxepin, including tolazamide, cimetidine, and MAOIs. This eMedTV resource describes the drugs that may potentially cause doxepin interactions and explains the possible risks involved.
Taking over-the-counter cold or cough medicines with doxepin may increase the risk of side effects. This eMedTV Web page lists other warnings and precautions with doxepin, and describes dangerous side effects that may potentially occur.
To help prevent doxepin withdrawal symptoms from occurring, your doctor may wean you off the drug slowly. This eMedTV Web page lists potential symptoms of doxepin withdrawal, which may include tiredness, irritability, or dizziness.
Common doxepin overdose symptoms may include drowsiness, vomiting, and dilated pupils. This page on the eMedTV Web site lists other possible signs of an overdose and describes the steps that a doctor may take to treat a doxepin overdose.
A small number of children taking doxepin may experience thoughts of suicide. This eMedTV page further discusses doxepin and suicide, explains the likelihood of developing suicidal thoughts while on the drug, and lists signs of suicidal behavior.
Doxepin may not be safe for women who are pregnant. This selection from the eMedTV archives discusses research findings on doxepin and pregnancy, and explains the conditions under which the drug may be prescribed to pregnant women.
Taking doxepin while breastfeeding may cause the drug to be passed to the nursing baby. This eMedTV resource discusses doxepin and breastfeeding in more detail and lists possible problems that may occur in a nursing baby whose mother is on doxepin.
Doxepin alternatives may include psychotherapy, electroconvulsive therapy, or other medications. This eMedTV page describes other alternatives to doxepin and lists other antidepressants that are currently available for depression treatment.
