Doneurin (other name Sinequan)

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

Before starting this medication, inform your healthcare provider if you have any of the following conditions:

• Bipolar disorder or schizophrenia
• Difficulty passing urine
• Glaucoma
• Kidney or liver disease
• Thoughts or plans of suicide or a previous suicide attempt or family history of suicide attempt
• An unusual or allergic reaction to doxepin, sulfites, tartrazine dye, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Are pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Are breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label carefully. Ensure you take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. It is important not to stop taking this medication unless advised by your doctor or health care professional, as abrupt discontinuation can lead to withdrawal symptoms.

Consult with your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 12 years for selected conditions, precautions do apply and dosage adjustments may be necessary. Regular monitoring by a healthcare professional is recommended for children on this medication.

Overdosage: If you suspect you have taken too much of this medicine, seek immediate medical attention. Contact a poison control center or go to the emergency room right away.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is less than four hours until your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double or extra dose to make up for a missed one.

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

• Arsenic trioxide
• Certain medicines used to regulate abnormal heartbeat or to treat other heart conditions (antiarrhythmics)
• Cisapride
• Halofantrine
• Levomethadyl
• MAOIs (monoamine oxidase inhibitors) such as Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate
• Other medicines for mental depression
• Phenothiazines like perphenazine, thioridazine and chlorpromazine
• Pimozide
• Procarbazine
• Sparfloxacin
• St. John's Wort
• Ziprasidone

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

• Cimetidine
• Tolazamide

This list may not be exhaustive. It is crucial to provide your health care provider with a comprehensive list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, and dietary supplements you are currently using. Additionally, inform them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs, as these substances can also interact with your medication. Understanding potential drug interactions is vital for ensuring safe and effective treatment.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

It is essential to visit your doctor or health care professional for regular check-ups to monitor your progress and assess the effectiveness of the treatment. It may take several days or even weeks before you experience the full therapeutic effect of this medicine. If you have been taking this medicine regularly for an extended period, do not abruptly stop taking it without consulting your doctor. A gradual reduction in dosage is necessary to minimize the risk of withdrawal symptoms and ensure a smooth transition. Seek guidance from your doctor or health care professional on how to safely discontinue the medication. Even after you stop taking this medicine, its effects may persist in your body for several days.

Patients and their families should be vigilant in monitoring for any signs of worsening depression or suicidal thoughts. Pay close attention to any sudden or severe changes in mood, such as increased anxiety, agitation, panic attacks, irritability, hostility, aggression, impulsivity, extreme restlessness, excessive excitement, hyperactivity, or difficulty sleeping. If any of these symptoms occur, especially at the beginning of antidepressant treatment or after a change in dose, contact your health care professional immediately. Early intervention is crucial in managing these potential risks.

This medicine may cause drowsiness or dizziness. Avoid driving, operating machinery, or engaging in activities that require mental alertness until you have determined how this medicine affects you. Refrain from standing or sitting up quickly, particularly if you are an older patient, as this can increase the risk of dizziness or fainting spells. Alcohol consumption can exacerbate dizziness and drowsiness, so it is best to avoid alcoholic beverages while taking this medication.

Avoid self-treating coughs, colds, or allergies without consulting your doctor or health care professional. Some over-the-counter ingredients can potentially increase the risk of side effects or interact with your medication. Always seek professional medical advice before taking any new medications or supplements.

You may experience dry mouth while taking this medicine. Chewing sugarless gum, sucking on hard candy, and drinking plenty of water can help alleviate this symptom. If the problem persists or becomes severe, consult your doctor for further evaluation and management.

This medicine may cause dry eyes and blurred vision. If you wear contact lenses, you may experience some discomfort. Using lubricating eye drops can provide relief. If the problem persists or becomes severe, consult your eye doctor for a comprehensive eye examination and appropriate treatment.

This medicine can increase your sensitivity to the sun. Minimize your exposure to direct sunlight. When outdoors, wear protective clothing, such as hats and long sleeves, and apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF to all exposed skin. Avoid using sun lamps or tanning beds/booths, as they can further increase the risk of sunburn and skin damage.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• Abnormal production of milk in females (galactorrhea)
• Allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
• Breast enlargement in both males and females (gynecomastia)
• Breathing problems
• Confusion, hallucinations
• Excessive thirst and/or hunger
• Fast, irregular or pounding heartbeat (palpitations)
• Fever with sweating
• Muscle stiffness or spasms
• Passing urine more frequently than usual (polyuria)
• Seizures
• Suicidal thoughts or other mood changes
• Swelling of the testicles
• Tingling, pain, or numbness in the feet or hands (peripheral neuropathy)
• Trouble passing urine or change in the amount of urine
• Yellowing of the eyes or skin (jaundice)

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• Change in sex drive or performance
• Constipation or diarrhea
• Nausea, vomiting
• Weight gain or loss

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep this medicine out of the reach of children to prevent accidental ingestion.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Avoid storing the medication in areas with high humidity, such as bathrooms. Ensure the medication is stored in a tightly closed container and protected from light. Dispose of any unused medicine properly after the expiration date has passed. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them down the drain unless specifically instructed to do so. Consult with your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for proper disposal methods.

Doxepin: Your Questions Answered (FAQ)

What is Doxepin used for?

Doxepin is a tricyclic antidepressant primarily prescribed for the treatment of depression and anxiety disorders. It can also be used off-label to treat chronic pain and insomnia.

How long does it take for Doxepin to work?

It may take several weeks (2-4 weeks or longer) to experience the full therapeutic effects of Doxepin. It's important to continue taking the medication as prescribed, even if you don't notice immediate improvement.

Can I drink alcohol while taking Doxepin?

It is generally recommended to avoid alcohol consumption while taking Doxepin, as alcohol can enhance the sedative effects of the medication and increase the risk of side effects.

What are the withdrawal symptoms if I stop Doxepin abruptly?

Abruptly stopping Doxepin can lead to withdrawal symptoms such as nausea, headache, dizziness, fatigue, and mood changes. It's crucial to gradually taper the dose under the guidance of your doctor to minimize these symptoms.

Is Doxepin addictive?

Doxepin is not considered to be addictive in the same way as some other drugs. However, physical dependence can develop with prolonged use, leading to withdrawal symptoms upon discontinuation. Always follow your doctor's instructions for taking and discontinuing this medication.

Can Doxepin cause weight gain?

Weight gain is a potential side effect of Doxepin, although it doesn't affect everyone. If you experience significant weight gain, discuss it with your doctor.

Is it safe to take Doxepin during pregnancy?

The safety of Doxepin during pregnancy is not fully established. It's important to discuss the risks and benefits of taking Doxepin with your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.

Can I take Doxepin with other medications?

Doxepin can interact with various medications, so it's essential to inform your doctor about all the medications, supplements, and herbal remedies you are currently taking.

What should I do if I experience side effects from Doxepin?

If you experience bothersome or persistent side effects while taking Doxepin, contact your doctor for guidance. They may be able to adjust your dose or recommend strategies for managing the side effects.

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