Doxepin discontinued
Doxepin (Sinequan)® capsules are being discontinued in all strengths according to the National Electronic Library for Medicines.
Doxepin is a tricyclic antidepressant with sedative properties. It is expected that supplies will be exhausted by October 2006 although some strengths may disappear sooner.
Doxepin is not widely used but is not available generically and therefore alternative products will need to be used if treatment needs to continue. Amitryptiline, Dosulepin or Clomipramine may be suitable choices.
Action: Clinicians should be aware of this products discontinuation and may wish to identify individuals currently taking this drug. Alternative treatments will need to be investigated if treatment will continue beyond October 2006.
Update: In early 2022 several generic manufacturers are continuing to supply doxepin in the UK. It appears to be readily available in 25mg and 50mg strengths.
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I have been prescribed Doxepin for many years to help with an uncontrolled skin condition. It has helped a lot and it has the effect of helping with sleep. My GP recently cut any drugs that I take that might cause sleepiness. He cut Doxepen to 10mg 1 capsule twice a day. The pharmacist told me that this is such a low dose, it will probably not help my condition at all. He is correct. My itchy skin and rash is now worse. Another drug I take is Cellcept epoch is prescribed for an autoimmune condition. This is recommended to my GP by an oncologist / haemotologist. After taking the drug for an extended time, the GP Stopped prescribing. The only medication I have now is Ambien. I need a new doctor...not easy!
Comment by Diane Wintering — February 24, 2023 #
I have my own concerns about being prescribed 300 milligrams for insomnia. I've been on this medication for decades. I have often inquired with my doctor if this is a good idea. I gained 100lbs. I also question if it is affecting my alertness and/or my ability to stay focused on every day tasks. I've tried numerous other sleep medications but no avail. Doesn't it seem odd to consume these large doses and for so long? If anyone has any information I'd appreciate it because I'm 70 years old and don't need anything that doesn't benefit my well being.
Comment by Peter Keiser — November 26, 2022 #
@Peter Keiser,
I agree with you, taking medication to see is never ideal except in the most desperate of cases, and even then it really is better to use for short periods only. You are already past that point though, so sleeping without medication may no longer be an option of you. Trying a gradual dose reduction though to see if you can still sleep taking a little less while also checking if you can stay alert of focussed more in the day might be a good idea.
Comment by Matthew Robinson — November 26, 2022 #
Dalmane 30mg or 15mg. The best sleep aid I've ever had. I'm almost 73.
Comment by Rich — February 2, 2023 #
I just started doxepin about 2 weeks into October and it is the worst medication I've ever taken. First off, my doctor did not want me on this medication but my insurance kept rejecting and rejecting everything else my doctor has put through. They made me try buspirone and that made my heart pound out of control like I was going to have a heart attack and now the next pill my insurance basically forced on me was this doxepin and man oh man it cause me some severe side effects. I have extreme anxiety, uncontrollable panic attacks, outrageous anger and that all caused me to get into some legal trouble. I've never been in trouble in my whole life. I'm 32 and I start these and bam now I'm a convict.
Comment by Mariah — November 15, 2022 #
My mom was put on this medication about a month ago after her 4th suicide attempt. The side effects are worse than all the depression; they are trying to treat the bipolar manic episodes. I can't believe a doctor would put her on this. They put her on another medication in addition to Doxepin but it has most of the same side effects and more. I thought my mom had gotten instant severe dementia, and that she was literally starting to die. I found out all about the side effects last night, which put me a bit at ease, knowing it wasn't natural all the things she's been going through and we stopped that medication TODAY! Both of them.
Comment by Bonnie — December 9, 2022 #
The pharmacy I used gave me the wrong medication which was Doxepin 100 mg twice a day. I had extreme tiredness and my legs got really weak. I was supposed to have gotten an antibiotic.
Comment by Deborah Molton — October 15, 2022 #
@Deborah Molton,
I suspect it should have been doxycycline. These things are incredibly rare but obviously not at all good when they do happen. I'm sure the pharmacy will (or maybe have already) apologise and correct their mistake.
Comment by Matthew Robinson — October 15, 2022 #
Is doxepin safe to take or not? Is it addictive? What were the reasons it was being pulled off the market?
Comment by Patricia — September 6, 2022 #
@Patricia,
It is considered safer it wouldn't be on the market. No, it isn't addictive, at least not physically. This brand was likely discontinued due to a business decision.
Comment by Matthew Robinson — September 6, 2022 #
I have been prescribed Doxepin,. If it is discontinued why have I been prescribed this medicine and furthermore, why is the pharmacy filling it!
Comment by Toni — July 17, 2022 #
@Toni,
The post above was updated earlier this year stating the doxepin was still available in the UK as other manufacturers had continued to supply. You must not have read that part.
Comment by Matthew Robinson — July 17, 2022 #
I read that part but I live in the USA. Why am I still being prescribed Doxepin?
Comment by Gregory — July 20, 2022 #
@Gregory,
This site is intended for readers in Britain. The drug may never have been discontinued (even temporarily) in the USA. If you want to raise the question about why you are prescribed it, you really need to ask your doctor who has your medical records.
Comment by Matthew Robinson — July 20, 2022 #
My doxepin says it expired October 2021, is it still safe to use? I don't use it very often.
Comment by Jayne — July 6, 2022 #
@Jayne,
I wouldn't advise using them if you can obtain a fresh supply. While it is not likely they will do you any harm, the efficacy may be reduced.
Comment by Matthew Robinson — July 7, 2022 #
My dermatologist prescribed doxepin for me, 10 mg at bedtime for itching. Have been taking it for 2 weeks. It has had no effect other than a more sound sleep. But the (eczema) itching is so severe it take hours to fall asleep. I do take benadryl as well. I'm wondering if I should ask the doc to consider an increased dose. What do you think?
Comment by Concetta Vanpatten — June 9, 2022 #
@Concetta Vanpatten,
Yes, it might be worth asking if a higher dose is suitable for you.
Comment by Matthew Robinson — June 9, 2022 #
Why is doxepin still being prescribed?
Comment by Minnie Booker — May 31, 2022 #
@Minnie Booker, Please note the update added at the end of the original article. Other companies have continued production of this medicine.
Comment by Matthew Robinson — June 1, 2022 #
The VA has me on 100mg of doxepin nightly! I've been prescribed up to 150mg of doxepin before the doctor cut it down to 100mg. This drug doesn't work for me! I've taken almost every other drug used for sleep however none of them worked. Those drugs were mainly anti-histamines. Take doxepin at 6pm nightly, I'm lucky if I fall asleep before 1am then I'm wide awake again between 5-6 am. This has been going on for quite a few years and I'm tired of being tired! I'm 74 and in excellent health, don't drink or do drugs anymore (since 2006), and would love to get a full night's sleep!
Comment by Fred Farkleshine — April 19, 2022 #
I'm sorry to hear this Fred. I'm a 72 yr old vet. I'm going through my recently deceased sister medication. She was given 100mg doxepin one a day for many years. Why! It was discontinued by the manufacturer in 2006 because of problems. You should not take it...
Comment by Richard Barton — June 2, 2022 #