Adapin

Generic name: doxepin (Sinequan) [ DOX-e-pin ]
Brand name: SINEquan
Drug classes: Miscellaneous anxiolytics, sedatives and hypnotics, Tricyclic antidepressants

What is doxepin (Sinequan)?

This medication guide provides information about the use of doxepin (Sinequan or other generic names) to treat depression or anxiety. Silenor is another brand of doxepin that is not covered in this medication guide.

Doxepin is a tricyclic antidepressant. Doxepin affects chemicals in the brain that may become unbalanced.

Doxepin (Sinequan or other generic name) is used to treat symptoms of depression and/or anxiety associated with alcoholism, psychiatric conditions, or manic-depressive conditions.

Doxepin may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about doxepin (Sinequan)?

You should not take doxepin if you have glaucoma or problems with urination. Do not use if you are allergic to doxepin or to similar antidepressants.

Do not use doxepin if you have used an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur. MAO inhibitors include isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine, and others.

Some young people have thoughts about suicide when first taking an antidepressant. Your doctor will need to check your progress at regular visits while you are using doxepin. Your family or other caregivers should also be alert to changes in your mood or symptoms.

Report any new or worsening symptoms to your doctor, such as: mood or behavior changes, anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, or if you feel impulsive, irritable, agitated, hostile, aggressive, restless, hyperactive (mentally or physically), more depressed, or have thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself.

Do not give this medicine to anyone under 18 years old without the advice of a doctor. Doxepin is not approved for use in children.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking doxepin (Sinequan)?

You should not take doxepin if you have glaucoma or problems with urination. Do not use if you are allergic to doxepin or to similar medications such as amitriptyline, amoxapine, clomipramine, desipramine, imipramine, nortriptyline, protriptyline, or trimipramine.

Do not use doxepin if you have taken an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur. MAO inhibitors include furazolidone, isocarboxazid, linezolid, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, and tranylcypromine.

To make sure doxepin is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

• sleep apnea (breathing stops during sleep);

• diabetes (doxepin may raise or lower blood sugar); or

• bipolar disorder (manic-depression).

Some young people have thoughts about suicide when first taking an antidepressant. Your doctor will need to check your progress at regular visits while you are using doxepin. Your family or other caregivers should also be alert to changes in your mood or symptoms.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether doxepin will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medicine.

It is not known whether doxepin passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Do not give this medicine to anyone under 18 years old without the advice of a doctor. Doxepin is not approved for use in children.

How should I take doxepin (Sinequan)?

Follow all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Measure doxepin oral concentrate (liquid) with the special dose-measuring dropper provided. Do not use a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring dropper, ask your pharmacist for one.

Empty the measured dose from the medicine dropper into a small glass (4 ounces) of water, milk, orange juice, grapefruit juice, tomato juice, prune juice, or pineapple juice. Do not use grape juice or a carbonated soft drink to mix doxepin oral concentrate. Stir the mixture and drink all of it right away. Do not save it for later use.

Do not stop using doxepin suddenly, or you could have unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Ask your doctor how to avoid withdrawal symptoms when you stop using doxepin.

It may take up to 3 weeks before your symptoms improve. Keep using the medication as directed and tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve.

Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. An overdose of doxepin can be fatal.

What should I avoid while taking doxepin (Sinequan)?

Do not drink alcohol. Doxepin can increase the effects of alcohol, which could be dangerous.

Doxepin may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert.

Doxepin (Sinequan) side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Report any new or worsening symptoms to your doctor, such as: mood or behavior changes, anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, or if you feel impulsive, irritable, agitated, hostile, aggressive, restless, hyperactive (mentally or physically), more depressed, or have thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

• blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain or swelling, seeing halos around lights;

• a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;

• skin rash, bruising, severe tingling, numbness, pain, muscle weakness;

• tremors, restless muscle movements in your eyes, tongue, jaw, or neck;

• confusion, hallucinations, unusual thoughts, seizure (convulsions); or

• painful or difficult urination, urinating less than usual.

Common side effects may include:

• drowsiness;

• vision changes;

• nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, indigestion, loss of appetite;

• dry mouth, mouth sores, taste problems;

• breast swelling (in men or women); or

• decreased or increased sex drive.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Related/similar drugs

What other drugs will affect doxepin (Sinequan)?

Taking doxepin with other drugs that make you sleepy or slow your breathing can increase these effects. Ask your doctor before taking doxepin with a sleeping pill, narcotic pain medicine, muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety, depression, or seizures.

Before taking doxepin, tell your doctor if you have used an "SSRI" antidepressant in the past 5 weeks, such as citalopram, escitalopram, fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, paroxetine, or sertraline.

You must wait at least 5 weeks after stopping fluoxetine (Prozac) before you can take doxepin.

Other drugs may interact with doxepin, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any medicine you start or stop using.

Frequently asked questions

• What are some common side effects of antidepressants?

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

Copyright 1996-2024 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 10.02. Revision Date: 2014-08-25, 7:36:04 AM.