Schedule an appointment<\/a>, and Klarity will connect you with a licensed medical provider within 48 hours so that you can get the care you need to find relief.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThis article discusses suicide, suicidal ideation, and self-harm. If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts or is in crisis, contact the Suicide Prevention Lifeline immediately at 800-273-8255.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\nProtriptyline and Doxepin Are the Same Class of Drugs (Tricyclics)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Protriptyline and doxepin are both tricyclic antidepressants prescribed to treat depression. While they belong to the same class of drugs, they have different uses, doses, and side effects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What are Tricyclics?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Tricyclic antidepressants impact the chemical messengers (neurotransmitters) in the brain and work to ease symptoms of depression. These neurotransmitters block the reabsorption of serotonin and norepinephrine, which help regulate mood. With more serotonin and norepinephrine in your system, you\u2019re more likely to experience boosts in mood and alertness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Protriptyline and Doxepin Are Both Used to Treat Major Depressive Disorder<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Protriptyline and doxepin are prescribed to treat major depressive disorder, but they have a number of possible side effects. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
What Else Does Protriptyline Treat?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Protriptyline is FDA-approved to treat depression, but it can also be prescribed to treat other issues on an off-label basis. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Off-Label Uses for Protriptyline<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Off-label use means that your healthcare provider is prescribing a medication that\u2019s been approved by the FDA to treat a particular condition you do not have. For example, protriptyline is primarily FDA-approved to treat depression, but it can be prescribed off-label for anxiety, ADHD, narcolepsy, and headaches as well. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Additionally, a medication may be used in an off-label capacity if your healthcare provider prescribes it in a different form or dose than what\u2019s been FDA-approved. So, if your medication typically comes as a capsule, but your healthcare provider deems an oral solution to be the better choice for you, that would be considered an off-label prescription. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ultimately, off-label use means that the medication hasn\u2019t been through the same tests as FDA-approved medications. Off-label prescriptions are not uncommon, and your healthcare provider can offer you the best guidance as to what\u2019s right for you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
What Else Does Doxepin Treat?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Doxepin is FDA-approved to treat depression and anxiety, but like protriptyline, it also has off-label uses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Off-Label Uses for Doxepin<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
If you experience trouble sleeping, your healthcare provider may prescribe doxepin to help alleviate insomnia symptoms. This medication can make you drowsy and allow you to fall asleep more easily and stay asleep longer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Doses, Dosage Form, and Side Effects of Doxepin<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Depending on the severity of your symptoms and your doctor’s recommendation, the form, and dosage you take will vary. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Common Doxepin Doses and Forms<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Doxepin can be taken as a liquid, tablet, or capsule. For those experiencing mild symptoms, your healthcare provider may prescribe a lower dose, like 25-50 mg, to be taken once a day. If your symptoms are more severe, the typical adult dosage is 75-150 mg daily, with a maximum dose of 300 mg.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Once you begin taking doxepin, it may take two to three weeks for the antidepressant to take effect. If you\u2019re prescribed doxepin for anxiety, you\u2019ll likely see results soon after you begin using it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Common Doxepin Side Effects<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Doxepin has several side effects, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- Dizziness<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Dilated pupils<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Mouth sores<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Sensitivity to sunlight on your skin<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Flushing<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Digestive problems<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Difficulty urinating<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Changes in sex drive<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Excessive sweating<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Chills<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Headache<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Hair loss<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Increased breast size <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Swollen testes <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Milky discharge from the nipple (in females)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Nausea<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Vomiting<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Weakness<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Weight gain or weight loss<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Loss of appetite<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Dry mouth<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
If you have more serious side effects like increased heart rate, yellowing skin or eyes, unusual bleeding or bruising, and skin irritation or swelling, contact your healthcare provider immediately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Common Doxepin Drug Interactions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Doxepin has varying interactions with 20 commonly prescribed medications. Major interactions include Cymbalta, Flexeril, Lexapro, Topamax, and Zoloft. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Moderate interactions can occur with the following medications:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- Abilify<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Adderall<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Ambien<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Benadryl<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Klonopin<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Lamictal<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Lyrica<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Norco<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Seroquel<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Synthroid<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Xanax<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Zyrtec<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Doxepin also interacts with 27 diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, seizure disorders, depression, and others. Talk with your care provider about your medical history before taking any new medication. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Taking doxepin while drinking alcohol can change or increase its effects, and you should always discuss it with your healthcare provider before mixing the two. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
How Much Does Doxepin Cost?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
How much you pay for doxepin depends on your pharmacy and the dosage your healthcare provider prescribes. If you\u2019re paying cash, you can expect your prescription to cost anywhere from $17 to $292. That said, you may be able to find more affordable monthly options if you have insurance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Doses, Dosage Form, and Side Effects of Protriptyline<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Everyone experiences protriptyline differently depending on their current symptoms and medical history. Always discuss new medications with your healthcare provider beforehand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Common Protriptyline Doses and Forms<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Protriptyline comes in tablet form, and the adult dose typically starts between 15 to 40 mg daily. If your healthcare provider recommends a higher amount to treat your symptoms, they may increase it to a maximum of 60 mg per day. The dosage can be lower for teenagers and older adults, starting at 5 mg daily. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Common Side Effects of Protriptyline<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Like doxepin, protriptyline also has the following side effects:<\/p>\n\n\n\n