What is Spectra (Doxepin) used for?

Spectra (Doxepin) is an oral tricyclic antidepressant prescribed to treat patients with depression. The medication balances levels of neurotransmitters in the brain to reduce symptoms associated with this condition such as feelings of guilt, hopelessness, irritability, or anxiety. This function also makes it useful for preventing anxiety associated with alcoholism or bipolar disorder. Your physician may prescribe it for other unlisted conditions, as well.

How should I use Spectra (Doxepin)?

Follow your physician's instructions while using Spectra (Doxepin) to get the most effective results from treatment. The normal dosage is one tablet taken one to three times each day, but your particular regimen will be determined by the severity of your symptoms. These should be swallowed with a cup of water and may be taken with or without food, but a meal should be eaten before use if you experience nausea. It is not recommended to change the form of the tablets before application to prevent unintentionally destroying or changing the effects of their contents. Ask your physician or pharmacist any questions you have about the medication to ensure the correct administration.

What are the side effects of Spectra (Doxepin)?

Spectra (Doxepin) may cause side effects in some patients such as:

• Dizziness or drowsiness
• Dry mouth, nausea, or vomiting
• Unusual weight gain
• Blurry vision
• Tinnitus (Ringing in the ears)
• Swelling of the breasts
• Lowered sex drive

Inform your physician of any intense symptoms or serious side effects that occur including elevated heart rate, faintness, tremors, muscle stiffness, sensitive skin, urinary retention, painful urination, or seizures. These conditions may require immediate medical assistance or changes to your dosage to prevent further problems from occurring.

Please Note

Spectra (Doxepin) should not be used to treat patients with manic episodes, glaucoma, severe liver disease, allergies to tricyclic antidepressants, urinary retention, or those who have taken an MAOI medication within the last two weeks. Also inform your physician if you have a history of seizures, severe cardiovascular disease, an underactive thyroid, arrhythmias, heart block, a recent heart attack, an enlarged prostate, psychotic illness, bipolar disorder, porphyrias, or a tumor affecting the adrenal gland. These conditions may require adjustments to your dosage to prevent further complications from occurring.

Strictly follow all instructions provided to you by your physician or pharmacist while using Spectra (Doxepin). Optimum and safe dosage can differ based on the patient and the condition being treated.

As this medication may be unsafe for certain patients, it is essential you always inform your physician if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, as well as if you have any allergies, other illnesses, or ongoing health conditions, and if you are taking any other form of medication, supplements, or herbal products.

Immediately seek emergency medical care if you have an allergic or hypersensitive reaction. Common signs of a reaction include hives, swelling, skin rashes, chest pains, as well as trouble breathing or swallowing.