Is doxepin a good medication for depression? Why is it prescriped?
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Doxepin is a tricyclic antidepressant, which is one of the older class of antidepressants. Usually they make people really tired, and that is one reason the newer SSRI's are so popular (like Prozac, Paxil and Effexor). But it can be very effective and also has some anti-anxiety properties. It's hard to say if it's a 'good' medication because everyone is different. It just depends on your body chemistry and how you react to it. Give it a try, at least 6 weeks. If after that it isn't helping, then the doctor can try something else. Also since it's old, it is very cheap compared to SSRI's.
Other uses may include insomnia, drug and/or alcohol withdrawal, GI problems, chronic pain, headaches and itching (in its cream form).
It's and older tricyclic anti-depressant. The potential side effects can be particularly troublesome.
There are some newer anti-depressants that can often do the job quite a bit better. (e.g., SSRIs) with fewer side effects.
Doxepin is one of the tricyclic antidepressants. The only important thing when taking doxepin is to alert your doctor of any changes or side effects that you may experience. Some cases of Tardive Dyskinesia have been reported. These are potentially irreversible and are most common in women and in the elderly.
It is an older antidepressant but a good one. It is the least likely to cause cardiovascular side effects, like rapid heart rate. And it won't cause the sexual side effects that are so common with the newer drugs like Prozac, Paxil, Effexor, etc.
It is particularly good for sleeplessness. It is very sedating. Get ready for a good nights sleep.
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