Patient/caregiver was instructed upon doxepin and mechanism of action as follows:
- Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that are synthesized in the brain and spinal cord. These chemicals are released at nerve endings, into the junction between two nerve cells and help the nerve cells to communicate with each other.
- These chemicals can have multiple roles and functions in the body. Noradrenaline is one chemical in the brain considered to increase alertness, promote vigilance, reduce anxiety, and enhance attention.
- Doxepin is an antidepressant medication used to treat mood disorders, such as, major depression, bipolar disorder, and anxiety.
- It is believed that doxepin works by increasing the noradrenaline and serotonin concentrations and enhancing their actions at the junction between nerve cells.
- Promotion of actions of noradrenaline and serotonin in the nervous system helps with contributing to increased alertness, enhanced memory & attention, and promotion of feelings of well-being, contentment, and happiness. In total, this helps with relief from anxiety and control of symptoms of depression.
