Doxepin
Doxepin is a tricyclic medicine. Oral formulations may be used for selected mood, anxiety or sleep indications, while topical doxepin has a separate role for itching; the forms are not interchangeable.
Key points
- Oral doxepin can cause marked sedation and anticholinergic effects, and overdose can be fatal.
- Heart-rhythm disease, glaucoma, urinary retention and serotonergic or sedating medicines require review.
- Suspected overdose, fainting, seizure or suicidal intent needs emergency care.
Listings are for comparison only. Suitability and supply depend on clinician and pharmacy checks, stock, destination rules and prescription requirements.
What Doxepin is used for
Oral doxepin may be used for selected depression or anxiety disorders and, in specific formulations, insomnia. Topical products may be used for selected itchy skin conditions.
Important safety checks
Suicide risk, bipolar disorder, heart conduction, glaucoma, urinary retention, liver disease and monoamine-oxidase inhibitors require review. Alcohol, opioids and antihistamines worsen sedation. Keep oral medicine securely away from children and anyone at overdose risk.
When to seek urgent care
Call emergency or poison-information services for any suspected overdose. Seek urgent help for fainting, a seizure, a sustained irregular heartbeat, suicidal intent, severe confusion, inability to urinate, facial swelling or breathing difficulty.