Doxepin: Uses, Dosing, Side Effects, and Buying Safely

Doxepin is a prescription drug used for depression, anxiety, chronic itching, and low-dose insomnia. It's a tricyclic antidepressant — an older class, but still useful when other options don't work. If a doctor prescribes it, you'll want clear facts: what it treats, how much to take, side effects to watch for, and how to buy it safely online. This page gives straight answers without medical jargon.

How people use doxepin

For depression or severe anxiety, adults often start at 75 mg per day divided into two or three doses. Doctors may raise the dose to 150–300 mg per day if needed, under close follow-up. For sleep problems, much lower doses work: 3 mg to 6 mg at bedtime is common in older adults to avoid daytime drowsiness. There's also a topical 5% cream for itching; apply as directed by the prescriber. Never change your dose without talking to your doctor.

Common side effects and safety tips

Expect drowsiness, dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation, and some weight gain. Doxepin has anticholinergic effects, so it can worsen glaucoma, urinary retention, and constipation in older people. It can also lower blood pressure and cause dizziness when you stand up — get up slowly. Mixing doxepin with alcohol, other sedatives, or MAO inhibitors can be dangerous. Tell your doctor about other medicines you take, especially SSRIs, antihistamines, blood pressure drugs, and heart rhythm medicines.

Don't stop doxepin suddenly. Stopping abruptly can cause nausea, headache, irritability, or sleep problems. If you're switching medications, your doctor will usually taper your dose slowly. If you notice severe side effects — fast heartbeat, fainting, severe confusion, or signs of an allergic reaction — seek medical help right away.

If you are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding, talk to your clinician. Some antidepressants carry risks during pregnancy and newborns can have withdrawal or breathing issues. The doctor will weigh benefits and risks for your situation.

Ask about heart checks like an ECG before higher doses, especially if you take heart medicines, and keep an up-to-date list of every prescription and supplements.

Overdose is a real risk with tricyclics. Keep doxepin locked away, especially if someone in the home has suicidal thoughts. Call emergency services or a poison control center immediately if overdose is suspected.

Buying doxepin online: get a valid prescription first. Use licensed online pharmacies that verify prescriptions, show a physical address and pharmacist contact, and accept common payment methods. Avoid sites that sell without prescriptions or offer unusually low prices — those often ship counterfeit drugs. If you see a Canadian pharmacy claim, confirm it's licensed and has clear contact info. When in doubt, call a pharmacist.

Storage and practical tips: store tablets in a cool, dry place away from sunlight. If you miss a dose, take it when you remember unless it's near the next dose — don't double up. Keep a journal of symptoms and side effects for follow-up visits — it helps your doctor adjust treatment faster.