Doxepin
Also known as: Sinequan, Adapin, Anten, Aponal, Deptran, Desidoxepin, Doneurin, Doxal, Doxepia, Gilex, Mareen, Quitaxon, Triadapin, Xepin, Zonalon, Sinepin
- **Patience is Key:** Several weeks (often 3-4 weeks) may be required before noticeable behavioral or dermatological efficacy is seen. Continue dosing exactly as prescribed. - **Safety First:** All tricyclic antidepressants should be dispensed in child-resistant packaging and kept well away from children and pets. Overdoses can be fatal. - **Do Not Stop Abruptly:** Consult your veterinarian before discontinuing the medication to avoid potential withdrawal effects. - **Monitor for Side Effects:** Contact your veterinarian if your pet exhibits extreme lethargy, unexpected hyperactivity, vomiting, or signs of a rapid/irregular heartbeat.
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
What it is used for
- Treatment of psychogenic dermatoses
- Excessive grooming
- Treatment of behavior problems (e.g., overgrooming, intercat aggression)
- Treatment of anxiety, pruritus caused feather plucking in psittacines
- Treatment of anxiety, pruritus caused feather plucking in psittacines
- Treatment of psychogenic dermatoses
- Treatment of psychogenic dermatoses
- Antihistaminic effects in treatment of atopy
- Antihistaminic effects in treatment of atopy
- Antihistaminic effects in treatment of atopy
- Antihistaminic effects in treatment of atopy
- Treatment of behavior problems (OCD)
How it is given
Possible side effects
- Hyperexcitability (paradoxical)
- Gastrointestinal distress
- Lethargy and sedation
- Ventricular arrhythmias (particularly in overdose)
- Anticholinergic effects (dry mouth, urinary retention, constipation)
- Altered blood glucose levels
- Sedation
- Lethargy
- Dry mouth (xerostomia)
- Tachycardia
- Urinary retention
- Constipation
Cautions & contraindications
- Prior sensitivity to doxepin or other tricyclic antidepressants
- Concomitant use with Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) such as selegiline or amitraz (within 14 days)
- Urinary retention
- Glaucoma
- Severe cardiac disease
- History of seizures
- Concurrent use with MAOIs
- **Pregnancy & Nursing:** Safety during pregnancy has not been established (FDA Category C). Doxepin and its active metabolite distribute into milk; use with caution in nursing patients as sedation and respiratory depression have been reported in human infants. **Cardiac Effects:** Tricyclics can widen QRS complexes, prolong PR intervals, and invert or flatten T-waves on ECG. Use with caution in patients with pre-existing cardiac disease. **Laboratory Alterations:** May alter (increase or decrease) blood glucose levels.
Drug interactions
- Anticholinergic Agents: Additive anticholinergic effects; use cautiously.
- Cimetidine: May inhibit tricyclic antidepressant metabolism and increase the risk of toxicity.
- CNS Depressants: Additive CNS depression; use cautiously.
- Meperidine, Pentazocine, Dextromethorphan: Increased risk for serotonin syndrome.
- Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs, e.g., amitraz, selegiline): Concomitant use (within 14 days) is generally contraindicated due to high risk of serotonin syndrome.
- Quinidine: Increased risk for QTc interval prolongation and tricyclic adverse effects.
- SSRIs (e.g., fluoxetine, paroxetine, sertraline): Increased risk for serotonin syndrome.
- Sympathomimetic Agents: May increase the risk of cardiac effects (arrhythmias, hypertension, hyperpyrexia).
- Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs): Risk of fatal serotonin syndrome
- Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs): Increased risk of serotonin syndrome
Frequently asked questions
What is Doxepin used for in pets?
- **Patience is Key:** Several weeks (often 3-4 weeks) may be required before noticeable behavioral or dermatological efficacy is seen. Continue dosing exactly as prescribed. - **Safety First:** All tricyclic antidepressants should be dispensed in child-resistant packaging and kept well away from children and pets. Overdoses can be fatal. - **Do Not Stop Abruptly:** Consult your veterinarian before discontinuing the medication to avoid potential withdrawal effects. - **Monitor for Side Effects:** Contact your veterinarian if your pet exhibits extreme lethargy, unexpected hyperactivity, vomiting, or signs of a rapid/irregular heartbeat.
Is Doxepin safe for my pet?
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell, please consult a veterinarian.
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