Spectra (doxepin) is a tricyclic antidepressant used to treat a variety of mental disorders. This medication really shines when it comes to depression and anxiety, however; it is more likely to produce positive results and patients are less likely to relapse. In other conditions it works about as well as any other antidepressant.

Some patients use Spectra as a sleep aid when suffering from insomnia. Additionally the medication may be used to help alleviate nerve pain; this is a complex subject and a doctor should be consulted for the ideal dose for a given individual's particular circumstances.

Spectra can be used in patients as young as age 12, though individuals 12 to 15 will most likely need modified dosing.

How It Works

Spectra is a tricyclic antidepressant and a serotonin–norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) medication. It increases concentration of the neurotransmitters serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain, among other, lesser effects. It is believed that increasing levels of these neurotransmitters improve and stabilize mood, though, as is the case with all antidepressants, this is all speculative; the exact mechanism by which it works is not fully understood.

Regardless, Spectra helps alleviate:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Fatigue
• Apprehension
• Worry
• Guilt
• Difficulty sleeping
• Tension

Patients taking Spectra also report:

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

Most patients notice improvement within days of starting Spectra, particularly anti-anxiety effects. It will take two to three weeks for full anti-depression effects to be felt, however. Patients are encouraged to give the medication at least a month before deciding it doesn't work.

Dosage & Administration

Spectra comes in tablets, typically taken once or twice per day with or without food as desired. Gastrointestinal side effects, if experienced, may be alleviated if tablets are taken with food.

To treat anxiety, depression, and similar disorders, patients age 16 and up should:

• 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.

Treatment may continue for as long as it provides benefit, typically at least 9 months for mental disorders, but sometimes longer.

Adverse Effects

Spectra can cause side effects, but fortunately most are transient. The following are not cause for concern unless they become severe enough to be disruptive:

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

More serious side effects from Spectra are rare if used as directed, but they do sometimes develop and warrant immediate medical attention:

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

Patients should not take Spectra 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.

Spectra can interact with numerous other medications. Check with a doctor or pharmacist before mixing treatments.