How should this medicine be used?
Doxepin comes as a capsule or concentrate (oral liquid) to
take by mouth. It is usually taken one to three times a day
and may be taken with or without food. Follow the directions
on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or
pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take
doxepin exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or
take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Doxepin concentrate (oral liquid) comes with a specially
marked dropper for measuring the dose. Ask your pharmacist to
show you how to use the dropper. Dilute the concentrate in 4
ounces (120 ml) of water, whole or skim milk, or orange,
grapefruit, tomato, prune, or pineapple juice just before
taking it. Do not mix it with carbonated beverages (soft
drinks). If you take doxepin concentrate and methadone syrup,
the two liquids can be mixed together with Gatorade, lemonade,
orange juice, Tang, or water but not with grape juice.
Continue to take doxepin even if you feel well. Do not stop
taking doxepin without talking to your doctor, especially if
you have taken large doses for a long time. Your doctor
probably will want to decrease your dose gradually. This drug
must be taken regularly for a few weeks before its full effect
is felt.
Other uses for this medicine
Doxepin also is used occasionally to treat chronic pain,
peptic ulcer disease, and some skin conditions. Talk to your
doctor about the possible risks of using this drug for your
condition.
What special precautions should I follow?
Before taking doxepin,
* tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to
doxepin or any other drugs.
* tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and
nonprescription drugs you are taking or have taken within the
last 2 weeks, especially antihistamines; anticoagulants [warfarin
(Coumadin)]; cimetidine (Tagamet); estrogens; fluoxetine
(Prozac); levodopa (Sinemet, Larodopa); lithium (Eskalith,
Lithobid); MAO inhibitors [phenelzine (Nardil),
tranylcypromine (Parnate)]; medication for high blood
pressure, seizures, Parkinson's disease, diabetes, asthma,
colds, or allergies; methylphenidate (Ritalin); muscle
relaxants; oral contraceptives; sedatives; sleeping pills;
thyroid medications; tranquilizers; and vitamins.
* tell your doctor if you have or have ever had glaucoma, an
enlarged prostate, difficulty urinating, diabetes, seizures,
an overactive thyroid gland, or liver, kidney, or heart
disease.
* tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become
pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while
taking this drug, call your doctor immediately.
* if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell
the doctor or dentist that you are taking doxepin.
* you should know that this drug may make you drowsy. Do not
drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this drug
affects you.
* remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by
this drug.
* tell your doctor if you use tobacco products. Cigarette
smoking may decrease the effectiveness of this drug.
What should I do if I forget a dose?
If you take several doses per day, take the missed dose as
soon as you remember it and take any remaining doses for that
day at evenly spaced intervals. However, if it is almost time
for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your
regular dosing schedule.
If you take doxepin once a day at bedtime and do not
remember to take it until the next morning, skip the missed
dose. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
What side effects can this medication cause?
Side effects from doxepin are common:
* upset stomach
* drowsiness
* weakness or tiredness
* excitement or anxiety
* insomnia
* nightmares
* dry mouth
* skin more sensitive to sunlight than usual
* changes in appetite or weight
Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do
not go away:
* constipation
* difficulty urinating
* frequent urination
* blurred vision
* changes in sex drive or ability
* excessive sweating
If you experience any of the following symptoms, call
your doctor immediately:
* jaw, neck, and back muscle spasms
* slow or difficult speech
* shuffling walk
* persistent fine tremor or inability to sit still
* fever
* difficulty breathing or swallowing
* severe skin rash
* yellowing of the skin or eyes
* irregular heartbeat
