Doxepin

Indications

1. Depressive illness, particularly where sedation is required.

Cautions to be considered

1. cardiac diseases (arrhythmias)
2. Epilepsy
3. Pregnancy and breast feeding.
4. Elderly
5. Hepatic impairment
6. Thyroid diseases
7. Phaeochromocytoma
8. History of mania
9. Angle closure glaucoma
10. History of urinary retention

Contraindications (where you have to avoid the drug)

1. recent myocardial infarction
2. arrhythmias (particularly heart block)
3. severe liver disease

Doses

Initially 75 mg daily in divided doses or as a single dose at bed time, increased as necessary to maximum 300 mg daily in three divided doses (up to 100 mg may be given as a single dose)

ELDERLY; initially 10-50 mg daily, range of 30-50 mg daily may be adequate

CHILD; not recommended

Doxepin preparations

1. capsule; 10 mg