With so many different depression medications on the market, it can be challenging to navigate them and understand which one is best for you. Living with symptoms of depression can be difficult, but finding the right medication doesn\u2019t have to be. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
In this article, we will compare two medications used in the treatment of depression, Doxepin and Trimipramine, so that you can be better informed when discussing treatment options with your healthcare provider. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you are looking to treat your depression with medications like Doxepin or Trimipramine, Klarity may be able to help. We\u2019ll match you with a licensed healthcare provider in your state for simple and affordable online depression treatment. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Find a provider today<\/a> and be seen in just 48 hours for your first telehealth appointment. After a brief evaluation, your provider can determine if antidepressants are right for you, and send them directly to your local pharmacy as part of your personalized treatment plan. <\/p>\n\n\n\n This 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\n Trimipramine and Doxepin are two medications that belong to the same class of drugs called tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs). These medications are both primarily used to treat depression but have different properties that make each drug unique. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Serotonin and norepinephrine are two important neurotransmitters, or chemical messengers, that are involved in several bodily functions, such as mood, appetite, sleep, and sex drive. <\/p>\n\n\n\n TCAs work by blocking the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain, which results in increased levels of these neurotransmitters and improvement in depressive symptoms. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Tricyclics are some of the oldest forms of medication used to treat depression, but they have been phased out in recent years in favor of other drugs, like SSRIs and SNRIs. Due to the way tricyclics work, they target other parts of the brain in addition to serotonin and norepinephrine. Because of this, they have a much larger side effect profile than selective drugs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n While tricyclics aren\u2019t prescribed as often as they once were, they are still useful in certain patients, including those who feel that SSRIs and SNRIs are ineffective in treating their depression.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Tricyclic antidepressants, including Trimipramine and Doxepin, are used to treat depressive disorders, the most common of which is Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). <\/p>\n\n\n\n MDD is characterized by:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Trimipramine, sometimes called Surmontil, is a unique tricyclic medication. Thanks to its weak antipsychotic properties, it can be useful in treating depression with delusions or psychotic features. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The term off-label refers to any use of a medication that has not been FDA-approved, which requires a lengthy and extensive research process. Like most TCA medications, Trimipramine has sedative effects and is also useful in the treatment of insomnia and other sleep disorders. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Doxepin, also known as Silenor, is primarily used in the treatment of depression and anxiety. In 2010, 3mg and 6mg Doxepin tablets were FDA-approved for the treatment of insomnia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Doxepin is also available as a topical cream to treat itching associated with certain dermatological conditions, such as eczema. Additionally, it is often prescribed off-label to treat diabetic neuropathy pain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Doxepin, also known as Silenor in its brand-name form, is a tricyclic medication that is commonly used in the treatment of anxiety and depression. It is also commonly prescribed to treat primary insomnia, otherwise known as sleep onset insomnia, in which patients have difficulty falling asleep. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Doxepin is available in capsules, tablets, an oral solution, and topical creams. Doxepin capsules are available in a large range from 10 mg to 150 mg, while tablets are only available in 3 mg and 6 mg. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Doxepin is typically started at a low dose of 75 mg once daily and can then be titrated up weekly to a maximum dose of 150 mg per day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n There are several potential side effects associated with Doxepin, ranging in severity from mild to serious and even life-threatening. It is important to contact your healthcare provider or seek immediate medical attention if you begin to experience any of the serious side effects listed below. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Common side effects associated with Doxepin include: <\/p>\n\n\n\n Serious side effects of Doxepin include: <\/p>\n\n\n\n The majority of TCAs interact with several other commonly prescribed medications. As always, it is important to discuss all medications, including over-the-counter medications and supplements, with your healthcare provider before starting a new medication.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Common drug interactions with Doxepin include: <\/p>\n\n\n\n Doxepin is typically covered by most insurance plans and is a relatively affordable medication for those who are uninsured. The use of coupon codes that are found at large name-brand pharmacies can lower the cost of your 30-day supply from the average retail price of $50 to less than $10 per month. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Trimipramine, also known as Surmontil, is another tricyclic medication that is also commonly used to treat anxiety and depression. This medication is a unique TCA, as it has mild antipsychotic properties and can be used for the treatment of depression with psychotic features. <\/p>\n\n\n\t\t\n\n
\n\t \n<\/th> Trimipramine<\/th> Doxepin
\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n\n\t Drug Class<\/strong><\/td> Tricyclic antidepressant<\/td> Tricyclic antidepressant
\n
\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\n\t Brand \/ Generic Status<\/strong><\/td> Generic (Brand name: Surmontil)<\/td> Generic (Brand name: Silenor)
\n
\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\n\t Form(s) of the Drug<\/strong><\/td> \u2022 Immediate-release capsules\t<\/td> \u2022 Immediate-release capsules
\n\u2022 Immediate-release tablets
\n\u2022 Clear, blueberry-mint flavored liquid suspension
\n\u2022 Topical cream (for itching)
\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\n\t Standard Dosage<\/strong><\/td> Immediate-release capsules:
\n\u2022 25 mg
\n\u2022 50 mg
\n\u2022 100 mg <\/td>Immediate-release capsule:
\n\u2022 10mg
\n\u2022 25mg
\n\u2022 50mg
\n\u2022 75mg
\n\u2022 100mg
\n\u2022 150mg
\n
\nImmediate-release tablets:
\n\u2022 3mg
\n\u2022 6mg
\n
\nLiquid suspension:
\n\u2022 10mg per dose
\n
\nTopical cream:
\n\u2022 5% formula
\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\n\t Conditions Treated<\/strong><\/td> FDA-approved:
\n\u2022 Major depressive disorder
\n
\nOff-label uses:
\n\u2022 Difficulty sleeping
\n<\/td>FDA-approved uses:
\n\u2022 Major depressive disorder
\n\u2022 Anxiety disorder
\n\u2022 OCD
\n
\nOff-label uses:
\n\u2022 Itchiness due to atopic dermatitis, pruritus, or lichen simplex chronicus
\n\u2022 Topical neuropathic pain
\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\n\t Cost<\/strong><\/td> Generic (trimipramine):
\n\u2022 $30 to $78 for a 30-day supply
\n
\nBrand name:
\n\u2022 $160 to $171 for a 30-day supply
\n
\n<\/td>Brand name (Silenor):
\n\u2022 $32 to $525 for a 30-day supply
\n
\nGeneric form (doxepin)
\n\u2022 $36 to $90 for a 30-day supply
\n\u2022 $8 for a 30-day supply with coupons\/discounts
\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\n\t Side-Effects<\/strong><\/td> Common side effects:
\n\u2022 Drowsiness, fatigue
\n\u2022 Nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramping, or constipation
\n\u2022 Dry mouth
\n\u2022 Changes in blood pressure
\n\u2022 Blurred vision
\n\u2022 Changes of sensation, such as feeling \u201cpins and needles\u201d in your extremities
\n\u2022 Loss of appetite
\n\u2022 Decreased sex drive
\n\u2022 Headache
\n\u2022 Skin rash
\n
\nSerious side effects:
\n\u2022 Suicidal thoughts or self-harm behaviors
\n\u2022 Serotonin syndrome
\n\u2022 Signs of heart attack
\n\u2022 Signs of stroke
\n
\n<\/td>Common side effects:
\n\u2022 Agitation, confusion
\n\u2022 Black, tarry stools, bleeding gums, blood in urine or stool
\n\u2022 Blurred vision
\n\u2022 A sensation of burning, itching, or \u201cpins and needles\u201d on the skin
\n\u2022 Chest pain or tightness, fast or irregular heartbeat
\n\u2022 Chills, cold sweats
\n\u2022 Urinary retention
\n\u2022 Dizziness upon standing, loss of consciousness
\n\u2022 Headache
\n\u2022 Hearing loss
\n\u2022 Muscle spasms, stiffness, twitching
\n\u2022 Seizures
\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\n\t Warnings For Use<\/strong><\/td> Drug interactions
\n\u2022 Anticholinergic medications
\n\u2022 MAOIs
\n\u2022 Certain medications for high blood pressure
\n\u2022 Drugs that may increase the level of the medication
\n\u2022 Protease inhibitors
\n\u2022 Drugs that affect heart rhythm
\n\u2022 Motion sickness medication
\n\u2022 SSRIs
\n\u2022 MDMA
\n\u2022 St. John\u2019s wort
\n\u2022 Thyroid medications
\n<\/td>Drug interactions:
\n\u2022 Thyroid supplements
\n\u2022 Anticholinergic drugs
\n\u2022 Some blood pressure medications: clonidine
\n\u2022 MAO inhibitors: isocarboxazid, linezolid, metaxalone, methylene blue
\n\u2022 SSRIs
\n\u2022 St. John's Wort
\n\u2022 Cimetidine
\n\u2022 Terbinafine
\n\u2022 Drugs to treat irregular heart rate
\n
\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n\nTrimipramine and Doxepin Are the Same Class of Drugs (Tricyclics)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
What Are Tricyclics?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Trimipramine and Doxepin Are Both Used To Treat Major Depressive Disorder<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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What Else Does Trimipramine Treat?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Off-label Uses for Trimipramine <\/h4>\n\n\n\n
What Else Does Doxepin Treat?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Other Uses for Doxepin <\/h4>\n\n\n\n
What is Doxepin?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Doses, Dosage Form, and Side Effects of Doxepin <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Common Doxepin Doses and Forms<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Common Doxepin Side Effects<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Common Drug Interactions with Doxepin<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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How Much Does Doxepin Cost?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
What is Trimipramine?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n