Dosulepin / Dothiepin Usage

Dosulepin / Dothiepin is used in the treatment of depression, neuropathic pain and anxiety disorder.
It is used in patients intolerant of or unresponsive to alternative treatment options for depression.

How Dosulepin / Dothiepin works

Dosulepin / Dothiepin increases the levels of chemical messengers in the brain that help in regulating the mood and treat depression.

Common side effects of Dosulepin / Dothiepin

Dryness in mouth, Blurred vision, Sleepiness, Increased heart rate, Orthostatic hypotension (sudden lowering of blood pressure on standing), Weight gain, Difficulty in urination, Constipation

Expert advice for Dosulepin / Dothiepin

• The main dose should be taken at night as this drug may produce drowsiness or sleepiness.
• It can take 4 to 6 weeks for Dosulepin / Dothiepin to start working.
• You should continue the treatment for at least 6 months after you feel better to stop depression from coming back.
• If your doctor asks you to stop Dosulepin / Dothiepin, you should reduce the dose slowly over 4 weeks. You should not discontinue it abruptly.
• Avoid driving or operating machinery as it may decrease alertness.
• Avoid consuming alcohol when taking the Dosulepin / Dothiepin, as it may cause excessive drowsiness and calmness.
• The addiction/dependence potential of Dosulepin / Dothiepin is very less.
• It may be extremely dangerous in overdose.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ques. Q. Is Dosulepin / Dothiepin a sedative?
No. Dosulepin / Dothiepin is an antidepressant (TCA) that is used to treat depression, nerve pain, and anxiety disorder. It can cause drowsiness or sedation as a side effect. Therefore caution is advised when driving or operating dangerous machinery and even when getting out of bed at night.

Ques. Q. Is Dosulepin / Dothiepin a muscle relaxant?
No. Dosulepin / Dothiepin is not a muscle relaxant. It is a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) used in the treatment of depression, nerve pain, and anxiety disorder.

Ques. Q. What is the difference between Dosulepin / Dothiepin and amitriptyline?
Dosulepin / Dothiepin is chemically related to Amitriptyline and both are tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) medicine. There is overlap in pharmacological property of this medicine.

Ques. Q. Is Dosulepin / Dothiepin the same as doxepin?
Dosulepin / Dothiepin and doxepin are different medicines but belong to the similar chemical class. Doxepin, at low doses, can improve sleep in patients with insomnia. It is also available in the topical form for use in various neuro-dermatitis syndrome, especially itching.

Ques. Q. How to stop Dosulepin / Dothiepin?
If your doctor asks you to stop Dosulepin / Dothiepin, you should reduce the dose slowly over 4 weeks. You should not discontinue it abruptly. Sudden discontinuation may cause aggression, anxiety, blurred vision, concentration impairment, constipation and crying spell.

Ques. Q. Is Dosulepin / Dothiepin fatal?
Yes. Dosulepin / Dothiepin can be fatal (can cause death) in overdose. This is due to a life-threatening or dangerous side effect in overdose like hyperthermia, seizure, arrhythmia, tachycardia, orthostatic hypotension or sudden death. That's why it is generally not considered a first-line option for depression because of side effect profile.

Ques. Q. Can Dosulepin / Dothiepin be used along with mirtazapine?
It is better to avoid Dosulepin / Dothiepin with mirtazapine. Mirtazapine, which is used in the treatment of depression, can potentiate the sedative effects of Dosulepin / Dothiepin.

Ques. Q. Can Dosulepin / Dothiepin be used with citalopram?
No. Citalopram and Dosulepin / Dothiepin both are the antidepressant. Citalopram may increase the high blood level of Dosulepin / Dothiepin. This may lead to a life-threatening or dangerous side effect of hyperthermia, seizure, arrhythmia, tachycardia, orthostatic hypotension or sudden death.

Ques. Q. Can Dosulepin / Dothiepin be used with sertraline?
No. Sertraline and Dosulepin / Dothiepin both are the anti-depressant. Sertraline may increase the high blood level of Dosulepin / Dothiepin. This may lead to a life-threatening or dangerous side effect of hyperthermia, seizure, arrhythmia, tachycardia, orthostatic hypotension or sudden death.

Ques. Q. Can I take Dosulepin / Dothiepin with diazepam?
It is better to avoid this combination. Diazepam is a sedative drug and Dosulepin / Dothiepin may cause sedation as a side effect too. Taking both of them together can increase the drowsiness or sleepiness. Inform your doctor if you are taking diazepam.

Ques. Q. Can Dosulepin / Dothiepin be used in the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia?
No. Dosulepin / Dothiepin is not approved for the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia. Trigeminal neuralgia is a chronic pain condition that affects the trigeminal or 5th cranial nerve, one of the most widely distributed nerves in the head.

Ques. Q. Can Dosulepin / Dothiepin be used in the treatment of burning mouth syndrome?
No. Dosulepin / Dothiepin is not approved for the treatment of burning mouth syndrome. Burning mouth syndrome is a painful condition of mouth that is burning, scalding, tingling or feeling of numbness that may occur every day for months or longer.

Ques. Q. Can I take Dosulepin / Dothiepin for depression?
Yes. Dosulepin / Dothiepin is indicated for the treatment of depression. It has a potential advantage in the patient with depression if associated with insomnia and anxiety. It is generally not considered a first-line option for depression because of side effect profile but very useful for severe or treatment-resistant depression.

Ques. Q. Can Dosulepin / Dothiepin used to treat IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome)?
No. Dosulepin / Dothiepin is not approved for the treatment of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). Irritable Bowel Syndrome is a functional gastrointestinal disorder characterised by chronic or recurrent abdominal pain or discomfort associated with altered bowel habits.

Ques. Q. Can Dosulepin / Dothiepin be used to treat insomnia with depression?
Yes. Dosulepin / Dothiepin may be used for the treatment of insomnia (too much arousal both at night and during the day) associated with depression. Because it can cause drowsiness or sedation as side effects, it is effective in treating insomnia associated with depression.

Ques. Q. Can I use Dosulepin / Dothiepin for fibromyalgia?
Yes. Dosulepin / Dothiepin is not approved for the treatment of fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia is a pain syndrome with tenderness but no structural pathology in muscles, ligamanets or joints.

Ques. Q. Can I use Dosulepin / Dothiepin for nerve pain?
Yes. Dosulepin / Dothiepin is indicated for the treatment of nerve pain/neuropathic pain. Chronic pain/Neuropathic pain is described as pain that arises from damage to, or dysfunction of, any part of peripheral or central nervous system. It is associated with the disease which can affect nerves like diabetes mellitus or herpes infections.