Expan (other name Sinequan)

Doxepin capsule

What is this medicine?

DOXEPIN is used to treat depression and anxiety.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
bipolar disorder or schizophrenia
difficulty in urine passing
glaucoma
kidney or liver disease
thoughts or plans of suicide or a previous suicide attempt or family history of suicide attempt
an unusual or allergic reaction to doxepin, sulfites, tartrazine dye, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
pregnant or trying to get pregnant
breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on the advice of your doctor or health care professional.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 12 years for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following:
arsenic trioxide
certain medicines used to regulate abnormal heartbeat or to treat other heart conditions
cisapride
halofantrine
levomethadyl
MAOIs like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate
other medicines for mental depression
phenothiazines like perphenazine, thioridazine and chlorpromazine
pimozide
procarbazine
sparfloxacin
St. John's Wort
ziprasidone

This medicine may also interact with the following:
cimetidine
tolazamide

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care providers a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. It can take several days before you feel the full effect of this medicine. If you have been taking this medicine regularly for some time, do not stop taking it at once. You must  reduce the dose gradually or you may get severe side effects. Ask your doctor or health care professional for advice. Even after you stop taking this medicine it can still affect your body for several days.

Patients and their families should watch out for worsening depression or thoughts of suicide. Also watch out for sudden or severe changes in feelings such as feeling anxious, agitated, panicky, irritable, hostile, aggressive, impulsive, severely restless, overly excited and hyperactive, or not being able to sleep. If this happens, especially at the beginning of antidepressant treatment or after a change in dose, call your health care professional.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol may increase dizziness and drowsiness. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

Do not treat yourself for coughs, colds, or allergies without asking your doctor or health care professional for advice. Some ingredients can increase possible side effects.

Your mouth may get dry. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking hard candy, and drinking plenty of water may help. Contact your doctor if the problem does not go away or is severe.

This medicine may cause dry eyes and blurred vision. If you wear contact lenses you may feel some discomfort. Lubricating drops may help. See your eye doctor if the problem does not go away or is severe.

This medicine can make you more sensitive to the sun. Keep out of the sun. If you cannot avoid being in the sun, wear protective clothing and use sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps or tanning beds/booths.

What side effects may I notice from this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
abnormal production of milk in females
allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
breast enlargement in both males and females
breathing problems
confusion, hallucinations
excessive thirst and/or hunger
fast, irregular or pounding heartbeat
fever with sweating
muscle stiffness, or spasms
a more often urine passing
seizures
suicidal thoughts or other mood changes
swelling of the testicles
tingling, pain, or numbness in the feet or hands
difficult urine passing or change in the amount of urine
yellowing of the eyes or skin

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
change in sex drive or performance
constipation, or diarrhea
nausea, vomiting
weight gain or loss

This list may not describe all possible side effects.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.