Doxepin oral capsule side effects: A detailed guide

This article describes possible side effects of doxepin oral capsule. You’ll also find information on cost savings and coupon options for doxepin. You can explore this overview article to learn more about doxepin oral capsule, including the drug’s uses, side effects, ways to save on cost, and more.

Doxepin oral capsule is a generic medication. It isn’t available in a brand-name version. 

Doxepin also comes in other forms that you swallow and a topical cream. But these forms aren’t described in this article. To learn more about them, talk with your doctor.

Boxed warning: Risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors

Doxepin has a boxed warning for risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in certain people. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

For details, see the “Side effects of doxepin in detail” section below.

More common side effects of doxepin

Doxepin oral capsule may cause mild or serious side effects. Below are some of the more common side effects of this medication.

Commonly reported side effects of doxepin oral capsule include:

• drowsiness
• dry mouth
• constipation
• nausea and vomiting
• dizziness

Mild side effects of doxepin

Doxepin may cause certain mild side effects. Most often, mild side effects are temporary and can be easily managed. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have side effects that don’t go away or become bothersome.

Mild side effects of doxepin oral capsule that occurred in studies include:

• drowsiness
• dry mouth
• constipation
• nausea and vomiting
• dizziness
• weight gain
• changes in taste
• diarrhea
• fatigue (low energy)
• weakness
• mild allergic reaction*

Doxepin oral capsule may cause more mild side effects than those listed above. For details, see the drug’s prescribing information.

* An allergic reaction is possible with doxepin oral capsule. But it wasn’t reported in the drug’s studies.

Serious side effects of doxepin

Doxepin may cause certain serious side effects. If you have any serious side effects from doxepin oral capsule, call your doctor right away. But if you think you’re having a medical emergency or your side effects feel life threatening, take immediate action. Call 911 or a local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency room.

After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks and reviews side effects of the medication. Visit MedWatch’s website if you’d like to notify the FDA about a side effect you’ve had with doxepin.

Serious side effects of doxepin oral capsule that occurred in studies include:

• urinary retention*
• hallucinations (seeing or hearing something that’s not really there)
• low blood pressure
• fast heart rate
• orthostatic hypotension*
• risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors†
• severe allergic reaction‡

* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects of doxepin in detail” section below.
† Doxepin oral capsule has a boxed warning for this side effect. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA. To learn more, see the “Side effects of doxepin in detail” section below.
‡ An allergic reaction is possible with doxepin oral capsule. But it wasn’t reported in the drug’s studies.

Suicide prevention

If you or someone you know is in crisis and considering suicide or self-harm, please seek support:

• Call the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.
• Text HOME to the Crisis Textline at 741741.
• Not in the United States? Find a helpline in your country with Befrienders Worldwide.
• Call 911 or your local emergency services number if you feel safe to do so.

If you’re calling on behalf of someone else, stay with them until help arrives. You may remove weapons or substances that can cause harm if you can do so safely.

If you are not in the same household, stay on the phone with them until help arrives.

Common questions about side effects of doxepin

Here are answers to some common questions about the side effects of doxepin oral capsule. If you have other questions, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Can doxepin 10 mg cause fewer side effects than the drug’s other strengths?

Possibly. In general, lower doses of a drug are less likely to cause side effects compared with higher doses.

Doxepin oral capsule is available in strengths of 10 milligrams (mg), 25 mg, 50 mg, 75 mg, and 100 mg. It’s not clear from studies of doxepin whether the risk of side effects varied based on the strength of the dose.

Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about how your doxepin capsule dosage affects your risk of side effects.

Does doxepin cause long-term side effects?

No, long-term side effects aren’t expected with doxepin oral capsule. In studies, specific side effects weren’t seen in people who had taken the drug for a long time. Long lasting side effects after doxepin treatment ended also weren’t reported.

Talk with your doctor if you have questions about possible long-term side effects of doxepin.

Coupon for doxepin

Visit this page to access Optum Perks coupons and get price estimates for doxepin when you use the coupons. These coupons can provide significant savings on your prescription costs. 

Note: Optum Perks coupons cannot be used with insurance copays or benefits.

Side effects of doxepin in detail

Below you’ll find details on some of the side effects of doxepin oral capsule.

Risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors

In studies, the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors was increased slightly in children and young adults (up to age 24 years) taking doxepin. Note that doxepin is not approved for use in children under the age of 18 years. This side effect is serious.

Suicidal thoughts and behaviors are known side effects of antidepressant drugs, including doxepin. These studies were short term, and it’s possible your risk may decrease as you continue treatment. In these same studies, adults ages 25 years and older did not experience these side effects.

With suicidal thoughts and behaviors, you have ideas of harming yourself. Symptoms may include feeling hopeless, expressing that family and friends would be better off without you, and making plans to give away your possessions.

It’s important to note that depression is a known risk factor for suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Doxepin is prescribed to treat depression. The risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors appears to be higher when you first start taking doxepin, or any time your dose is changed. These symptoms may improve as you continue taking the drug.

Ways to manage

Call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline in the U.S. This line provides free, confidential support if you’re experiencing suicidal thoughts. You can also go to the closest emergency room or hospital.

If you experience symptoms or have concerns about suicidal thoughts and behaviors while taking doxepin, tell your doctor. They’ll likely recommend stopping treatment with doxepin. They can also recommend an appropriate treatment for your symptoms.

If you feel comfortable, it may be helpful to let a close family member or friend know you’re taking doxepin. They can help you monitor your behaviors and moods for any changes during treatment.

Orthostatic hypotension

Orthostatic hypotension was rare in studies of people taking doxepin oral capsule. This side effect may be serious.

With orthostatic hypotension, you experience low blood pressure when rising, which can lead to falls or fainting. Symptoms may include dizziness or lightheadedness, weakness, and blurry vision when standing or sitting up.

Certain factors can increase your risk of orthostatic hypotension with doxepin oral capsule. These include:

• being age 65 years or older
• dehydration
• consuming alcohol

Ways to manage

If you experience symptoms of orthostatic hypotension, tell your doctor. They’ll likely recommend lowering your doxepin dose, or stopping treatment with the drug.

Urinary retention

Urinary retention also was rare in studies of people taking doxepin oral capsule. This side effect may be serious.

With urinary retention, your bladder doesn’t empty completely. Symptoms may include trouble starting to urinate, erratic or weak urine stream, and a feeling of discomfort or fullness around your hips and bladder.

Being age 65 years or older can increase your risk of urinary retention with doxepin oral capsule.

Ways to manage

If you experience symptoms of urinary retention, tell your doctor. They’ll likely recommend stopping treatment with doxepin. They can also recommend a treatment to relieve symptoms of urinary retention. Possible treatments include medications or using a catheter or stent to help you urinate.

Allergic reaction

For some people, doxepin oral capsule can cause an allergic reaction. But this side effect wasn’t reported in the drug’s studies.

Symptoms can be mild or serious and may include:

• itchiness
• skin rash
• swelling under the skin, usually affecting eyelids, lips, hands, or feet
• swelling of the mouth, tongue, or throat, which can make it hard to breathe
• flushing (temporary warmth, redness, or deepening of skin color)

Ways to manage

For mild allergic reaction symptoms, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They may recommend treatments to help manage your symptoms. They’ll also let you know whether you should keep taking the medication.

For severe allergic reaction symptoms, such as swelling or trouble breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms require immediate medical care because they can become life threatening. If you’ve had a serious allergic reaction to doxepin oral capsule, your doctor may recommend taking a different medication instead.

Warnings for doxepin

Below are some factors you may want to discuss with your doctor before taking doxepin oral capsule.

Boxed warning: Risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors

Doxepin has a boxed warning for risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

For details, see the “Side effects of doxepin in detail” section above.

Other warnings

It may not be safe for you to take doxepin oral capsule if you have specific health conditions. These are sometimes called drug-condition interactions. Other factors may also affect whether doxepin oral capsule is a safe treatment option for you.

Before taking doxepin oral capsule, tell your doctor about your health and medications you take. Things to consider include:

• bipolar disorder or mania
• heart conditions, especially an irregular heart rhythm
• glaucoma
• urinary retention
• take or have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor drug (MAOI), such as phenelzine (Nardil), within the past 14 days
• past allergic reaction to doxepin

Doxepin and pregnancy

It’s not known whether doxepin oral capsule should be taken during pregnancy. If you’re planning a pregnancy or can become pregnant, talk with your doctor before taking this medication.

Doxepin and breastfeeding

It’s not known whether doxepin oral capsule should be taken while breastfeeding. If you’re currently breastfeeding or planning to do so, talk with your doctor before taking this medication.

Doxepin and alcohol

Doxepin oral capsule is known to interact with alcohol.

Consuming alcohol increases your risk of accidental overdose with doxepin. It can also increase your risk of or worsen certain side effects caused by doxepin. Examples include dry mouth, low blood pressure, and orthostatic hypotension (dizziness when rising or standing up).

If you drink alcohol, talk with your doctor about whether it’s safe to consume it during your treatment with doxepin oral capsule.

What to ask your doctor

This article describes common and serious side effects of doxepin oral capsule. If your doctor prescribes this medication, they can discuss possible side effects with you. Let your doctor know if you have concerns or questions about treatment with this medication.

Here’s a list of questions you may want to ask your doctor:

• How do the side effects of doxepin compare with those of other treatments for depression, such as sertraline (Zoloft)?
• Based on my medical history, will I be monitored more closely for side effects if I’m prescribed doxepin?
• How will I be monitored for side effects during my treatment with doxepin?
• Does my risk of side effects with doxepin depend on the time of day I take my dose?

Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.