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Tricyclic antidepressants are used to treat mental conditions since 1960s. They derive the name from their chemical composition; it is due to their three-ringed atomic structure. Of late, tricyclic antidepressants are replaced by modern meds like norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, selective serotonin reuptake inhibiting meds, serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, etc. Doxepin is a member of tricyclic antidepressants-genre of medications. But, does doxepin cause weight gain? It becomes important to have added details on this front.

Tricyclic antidepressants (in short, TCAs) are chiefly prescribed for the clinical management of mood-related conditions. Caregivers administer them for treating major depressive disorders, generalised anxiety disorder (also known as GAD), phobias as well as restlessness. Most meds in the TCA genre inhibit norepinephrine transporter (i.e., NET) as well as serotonin transporter (i.e., SERT). However, these meds do not much control over dopamine transporter (DAT). Hence, their efficiency as dopamine reuptake inhibiting meds is low.

An abrupt discontinuation of antidepressants can cause a few signs of withdrawal. Such signs can show up in the form of migraine, nausea, sleeplessness, staying restless and / or anxious.As an extended use, caregivers use TCAs for managing pains of the chronic kind – especially, fibromyalgia, neuralgia, etc. A few of the most commonly used TCAs are nortriptyline, doxepin, amitriptyline, etc.

In this light, what is doxepin?

Doxepin forms part of a class of meds called tricyclic antidepressants. This med is commonly taken for anxieties, mood swings including onset of depression, etc. In case of treating hives or related skin conditions, it is preferred over use of antihistamines. As an extended use, doxepin is taken for spells of insomnia or sleeplessness.

Doxepin was cleared for clinical purposes in the late 1960s. Today, it is sold as a generic drug. With more than 1-million prescriptions, it ranks among the top 300 widely prescribed meds in the US. It is unsafe to take doxepin in larger doses; those who took an overdose experienced irregular heartbeats, sudden drop in blood pressure level, blurring of eyesight, drying of oral parts, etc.

Does doxepin cause weight gain?

Similar to most antidepressants, doxepin is likely to cause increase in body weight. Those who are maintaining optimal weight may become frustrated due to a steady increase in weight. It becomes an essential thing to talk to your treating doctor about how to manage your weight goals.

This drug is not administered to children aged less than 11 years. Also, intake of alcohol along with doxepin may make you dizzy and can lead to spells of hypotension. In other words, you tend to experience the signs of overuse / excessive dosing, when doxepin in taken with alcohol.

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Safety measures to be followed while taking doxepin

You need to keep your doctor informed of changes in moods or if you are nursing suicidal thoughts during your treatment. Those with prior known allergies to antidepressants like nortriptyline must make their physician know of such conditions.

People who have had prior disorders like respiratory troubles – such as wheezing, panting for breath or gasping, hepatic conditions such as cirrhosis or hepatitis, cardiac arrest or heart failure, etc. must take added precautions prior to taking doxepin.

Upon sensing side effects such as difficulties to pass stools, keep your caregiving team updated of such reactions. Your caregiving team may prescribe a laxative treat this condition. However, long term use of laxatives is not recommended, as it can be habit forming. On experiencing acute outcomes like convulsions, fits or seizures, severe spells of drowsiness, formation of rashes, inflammation of tongue or facial organs, seek medical help on a top priority mode.

If you are living in the US, call 911 immediately. You may also seek help from the helpdesk run by FDA. Those living in Canada must reach out to Health Canada. If you want to have more details about does doxepin cause weight gain, talk to your treating physician.

Disclaimer

Information provided here are only of supplementary nature. Information shared here does not substitute a qualified doctor’s advice. This website is not suggesting intake of this drug as safe or appropriate. Hence it is advised to talk to your doctor before consuming this med or any other drug