Doxepin (Adapin) is classified as a TCA or tricyclic antidepressant. Medications in this class are used to treat depression and anxiety. In some cases, depression and anxiety are caused by unusual levels of brain neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters are chemicals that the nerve cells use to communicate with each other. Doxepin regulates the level of neurotransmitters in brain tissue to elevate the mood. Doxepin is also useful in treating chronic pain, peptic ulcer disease, and some skin conditions. To know more about the uses of this medicine, you will need to speak to your doctor or pharmacist.

Adapin can be taken in form of a capsule or in liquid concentrate form by mouth. It could be taken 1 to 3 times a day and may be taken with or without food. When you are taking Adapin, it is strongly recommended that you understand and follow the directions on your prescription label carefully. You should not increase or decrease the dose or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. Adapin liquid concentrate comes with a specially marked dropper for measuring the dose. You may request your pharmacist to show you how to use the dropper. The concentrate could be diluted in 4 ounces (120 ml) of water, whole or skim milk or juices of fruits like orange, grapefruit, tomato, prune, or pineapple. Do not use carbonated beverages (soft drinks) to dilute Doxepin liquid concentrate. If you take Doxepin liquid concentrate and methadone syrup, the two liquids can be mixed together with Gatorade, lemonade, orange juice, Tang or water but not with grape juice. Adapin must be taken regularly for a few weeks before it shows full effect. If you have taken large doses for a long time then do not stop taking Doxepin without consulting your doctor and Continue to take Adapin even if you feel well.

Consult your doctor about the possible side effects of using Adapin for your condition. Your doctor may need to monitor you carefully for side effects and alter the doses if necessary.

In case of overdose, you need to call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim is unconscious or not breathing, you need to call local emergency services at 911. If you missed the dose of Doxepin that you take once a day at bedtime and remember on next morning then you could skip the missed dose. If you are taking multiple doses of Adapin per day and miss a dose then take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, it is important that you take any remaining doses for that day at evenly spaced intervals

Your doctor will order certain lab tests to check your response to Adapin. Hence, keep all appointments with your doctor and laboratory. You should be completely aware of the effects this medicine can cause you. If you are taking Adapin, you may feel drowsy. Hence, you need to be careful when you are driving a car or operating machinery when you are taking Adapin. If you take alcoholic beverages, consult your doctor about their safe intake when you are taking Adapin. In addition, Cigarette smoking may decrease the effectiveness of this drug. So, consult your doctor in this regard. Do not let anyone else take your medication. Consult your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

If it is almost time for the next dose, then skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Doxepin should be stored in the container it came in. Make sure that the container remains tightly closed and out of reach of children when not in use. It should be stored at room temperature and away from places like bathroom where it could experience excess heat and moisture. When the medicine is not in use or outdated, it should be discarded. Take help of your pharmacist in disposing this medicine properly.

You need to take following precautions before taking Adapin and while you are taking this drug. Inform your doctor in advance?

1. If you are allergic to Adapin or any other medicine

2. If you are taking or have taken within the last 2 weeks any prescription and non prescription drugs, especially antihistamines; anticoagulants [warfarin (Coumadin)]; cimetidine (Tagamet); estrogens; fluoxetine (Prozac); levodopa (Sinemet, Larodopa); lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid); MAO inhibitors [phenelzine (Nardil), tranylcypromine (Parnate)]. You also need to inform about medication for high blood pressure, seizures, Parkinson's disease, diabetes, asthma, colds, or allergies; methylphenidate (Ritalin); muscles relaxants; oral contraceptives; sedatives; sleeping pills; thyroid medications; tranquilizers and vitamins.

3. If you have or ever had history of disease like glaucoma, diabetes, seizures or liver, kidney, heart disorders or you are suffering from an enlarged prostate, difficulty urinating or an overactive thyroid gland.

4. If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or breast-feeding

If you become pregnant while taking Doxepin, inform your doctor immediately.