Sinequan
Doxepin
Drug Class and Mechanism of Action of Sinequan
Sinequan is a tricyclic antidepressant. The mechanism of action of Sinequan is not known clearly. It may act by increasing the activity of certain chemicals in the brain, which help elevate mood.
Therapeutic Uses of Sinequan
Sinequan is used for treatment of depression and anxiety in certain patients. It may also be used for other medical conditions as your doctor decides.
Direction of use of Sinequan
Use Sinequan as per direction of your doctor. Read the label carefully on the medicine for exact dosing instructions. Sinequan also comes with an extra patient information sheet called a Medication Guide and you should read it carefully before you start taking it. Read it again each time you get Sinequan refilled.
Take Sinequan orally with food or on empty stomach. Taking Sinequan at bedtime may help reduce side effects like daytime drowsiness. Discuss with your doctor how to reduce side effects of Sinequan.
If You Miss a Dose of Sinequan
If you miss a dose of Sinequan, you should take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose of Sinequan and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
How to Store Sinequan
Sinequan should be stored below 86 degrees F (30 degrees C). Store it in a tightly closed dark container away from moisture, heat and direct light. Keep Sinequan out of reach of children.
More Information About Sinequan
Do not share Sinequan with others. It should be used by the patient only, for whom it is prescribed. If you have any question about Sinequan, consult your doctor. if you are not getting any symptomatic improvement or your symptoms are getting worse, you should consult your doctor.
Precautions to be Taken While Taking Sinequan
Do not use Sinequan if you have any medical problems listed below and consult your doctor immediately:
- If you are allergic to any of the ingredients used in Sinequan or to other tricyclic antidepressants.
- If you have prostate problems like asymptomatic benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH), glaucoma, or have trouble urinating.
- If you are taking clonidine; H1 antagonists like astemizole, terfenadine; or you have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) like furazolidone, phenelzine, isocarboxazid etc. within the past 2 weeks.
Some medical conditions may interact with Sinequan. Inform your doctor in you have any medical condition that may interact with Sinequan, especially any of the listed medical problems:
- If you are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or if you are breast feeding.
- If you have allergy to any other medicines, any food or any other substance.
- If you are taking any prescription medicine, nonprescription medicine (over the counter medicines), herbal preparation, or dietary supplements.
- If you have a history of any heart problem, seizures (epilepsy), overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), prostate problems like benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH), blood disorders like porphyria, other mental or mood problems, suicidal thoughts, suicidal attempts, or alcohol abuse.
Some medicines may interact with Sinequan. If you have any doubt about the medicines which interact with Sinequan, you should ask your doctor or other health care provider. Inform your doctor if you are taking any medicines that may interact with Sinequan, especially if you are taking any of the listed medicines:
- MAOIs (mono amine oxidase inhibitors) like phenelzine, isocarboxazid or furazolidone, because severe toxic effects of these medicines may occur.
- Anticoagulants like warfarin, H1 antagonists like astemizole, terfenadine; ibutilide, sulfonylureas like tolazamide, glipizide (both anti diabetic medicines), sympathomimetics like phenylephrine, pseudoephedrine; or tramadol because the risk of their side effects may be increased by Sinequan.
- Antiarrhythmics (quinidine, propafenone, flecainide), antifungal medicines (fluconazole, terbinafine), carbamazepine, cimetidine, mibefradil, phenothiazines (chlorpromazine, thioridazine), or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like fluoxetine, sertraline etc. because they may increase the risk of side effects of Sinequan.
- Clonidine, guanadrel, guanethidine, guanfacine etc. because the effectiveness of these medicines may be decreased by Sinequan.
Possible Adverse Effects of Sinequan
- Common side effects of Sinequan are loss of appetite, increased appetite, weight gain; constipation; diarrhea; dizziness; drowsiness; dry mouth; excess sweating; headache; heartburn; indigestion; nausea; unpleasant taste; urinary retention; mild vomiting; weakness etc. If any of these common and less serious side effects of Sinequan become persistent or troublesome you should consult your doctor.
- Seek medical attention right away if any of the serious side effects of Sinequan occurs. The serious side effects of Sinequan are evere allergic reaction (symptoms of severe allergic reaction are skin rash; itching; difficulty in breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue);
- Abnormal movements, hostility; irritability, aggressive or bizarre behavior, mood swings, nervousness, restlessness, hallucinations, agitation, anxiety; blurred vision or other vision changes; chest pain; difficulty speaking and swallowing; disorientation; eye pain; fainting; fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat; hair loss; loss of balance, panic attacks; ringing in the ears; seizures; shakiness; sore throat or fever; trouble sleeping; twitching of the face or tongue; unusual bleeding or bruising; yellowing of the skin or eyes etc.