doxepin hydrochloride at a glance
Medicine class
Tricyclic antidepressant
Licensed role
Depressive illness in adults, especially where sedation is required
Alertness
May cause drowsiness; do not drive or operate machinery if affected
Administration
Swallow capsules whole with water while sitting or standing; do not crush or chew
What is doxepin hydrochloride used for?
The selected UK capsule is licensed for:
Symptoms of depressive illness in adults, particularly when sedation is required.
How does doxepin hydrochloride work?
Its antidepressant action is not completely understood. Doxepin reduces monoamine reuptake, particularly noradrenaline, and blocks histamine, muscarinic and some serotonin receptors. These effects contribute to sedation, dry mouth and constipation.
doxepin hydrochloride preparations and strengths
Capsule
Route: Oral
Strengths: 10 mg, 25 mg, 50 mg
How to take doxepin hydrochloride
Follow the dispensing label. The capsules are for oral use.
Swallow capsules whole with water while sitting or standing.
Do not crush or chew them.
Do not stop suddenly without discussing it with the prescriber, because withdrawal symptoms can occur.
doxepin hydrochloride side effects
Common or expected effects
- Drowsiness
- Dry mouth
- Constipation
- Dizziness, particularly on standing
- Sweating or blurred vision
- Tiredness or weakness
- Digestive upset
- Weight gain
Get urgent medical advice
- Thoughts of self-harm, suicide or marked worsening of mood
- Seizures
- Facial swelling or severe allergic reaction
- Faintness with a fast or irregular heartbeat
- Inability to pass urine
- Yellow skin or eyes
- Fever, mouth ulcers, unusual bruising or bleeding
doxepin hydrochloride in pregnancy
Doxepin crosses the placenta, and medicine-specific experience is insufficient to establish safety. UK information for tricyclic antidepressants is more reassuring at class level, but use near delivery can cause temporary newborn withdrawal or adaptation symptoms. Discuss pregnancy or pregnancy planning with the prescriber; do not stop abruptly without advice.
doxepin hydrochloride while breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is contraindicated in the selected product information because doxepin and its active metabolite enter breast milk, with infant drowsiness and apnoea reported. Seek specialist advice rather than stopping treatment abruptly.
doxepin hydrochloride interactions
Check all prescription, pharmacy and herbal products with a clinician or pharmacist. Important examples include:
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors
Combining them with doxepin can cause dangerous potentiation; product-labelled washout requirements must be followed.
Other antidepressants, sedatives and anxiety treatments
Drowsiness and other central nervous system effects may increase.
Alcohol
Sedative and impairing effects may become stronger.
CYP2D6 inhibitors, including some SSRIs and quinidine
Common questions about doxepin hydrochloride
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Is doxepin hydrochloride a sleeping tablet?
It is a sedating tricyclic antidepressant, not a product licensed solely for insomnia. Sedation may be relevant when sleep disturbance accompanies depression.
Can it make me sleepy?
Yes. Do not drive or use machinery while sleepy or otherwise impaired.
Can I drink alcohol while taking it?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.