Doxepin - Indications, Dosage, Side Effects and Precautions

USDailyMed:Doxepin AU:C D04AX01(WHO)N06AA12(WHO) AU:S4(Prescription only)BR:Class C1(Other controlled substances)CA:℞-onlyNZ: Prescription onlyUK:POM(Prescription only)US:℞-only (E/Z)-3-(dibenzo[b,e]oxepin-11(6H)-ylidene)-N,N-dimethylpropan-1-amine 1668-19-5Y1229-29-4(hydrochloride)3607-18-9(cidoxepin) 3158 1225 DB01142Y 3046Y 5ASJ6HUZ7D D07875Yas HCl:D00814Y CHEBI:4710Y ChEMBL1628227Y 5EH (PDBe,RCSB PDB) DTXSID7022966 Interactive image CN(C)CC/C=C1C2=C(C=CC=C2)OCC3=C/1C=CC=C3 InChI=1S/C19H21NO/c1-20(2)13-7-11-17-16-9-4-3-8-15(16)14-21-19-12-6-5-10-18(17)19/h3-6,8-12H,7,13-14H2,1-2‍‍‍‍‍‍​​​‍​​​​​​H3YKey:ODQWQRRAPPTVAG-UHFFFAOYSA-NY Doxepinis amedicationbelonging to thetricyclic antidepressant(TCA)class of drugs used to treatmajor depressive disorder,anxiety disorders, difficult-to-treat chronicurticaria, andinsomnia.For hives it is a less preferred alternative toantihistamines.It has a mild to moderate benefit for sleeping problems.It is used as acreamfor itchiness due toatopic dermatitisorlichen simplex chronicus. Commonside effectsinclude sleepiness, dry mouth,constipation, nausea, and blurry vision.Serious side effects may include increased risk ofsuicidein those under the age of 25,mania, andurinary retention.Awithdrawal syndromemay occur if the dose is rapidly decreased.Use duringpregnancyandbreastfeedingis not generally recommended.Although how it works for treating depression remains an area of active inquiry, it may involve increasing the levels ofnorepinephrine, along with blockinghistamine,acetylcholine, andserotonin. Doxepin was approved for medical use in the United States in 1969.It is available as ageneric medication.In 2023, it was the 166th most commonly prescribed medication in the United States, with more than 3million prescriptions.