Doxepin

Doxepin is a prescription medicine that is licensed for the treatment of depression and anxiety. Although the brand-name version is no longer being manufactured, generic capsules are still available. The medication is thought to work by allowing certain chemicals in the brain (serotonin and norepinephrine) to stay in the brain longer, which reduces depression symptoms and anxiety. Possible side effects of doxepin include constipation, dizziness, and dry mouth.

 

What Is Doxepin?

Doxepin hydrochloride (Sinequan®) is a prescription medication that is used to treat depression (also known as major depression or clinical depression). It is also approved to treat anxiety.
 
(Click What Is Doxepin Used For? for more information on doxepin uses, including possible off-label uses.)
 

Who Makes Doxepin?

Doxepin was originally made by Pfizer. However, brand-name doxepin is no longer available. Generic doxepin is still available and is made by several manufacturers of generic medications.
 

How Does Doxepin Work?

Doxepin belongs to a class of medications called tricyclic antidepressants. It is not entirely clear how doxepin works, but it does affect several chemicals in the brain (including serotonin and norepinephrine). It is thought that perhaps doxepin allows these chemicals to stay in the brain longer, which can help with depression symptoms and anxiety (see Anxiety Symptoms). Doxepin can also block histamine receptors, making it useful as an antihistamine.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;