Dosulepin

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Dosulepin/Dothiepin belongs to a group of antidepressants known as Tricyclic. Used mainly in the treatment for long term depression. Dothiepin is said to lift moods, increase physical activity, improve appetite and restore interest in everyday activities. It works by preventing serotonin and noradrenaline from being reabsorbed in the brain. This helps prolong the mood lightening effect of any released noradrenaline and serotonin, thus relieving depression. Dothiepin is particularly useful were depression is accompanied by anxiety and insomnia. Taken at night it can encourage sleep eliminating the need for sleeping drugs. Dothiepin will take several weeks to achieve it’s antidepressant effect. It has side effects in common with all tricyclics. If taken as an overdose the risks of adverse effects would include coma and fits documentation also mentions the possibility of dangerous heart rhythms occurring.

Quick Guide

• Antidepressant danger of overdose – HIGH.
• Dependency is said to be – LOW.
• Prescription only drug – YES.
• Available as generic – YES. (generic drugs, short: generics) is a drug which is produced and distributed without patent protection.
• Alcohol Avoidance – YES.
• Alcohol may increase sedative effect of this antidepressant.

Side Effects

You may if on this medication suffer one or more of these side effects, in the initial stages. However, you may find you do not suffer any at all, as it does not follow that being on this medication will cause unwanted adverse effects.

Common: Blurred vision, daytime drowsiness, sweating, Dry mouth.
Rare: Dizziness, Fainting, Rash, Difficulty passing water, Palpitations.

The side effects listed here are the most common and rare problems reported by patients using dosulepin (dothiepin). It may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug’s manufacturer. If common side effects persist you need to inform your doctor. Notify your doctor if you suffer any of the rare or some other side effects not listed here. For total peace of mind, seek information from your doctor or chemist.

Prolonged Use

It is documented that no problems would be expected. As with all High risk drugs stopping this drug suddenly after prolonged use may cause severe withdrawal symptoms.

Driving, Hazardous Work & Alcohol

Avoid driving/hazardous work until you know how this drug affects you. Dosulepin (dothiepin) can cause drowsiness, slowed reactions and blurred vision. making driving and operating machinery not such a good idea. Alcohol may also increase the sedative properties of this medication.

Pregnancy and Breast-feeding

Safety in pregnancy is not known. The drug does pass into the breast milk but at normal dose would be unlikely to cause problems for the baby.

Dosulepin (dothiepin) is classified a pregnancy Category C medicine by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Category C… Animal reproduction studies have shown an adverse effect on the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in humans, but potential benefits may warrant use of the drug in pregnant women despite potential risks.

Surgery

Discuss with your doctor/dentist etc. if you are going to undergo an operation/general anaesthetic, dosulepin (dothiepin) may need to be stopped before a general anaesthetic is given.

Tell Your Doctor Or Pharmacist

You should tell your doctor if you have a current health problem. For example: heart disease, kidney problems, if you are pregnant or you intend to become pregnant, or if you think you may be at risk from drug treatment for any other reason. Some types of medication can cause serious adverse effects when taken side by side so it is important to tell your doctor of any other medication you are already taking. This should also include any over-the-counter medication. For example: Painkillers, cold remedies, herbal and complimentary/alternative preparations.

Over 60′s & Children

A reduced dosage may be necessary for the over sixties. Dosulepin (dothiepin) is not recommended for use in infants/children.

Overdose

Dosulepin (dothiepin) has a high rate of fatality in overdose. Take dosulepin (dothiepin) exactly as directed by your doctor. Large overdose may cause palpitations and loss of consciousness. Notify your doctor immediately or go to your nearest accident and emergency department of your local hospital taking the container with you. Even if it is empty.

Other Medication Reactions

All drugs that have a sedative effect on the nervous system will more likely than not increase the the sedative properties of dosulepin (dothiepin). Serious interaction may occur if Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI’s) are taken along side dosulepin (dothiepin). An MAOI should not be started until at least 7–14 days after a tricyclic or related antidepressant has been stopped. A tricyclic or related antidepressant (or an SSRI or related antidepressant) should not be started until 2 weeks after stopping an MAOI. If you are on antiarrhythmic drugs such as amiodarone, sotalol and other medication that can effect heart rhythms you should avoid taking dosulepin (dothiepin). Antiepileptic drugs may have a reduced effect if taken along-side dosulepin (dothiepin). Heavy smoking may also reduce the effectiveness of this drug.

Missed Dose

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue the regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. Ideally you would already know the answer to this question. Failing this ring the surgery or check next time you see your doctor.

Reducing/Stopping

To stop taking this medication abruptly could result in withdrawal symptoms. This may also lead to a recurrence of the problem.

Effect Of Medication

The adverse effects of this drug may be the first effects noticed, as it may take between 2 to 6 weeks before the full antidepressant effects are felt. The duration of the action could be felt for several days.

Storage and Safety

• Keep dosulepin (dothiepin) in its original container, in a cool dry place, away from the reach and eye sight of children.
• Do not store medication above a temperature of 25°C.
• Never take more than the original dosage prescribed by your doctor.
• Never take dosulepin (dothiepin) if it has past the expiry date shown on the box or container.
• Do not discard old or unwanted drugs into your trash, sink or toilet.
• Return all unused or old medicines/drugs to your pharmacist. who will dispose of them safely.

If dosulepin (dothiepin) has been prescribed for you never allow anyone else to use it, even if you know or others feel their symptom are similar to your own.

Do not leave your doctors surgery until you have a clear understanding of what the drug your doctor has prescribed for you does, and why you have been prescribed it. It is common for people who do not understand the reason behind there treatment to take their medication correctly.

Natural Remedy

Depression can be a natural response to a period of crisis/emotional upset. Sleeping habits often become upset during this period the sufferer getting either to little or to much. If you find yourself in this corner then the Aromatherapist would recommend, Citrus Essences, Clary Sage, Lavender, Ylang Ylang, Sandal Wood. Consistent depression, Chronic depression needs professional help. Arrange to see your GP he may be able to put you in touch with a counsellor or a psychotherapist. Mild depression can be helped by aromatherapy.