Sinequan
Sinequan (generic name: Doxepin) is an anti-depressant medication of the tricyclic class. Medications in this class are often referred to as tricyclic anti-depressants, or TCAs. Depression is an all-pervasive sense of sadness and gloom. In some patients with depression, abnormal levels of neurotransmitters (chemicals that the nerve cells use to communicate with each other) may be the cause of the depression. Nortriptyline elevates mood by raising the level of neurotransmitters in the brain.
Sinequan Doxepin exaggerates the effects of other medications and drugs that slow the brain’s processes, such as alcohol, barbiturates, benzodiazepines (e.g. lorazepam, Ativan), and narcotics. Reserpine, given to patients taking TCAs, can have a stimulatory effect. Doxepin and other TCAs should not be used with monoamine oxidase inhibiting drugs, for example, isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), tranylcypromine (Parnate), and procarbazine (Matulane). High fever, convulsions and even death can occur when these drugs are used together.
Sinequan side effects
The most commonly encountered side effects associated with Sinequan include rapid heart rate, blurred vision, urinary retention (difficulty urinating), dry mouth, constipation, weight gain or loss, and low blood pressure when going from sitting to standing orthostatic hypotension). Rash, hives, seizures, and hepatitis are rare side effects. Doxepin also can cause elevated pressure in the eyes of some patients with glaucoma. Overdose with doxepin can cause life threatening abnormal heart rhythms or seizures.
“If antidepressants are discontinued abruptly, symptoms may occur such as dizziness, headache, nausea, changes in mood, or changes in the sense of smell, taste, etc. (Such symptoms even may occur when even a few doses of antidepressant are missed.) Therefore, it is recommended that the dose of antidepressant be reduced gradually when therapy is discontinued.”