Doxin (doxepin) is in the serotonin–norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) class of drugs. It is used to treat a range mental disorders, but it particularly shines when treating depression and anxiety.

At lower doses Doxin is used to treat insomnia, and in cream form doxepin is used to treat itching. The medication is also used to treat nerve pain, usually with other medications.

At higher doses Doxin alleviates symptoms of:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Fatigue
• Apprehension
• Worry
• Guilt
• Difficulty staying asleep
• Tension

Doxin should not be given to patients under 12 years old, and patients age 12 to 16 may require modified dosing. Speak to a doctor.

Treatment with Doxin

Doxin comes in tablets; tablets are best swallowed whole. Patients who have difficulty swallowing whole tablets can get an oral solution instead; speak to a pharmacist.

Food with tablets is optional, but may mitigate gastrointestinal side effects, if experienced. Taking each dose with a glass of fluid is recommended.

If treating mental disorders, it's important to understand that Doxin must be taken daily over the long term for effects to be seen. Treatment typically spans 9 months, but can continue for longer if it continues to provide benefit.

In insomnia, which typically uses lower doses, the medication is used both long-term and as-needed. It depends on the cause of the insomnia as well as patient response to treatment. If using the medication daily, lower doses---50 mg or less---can be taken for years.

To treat anxiety, depression, and similar disorders:

• Start with 75 mg per day.
• Dosage can be gradually increased up to 300 mg per day.
• Doses up to 150 mg per day can be taken in a single dose before bed.
• Doses greater than 150 mg should be divided into two daily doses.
• The majority of patients find 75 to 150 mg per day to be optimal.

To treat insomnia:

• Start with 25 mg per day, taken at bedtime.
• If needed dosage can be increased to 50 mg per day.

In mental disorders, some effects---particularly a reduction in anxiety---are usually noticeable within the first couple weeks of treatment. However, it takes three or four weeks for Doxin's full antidepressant effects to be seen. Patients who don't notice any improvement after a month should discuss the issue with a doctor; dosage may be increased or alternative products tried.

Patients taking Doxin report:

• Stabilized mood
• Better control of thoughts
• Improved impulse control
• Improved mental clarity and focus

For unclear reasons, some patients simply don't respond to treatment. There are numerous other antidepressants out there that may work better; don't be afraid to consult a doctor if Doxin isn't producing results.

Before Taking Doxin

Patients should not take Doxin if:

• An MAOI (also used to treat depression) has been taken in the past 14 days.
• There is a history of allergic reaction to similar medications, including amitriptyline, amoxapine, clomipramine, desipramine, imipramine, nortriptyline, protriptyline, or trimipramine.

Numerous other medications can interact with Doxepin. Check with a doctor or pharmacist before mixing treatments.

Most side effects from Doxin are mild and not cause for concern unless severe enough to be disruptive. Most are also transient, and stop occuring as the body adjusts to treatment. Common side effects include:

• Dry mouth
• Blurred vision
• Ringing in ears
• Swollen breasts (in both genders)
• Increased sweating
• Drowsiness
• Nausea
• Constipation
• Weight gain

More serious side effects are rare, but do warrant immediate medical attention if they occur:

• Rapid heartbeat
• Severe dizziness
• Hallucinations
• Confusion
• Difficult or painful urination
• Reduced urination
• Uncontrolled muscle movements
• Muscle weakness

Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should discuss risks with a doctor before taking Doxin. If Doxin is already being taken and pregnancy is discovered, speak with a doctor about the best course of action.