Category- Allopathy
Medicine Highlights
| Uses | 1. To treat Major depressive disorder 2. To treat anxiety 3. To control post-traumatic stress disorder 4. To treat insomnia (sleeplessness) 5. To treat all types of nerve pains. 6. To treat migraines |
| Common Side Effects | 1. Constipation 2. Inability to empty your bladder 3. Dry mouth 4. Drowsiness 5. Dizziness 6. Confusion 7. Blurred vision 8. Nausea and vomiting |
| Additional Information | 1. Consume the medicine at bedtime to get maximum effect with fewer side effects. |
| Storage | 1. The medicine should be stored at room temperature 2. Keep away from sunlight and moisture 3. Keep away from the reach of children |
| How to Take This Medicine | Swallow this medicine with water |
Doxepin Uses
Doxepin 25 mg is an oral medicine belonging to the category of tricyclic antidepressants and is used for the following indications:
- Depression
- Depression-associated anxiety
- Insomnia (Sleeplessness)
- Migraine
- Nerve pains
Doxepin side effects
More Common
- Feeling dizzy, sleepy, tired, or weak.
- Constipation, diarrhea, stomach pain, upset stomach, throwing up, or feeling less hungry.
- Dry mouth.
- Change in taste.
- Mouth irritation or mouth sores.
- Weight gain.
- Sweating a lot.
- Flushing.
- Hair loss.
- Headache.
Less Common
- Breathing problems or wheezing
- Racing heart
- Fever or general ill feeling
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
- Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
- Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
- Stomach cramps
- Joint pain
- Suicidal thoughts
- Increased mood
- Arrhythmia
How Doxepin works
Doxepin works by boosting the brain’s natural feel-good chemicals, like serotonin and norepinephrine. In depression or nerve pain, these chemicals decrease. Normally, the brain clears them away quickly like a vacuum. Doxepin slows this process down, helping the chemicals stay longer and do their job. This lifts mood and eases pain.
Safety Measures and Warning
Pregnancy
Doxepin is not confirmed safe for use during pregnancy. It’s classified as a Category C drug, meaning animal studies suggest possible risks like heart defects or miscarriage, but human data is lacking. Always consult a doctor before using it.
Breastfeeding
Doxepin passes into breast milk. Inform your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed. They will advise you whether to stop breastfeeding or discontinue doxepin.
Heart Patients
Doxepin can affect the functioning of the heart and can reduce blood pressure. So, get a recommendation from the doctor before using it.
Past mental health issues
Patients having past mental health problems can experience potential side effects and symptoms like confusion and hallucinations, so inform your doctor before using.
Doxepin Interaction with Food Product
Avoid consuming alcohol and smoking after taking doxepin, as they increase or decrease drug action and can also cause severe drowsiness and sedation, as they act on the brain directly. Take the patient to the doctor in case of any side effects.
Doxepin Interaction with Other Medicines
Avoid taking Doxepin 25 mg with the following medicines, as it may increase or decrease the desired effect, or in worse cases, it could be fatal:
Doxepin Chemical Structure
IUPAC (International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry)/ Chemical name
(E/Z) -3-(Dibenzo [b,e]oxepin-11(6H)-ylidene)-N,N-dimethylpropan-1-amine
Intake routine/cycle
Daily Dose
Take Doxepin exactly as your doctor recommends. The dose may change based on your condition and how well you respond. Do not take more than prescribed without consulting your doctor.
Missed Dose
If you forget to take your medicine, take the medication as soon as you remember. If it’s nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed one and continue with your regular schedule. Always consult the doctor before making any changes to your dosage.
Overdose
Don’t take more than 300 mg of doxepin per day, as it may cause severe overdosing effects like extreme drowsiness, confusion, unconsciousness, sweating, double vision, high blood pressure, hallucinations, confusion, and slurred speech. Immediately seek medical care in case of any overdose symptoms.
Storage
- Store the medicine at room temperature
- Keep away from sunlight and moisture
- Keep out of reach of children
Directions for use
- Take doxepin exactly as prescribed by your doctor, at the same time each day.
- Do not stop taking doxepin without your doctor’s approval, even if you feel better.
- If you forget to take doxepin, take it as soon as you remember. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose.
Doxepin Summary
Doxepin is a prescription medication classified as a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA), primarily used to treat depression, anxiety disorders, and insomnia, mainly, and can be used for migraines, nerve pains, and post-traumatic stress disorder off-label. Doxepin works by boosting brain chemicals like serotonin and norepinephrine that help regulate mood and sleep. It’s available in capsules, tablets, liquids, and even topical creams for skin conditions like itching. Common side effects include drowsiness, dry mouth, constipation, blurred vision, and dizziness, especially when changing positions. It’s best taken at a fixed time daily, and alcohol should be avoided, as it can intensify drowsiness and other side effects. Some foods may interact mildly, but the bigger concern is combining it with other medications, so always inform your doctor about everything you’re taking.
FAQ’s
What are the side effects of doxepin tablets?
Doxepin, commonly used for the treatment of depression and anxiety, can also have side effects that include severe drowsiness, mania, and arrhythmias. So, people should be careful while taking medicine.
What is the overdosing amount of doxepin?
Taking more than 300 mg causes overdose and produces toxic effects like fall in pressure, unconsciousness, numbness, and vision problems.
What does doxepin’s long-term use cause?
Long-termuse of doxepin can cause dependence, trouble sleeping, and addiction-seeking behaviors.
Which category of medicine does doxepin belong to?
Doxepin belongs to the category of tricyclic antidepressants and is used to treat depression and anxiety, but it should only be used under medical prescription.
Reference
- National Center for Biotechnology Information. PubChem Compound Summary for CID 3111, Doxepin. [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); [cited 2025 Aug 19]. Available from.
- Mayo Clinic. Doxepin (oral route) – Side effects & dosage. [Internet]. Rochester (MN): Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; [cited 2025 Aug 19]. Available from.
- Drugs.com. Doxepin Tablets: Indications, Side Effects, Warnings. [Internet]. [cited 2025 Aug 19]. Available from.
- Patel T, Sharma S. Doxepin. [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): Stat Pearls Publishing; 2023 Jan– [cited 2025 Aug 19]. Available from.
- Hester S, Burn S. Doxepin—Uses, Side Effects, and More. [Internet]. WebMD; 2024 Aug 7 [cited 2025 Aug 19]. Available from.
- National Center for Biotechnology Information (US). Stat Pearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): Stat Pearls Publishing; 2023 Jan–. Available from.
Authors
Siva Krishna Adithya Bhumireddy completed Bachelor of Pharmacy from GIET School of Pharmacy affiliated to Andhra University and from his 3rd year of graduation itself he was working as a freelance Medical and Publication writer and having expertise in Systematic reviews and clinical research. With his keen interest and skills in research and documentation practices he also reviewed more than 100 manuscripts from international journals like Elsevier, Springer Nature, Sage Journals and all the manuscripts were indexed and appeared in Pub Med, Scopus and Web of Science databases and received honorary recognition letters and certificates from all of them. Siva Krishna Adithya also published few systematic, narrative reviews and few chapters of international expertise.