Sinequan (Doxepin) belongs to the family of medications known as tricyclic antidepressants. It is used to treat Depression, especially when anxiety is one of the symptoms.

Sinequan (Doxepin) is also used to treat people with Alcoholism who also have anxiety or depression. Tricyclic antidepressants are believed to work by keeping the balance of natural chemicals (neurotransmitters) in the body, namely serotonin and norepinephrine.

Sinequan (Doxepin) may be available under multiple brand names and/or in several different forms. Any specific brand name of Sinequan (Doxepin) may not be available in all of the forms or approved for all of the conditions discussed here. As well, some forms of Sinequan (Doxepin) may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here.

Your doctor may have suggested Sinequan (Doxepin) for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking Sinequan (Doxepin), speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking Sinequan (Doxepin) without consulting your doctor.

Do not give Sinequan (Doxepin) to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take Sinequan (Doxepin) if their doctor has not prescribed it.

The recommended adult daily dose of Sinequan (Doxepin) ranges from 75 mg to 300 mg in 3 divided doses. The usual starting dose is 25 mg 3 times daily. The total dose can be taken at bedtime once the final dose is reached (as long as the final dose is 150 mg per day or less). Lower doses may be needed for seniors.

Many things can affect the dose of a medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.

It is important to take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Store Sinequan (Doxepin) at room temperature, protect it from light and moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent. The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes Sinequan (Doxepin). If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of Sinequan (Doxepin) with your doctor.

The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking Sinequan (Doxepin). Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.

Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.

• Constipation
• dizziness
• drowsiness
• Dry Mouth
• flushing
• headache
• increased or decreased appetite
• Low Blood Pressure
• nausea
• tiredness or weakness (mild)
• unpleasant taste
• vision problems (e.g., blurred vision)
• weight gain

Although most of these side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not check with your doctor or seek medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:

• seizures
• symptoms of a Anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction) (e.g., swelling of face and tongue, difficulty breathing, Hives)

Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking Sinequan (Doxepin).

10 mg
Each pink and scarlet capsule contains Sinequan (Doxepin) 10 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: cornstarch, magnesium stearate, and sodium lauryl sulfate; capsule shell: D&C Yellow No. 10, FD&C Blue No. 1 FD&C Red No. 2, FD&C Red No. 3, FD&C Yellow No. 6, gelatin, silicon dioxide, sodium lauryl sulfate, and titanium dioxide.

25 mg
Each pink and blue capsule contains Sinequan (Doxepin) 25 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: cornstarch, magnesium stearate, and sodium lauryl sulfate; capsule shell: FD&C Blue No. 1, FD&C Red No. 3, gelatin, silicon dioxide, sodium lauryl sulfate, and titanium dioxide.

50 mg
Each flesh-coloured and pink capsule contains Sinequan (Doxepin) 50 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: cornstarch, magnesium stearate, and sodium lauryl sulfate; capsule shell: D&C Yellow No. 10, FD&C Blue No. 1, FD&C Red No. 3, gelatin, silicon dioxide, sodium lauryl sulfate, and titanium dioxide.

75 mg
Each flesh-coloured capsule contains Sinequan (Doxepin) 75 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: cornstarch, magnesium stearate, and sodium lauryl sulfate; capsule shell: D&C Yellow No. 10, FD&C Red No. 3, gelatin, silicon dioxide, sodium lauryl sulfate, and titanium dioxide.

100 mg
Each flesh-coloured and blue capsule contains Sinequan (Doxepin) 100 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: cornstarch, magnesium stearate, and sodium lauryl sulfate; capsule shell: D&C Yellow No. 10, FD&C Blue No. 1, FD&C Red No. 3, gelatin, silicon dioxide, sodium lauryl sulfate, and titanium dioxide.

Sinequan (Doxepin) should not be taken by anyone who:

• is allergic to Sinequan (Doxepin) or to any of the ingredients of the medication
• is allergic to any other dibenzoxepin compounds
• is a child
• has acute Congestive Heart Failure
• has blood disorders
• has Glaucoma or increased eye pressure
• has just had a Heart Attack
• has severe liver disease
• has taken a MAO inhibitor (e.g., Phenelzine, Tranylcypromine) within the last 14 days
• has urinary retention

There may be an interaction between Sinequan (Doxepin) and any of the following:

If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Medications other than those listed above may interact with Sinequan (Doxepin). Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the Nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Sinequan (Doxepin).

Drowsiness/reduced alertness: Since Sinequan (Doxepin) may cause drowsiness, avoid driving or engaging in activities requiring mental alertness and physical coordination until you determine that the medication does not affect you in this way.

Heart diseases: Tricyclic antidepressant medications such as Sinequan (Doxepin), particularly when taken in high doses, can cause abnormal heart rhythms. People with a history of heart disease and seniors should discuss with their doctor how Sinequan (Doxepin) may affect their medical condition, how their medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Sinequan (Doxepin), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Mania or hypomania: Sinequan (Doxepin) may cause activation of mania or hypomania. People with a history of bipolar disorder should be closely monitored by their doctor while using Sinequan (Doxepin).

Medical conditions: People with reduced liver function or seizures should discuss with their doctor how Sinequan (Doxepin) may affect their medical condition, how their medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Sinequan (Doxepin), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Suicidal or agitated behaviour: People taking antidepressants such as Sinequan (Doxepin) may feel agitated (restless, anxious, aggressive, emotional, trouble sleeping, and feeling not like themselves), or they may want to hurt themselves or others. If you notice any changes in mood, behaviours, thoughts, or feelings in yourself or someone who is taking Sinequan (Doxepin), contact a doctor immediately. Your doctor will monitor you closely for behaviour changes, especially at the start of treatment or when your dose is increased or decreased.

Surgery: Using Sinequan (Doxepin) before, during, and after surgery may increase the risk of developing abnormal heart rhythms. The risks and benefits of continuing Sinequan (Doxepin) during elective surgery should be discussed with your doctor. Your doctor may recommend to stop or reduce the dose of Sinequan (Doxepin) several days prior to the scheduled surgery.

Thyroid disease: Patients who have an overactive thyroid (Hyperthyroidism) or are taking thyroid medication should be monitored closely by their doctor while taking Sinequan (Doxepin).

Withdrawal: Stopping Sinequan (Doxepin) abruptly after taking it for a long time may produce nausea, headache, and malaise. Experiencing these symptoms does not mean you are addicted. Do not suddenly stop taking Sinequan (Doxepin) if you have been taking it for a while. If you are to stop taking Sinequan (Doxepin), contact your doctor, who will advise you on how to gradually stop taking Sinequan (Doxepin).

Pregnancy: Sinequan (Doxepin) should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking Sinequan (Doxepin), contact your doctor immediately.

Breast-feeding: It is not known if Sinequan (Doxepin) passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking Sinequan (Doxepin), it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.

Children: The safety and effectiveness of using Sinequan (Doxepin) have not been established for children.