Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Sinequan (Doxepin).
Drowsiness/reduced alertness: Since Sinequan (Doxepin) may cause drowsiness, avoid driving or engaging in activities requiring mental alertness and physical coordination until you determine that the medication does not affect you in this way.
Heart diseases: Tricyclic antidepressant medications such as Sinequan (Doxepin), particularly when taken in high doses, can cause abnormal heart rhythms. People with a history of heart disease and seniors should discuss with their doctor how Sinequan (Doxepin) may affect their medical condition, how their medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Sinequan (Doxepin), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Mania or hypomania: Sinequan (Doxepin) may cause activation of mania or hypomania. People with a history of bipolar disorder should be closely monitored by their doctor while using Sinequan (Doxepin).
Medical conditions: People with reduced liver function or seizures should discuss with their doctor how Sinequan (Doxepin) may affect their medical condition, how their medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Sinequan (Doxepin), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Suicidal or agitated behaviour: People taking antidepressants such as Sinequan (Doxepin) may feel agitated (restless, anxious, aggressive, emotional, trouble sleeping, and feeling not like themselves), or they may want to hurt themselves or others. If you notice any changes in mood, behaviours, thoughts, or feelings in yourself or someone who is taking Sinequan (Doxepin), contact a doctor immediately. Your doctor will monitor you closely for behaviour changes, especially at the start of treatment or when your dose is increased or decreased.
Surgery: Using Sinequan (Doxepin) before, during, and after surgery may increase the risk of developing abnormal heart rhythms. The risks and benefits of continuing Sinequan (Doxepin) during elective surgery should be discussed with your doctor. Your doctor may recommend to stop or reduce the dose of Sinequan (Doxepin) several days prior to the scheduled surgery.
Thyroid disease: Patients who have an overactive thyroid (Hyperthyroidism) or are taking thyroid medication should be monitored closely by their doctor while taking Sinequan (Doxepin).
Withdrawal: Stopping Sinequan (Doxepin) abruptly after taking it for a long time may produce nausea, headache, and malaise. Experiencing these symptoms does not mean you are addicted. Do not suddenly stop taking Sinequan (Doxepin) if you have been taking it for a while. If you are to stop taking Sinequan (Doxepin), contact your doctor, who will advise you on how to gradually stop taking Sinequan (Doxepin).
Pregnancy: Sinequan (Doxepin) should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking Sinequan (Doxepin), contact your doctor immediately.
Breast-feeding: It is not known if Sinequan (Doxepin) passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking Sinequan (Doxepin), it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.
Children: The safety and effectiveness of using Sinequan (Doxepin) have not been established for children.