Patient/caregiver was educated on precautions to be exercised while taking doxepin as follows:
- Doxepin intake can induce severe dizziness and make one drowsy. Starting the medication at a low dose, watching for the response, and gradually changing the dose, to help optimum control of your symptoms, can contribute to controlling/reducing the risk for drowsiness and dizziness due to the medication. If the dizziness becomes bothersome, report it to your physician and other health care personnel, for any change in plan of care to be considered. Stay away from activities, such as, driving and operating heavy machinery, until you are used to the side effects caused by doxepin intake.
- Do not take doxepin with alcohol or opioid pain medications, such as, hydrocodone and codeine, as these products can add to the dizziness and confusion caused by doxepin, and contribute to falls and accidents. A number of OTC cough medications and antihistamines, muscle relaxant medications, and antianxiety medications, can potentiate the confusion caused by doxepin and so, must be avoided taking along with doxepin. Avoid taking any other medications with potential to cause drowsiness along with doxepin at the same time.
- Individuals taking doxepin for treatment of insomnia must take the medication close to the bedtime. Also, make sure that the individual has good 7 – 8 hours to allot for sleep after taking the medication. Waking up from sleep any shorter than 7 – 8 hours can leave the individual severely confused and drowsy. Avoid performing any activities needing focus and concentration, such as, driving and operating heavy machinery, immediately after waking up and until you are stable.
- Doxepin intake can increase the risk for skin rash and photosensitivity, in individuals exposed to sunlight. Individuals can present with rash, itching, redness, or other discoloration, or severe sunburn upon exposure to sunlight. Individuals taking doxepin, especially those with history of photosensitivity, should avoid natural bright lights and tanning booths. Using sunscreens and protective clothing, when getting out in the sun, can help prevent any photosensitive responses from developing.
