Doxepin for Depression

Overview

Doxepin is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD). It is not recommended for children under 18 due to an increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors, although a doctor may prescribe it in exceptional cases. Doxepin should be used with caution in young adults under age 25, especially when starting or changing doses.

Doxepin is a tricyclic antidepressant. It works by increasing the levels of natural substances in the brain, such as serotonin and norepinephrine, which help regulate mood and support emotional balance.

How do I take it?

Prescribing information states that doxepin is taken by mouth as a capsule or oral liquid. It is usually taken one to three times a day, with or without food, at the same time each day. The oral liquid must be measured with a special dropper and diluted in water, milk, or non-carbonated juice before use.

Doxepin should be taken exactly as prescribed by a healthcare provider. 

Side effects

Common side effects of doxepin include nausea, vomiting, asthenia (weakness or tiredness), vertigo (dizziness), mydriasis (increase in pupil size), xerostomia (dry mouth), stomatitis (mouth sores), photosensitivity (skin more sensitive to sunlight), flushing, appetite or weight changes, dysgeusia (changes in the way things taste), dyspepsia (indigestion), constipation, diarrhea, urinary retention (difficulty urinating), polydipsia and polyuria (excessive thirst and urination), tinnitus (ringing in the ears), sexual dysfunction (changes in sex drive), orchitis (swollen testicles), gynecomastia (increased breast size), galactorrhea (milky discharge from nipples), hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating), chills, cephalalgia (headache), and alopecia (hair loss).

Rare but serious side effects may include jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), tachycardia (fast heartbeat), coagulopathy (unusual bleeding or bruising), and hypersensitivity reactions such as rash, pruritus (itching), or angioedema (swelling).

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Doxepin — MedlinePlus