Generic Sinequan

Sinequan is also generically prescribed as doxepin and otherwise prescribed as Adapin. Sinequan is commonly used to treat depression as well as anxiety which is typically associated with alcohol withdrawal, manic depressive disorders, and serious psychiatric conditions. Sinequan is tricyclic antidepressants which affect the chemicals in the brain that are believed to be off balance in these conditions. It is vital that a patient who is beginning a tricyclic antidepressant is carefully monitored to avoid the development of suicidal thoughts or behaviors. While these behaviors can occur at any time during treatment, it is most prevalent during the initial 12 weeks of treatment.

A patient who has taken an MAO inhibitor anytime in the previous 14 days is likely to experience life threatening interactions when starting Sinequan. Tricyclic antidepressants and MAO inhibitors can not be missed, and ample time must be allotted to be sure one drug has cleared form the system before introducing the other medication.

Sinequan is not appropriate for everyone. It is vital that a thorough medical history is assessed previous to prescribing this medication. Patients with a medical history which includes either diabetes or bipolar disorder may not be able to take Sinequan or may require special monitoring procedures while undergoing drug therapy with this medication, depending on the severity of the condition.

The American Food and Drug Administration determined this medication may be harmful or cause birth defects on an unborn baby. It has yet to be determined whether or not this medication will pass through the mother’s breast milk and cause harm to a nursing baby. This medication should not be prescribed to women who are pregnant or nursing, or to women with a high likelihood of becoming pregnant.

Like all medications, side effects may occur. Severe side effects require immediate emergency medical attention. Severe side effects may include an allergic reaction (swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat, hive, and difficulty breathing), tremors or uncontrollable shaking, lightheadedness, fainting, fast heart rate, pounding heart, uneven heart rate, decrease in urination, lack of urine output, seizures, confusion and hallucinations, restless muscular movement of the jaw, neck, eyes, or tongue, unusual weakness, easy bruising, easy bleeding, or extreme thirst with nausea, vomiting, headaches, and weakness.

Less serious side effects are more typical and do not generally require emergency medical attention. The reporting of all side effects is likely to help the prescribing physician determine the correct dosage. It is likely that lowering the dosage of Sinequan may alleviate uncomfortable side effects. Less serious and more common side effects are likely to include symptoms such as dry mouth, swelling of the breasts in both genders, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, constipation, weakness, lack of coordination, changes in weight, numbness, tingling sensations, ringing in the ears, increased sweating, headache, blurry vision, fatigue, drowsiness, dizziness, insomnia, nightmares, or impotence or other forms of sexual dysfunction.

It is very important that patients understand dosing instructions when taking Sinaquan, as an overdose can lead to serious health complications or death. Should an overdose occur, the patient should be directed or taken to the nearest emergency medical facility. Symptoms of and overdose may include agitation, excessive drowsiness, vomiting, uneven heart rate, blurry vision, feeling excessively hot or excessively cold, confusion, muscle stiffness, lightheadedness, fainting, hallucinations, seizures, coma, or death.

There are known drug interactions associated with Sinequan, and the prescribing physician should not only urge patients to inquire before taking any new medications, but should also assess a medical history complete with a current and recent drug list. Patients should inquire with the prescribing physician before taking over the counter medications, herbal remedies, and vitamin supplements. Medications with a known interaction with Sinequan include cimetidine, and heart rhythm medication. Patients can not take an MAOI within 14 days of Sinequan and the can not take an SSRI within 5 weeks of Sinequan. This can lead to a deadly combination of medications.