Sinequan

DRUG TITLE

Sinequan (Doxepin)

APPLICATION

Sinequan is a tricyclic antidepressant that is used to treat the symptoms of depression and help patients elevate their mood.

MODE OF APPLICATION

Use Sinequan as directed by your doctor. Follow the directions on the label.

Carefully read the instructions, it is replenished.

Take Sinequan by mouth with food or after it.

Acceptance of Sinequan at bedtime may help reduce side effects (eg, daytime drowsiness). Discuss this possibility with your doctor.

THE MECHANISM OF ACTION

Sinequan is a tricyclic antidepressant. It is not known exactly how it works. It can increase the activity of certain chemicals in the brain that help elevate mood.

MISSED DOSE

If you miss a dose, you should take it as soon as possible. If this occurred while taking your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

STORAGE

Sinequan should be stored below 86 degrees Fahrenheit (30 degrees C) in a rigid, lightweight container.

Precautionary measures

DO NOT use Sinequan, if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Sinequan or other tricyclic antidepressants
• you have certain problems with the prostate gland (e.g., asymptomatic prostatic hypertrophy), glaucoma, or problems with urination
• you are taking clonidine, antagonists of H1 (e.g., astemizole, terfenadine), or ibutilide, or have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) (e.g., furazolidone, phenelzine, isocarboxazid) within the last 14 days.

Contact your doctor immediately if any of these items apply to you.

Some medicines may interact with Sinequan. Tell your doctor if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following applies to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplements
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods or other substances
• if you have heart problems, seizures (e.g. epilepsy), overactive thyroid, prostate problems (such as benign prostatic hypertrophy [BPH]), problems with blood (eg, porphyria), problems with mood, thoughts of or suicide attempts, or alcohol abuse

Some medicines may interact with Sinequan. Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

• Antiarrhythmics (e.g., quinidine, propafenone, flecainide), antifungal agents (eg, fluconazole, terbinafine), carbamazepine, cimetidine, mibefradil, phenothiazines (e.g. chlorpromazine, thioridazine), or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) (e.g. fluoxetine, sertraline) because they may increase the risk of exposure to Sinequan
• Anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin), H1 antagonists (e.g., astemizole, terfenadine), ibutilide, sulfonylureas (e.g., tolazamide, glipizide), sympathomimetics (e.g., phenylephrine, pseudoephedrine), or tramadol because the risk of their side effects may be increased along with taking Sinequan
• Clonidine, guanadrel, guanethidine, or guanfacine because their effectiveness may be reduced by taking Sinequan
• MAO inhibitors (e.g., furazolidone, phenelzine, isocarboxazid) because it may have severe toxic effects

SIDE EFFECTS

Consult your doctor if any of these most common side effects persist or become frequent:

• Loss of appetite, constipation, diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, excessive sweating, headache, heartburn, increased appetite, indigestion, nausea, unpleasant taste, urinary retention, vomiting, weakness, weight gain.

Contact your doctor immediately if any of these serious side effects occur:

• Severe allergic reactions (rash, hives, itching, shortness of breath, chest tightness, swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue);
• abnormal movements, aggressive or bizarre behavior, agitation, anxiety, blurred vision or other vision changes, pain in the chest, difficulty speaking and swallowing, disorientation, eye pain, fainting, fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat, hair loss, hallucinations, hostility, irritability, loss of balance, mood swings, nervousness or anxiety;
• panic attacks, ringing in the ears shakiness, sore throat or fever, trouble sleeping, twitching of the face or tongue, unusual bleeding or bruising, yellowing of the skin or eyes.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Do not use this medication with others.