Doxepin (Oral)
Generic Details
Generic Name
Doxepin-oral
Other Names
- Sinequan
- Adapin
Drug Class
- Tricyclic antidepressant
Chemical Formula
C19H21NO
Molecular Weight
279.376 g/mol
Mechanism of Action
- Blocks the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine
Indications
- Depression
- Anxiety disorders
- Insomnia
Common Dosage Forms
- Tablet
- Capsule
- Liquid
Typical Dosage
- Depression: 75-150mg daily
- Insomnia: 3-6mg at bedtime
Pediatric Dosage
- Safety and efficacy not established in children
Geriatric Dosage
- Lower starting doses recommended due to increased sensitivity in the elderly
Side Effects
- Drowsiness
- Dry mouth
- Constipation
- Weight gain
- Blurred vision
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to doxepin
- Monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) use
Pregnancy Category
- Category C - Risk cannot be ruled out
Lactation Safety
- May pass into breast milk, use caution
Drug Interactions
- MAOIs
- Cimetidine
- Anticholinergic drugs
Overdose Symptoms
- Confusion
- Hallucinations
- Seizures
Antidote for Overdose
- Activated charcoal
- Physostigmine
Storage Conditions
- Store at room temperature away from light and moisture
Pharmacokinetics
- Absorption: Rapidly absorbed orally
- Distribution: Protein-bound, crosses the blood-brain barrier
- Metabolism: Hepatic via CYP2C19 and CYP2D6
- Excretion: Primarily renal
Precautions
- Caution in patients with a history of cardiac arrhythmias or seizures
Warnings
- May increase suicidal thoughts in young adults
Others
- Avoid alcohol consumption while taking doxepin.