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What Are The Withdrawal Symptoms Of Doxepin?

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Posted on Wed, 29 Apr 2015
Question: Dr. Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi

I just started to reduce my doxepin. Your method of reducing make alots sense. I will follow your advice for the gradually reducing over 8 weeks. However, the doctor also added Lexapro 10 mg. When can I start taking Lexapro? After I quit doxepin? or can I take along with doxipin before finally stopping Doxepin? Can I take these 2 medications together? Any interaction? Your answer is greatly appreciated.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (19 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Better to stop Doxepin first and then start with Escitalopram

Detailed Answer:
Hello thanks for contacting again

Lexapro is Escitalopram and the drug is a SSRI drug which acts by increasing serotonin transmission in brain. Doxepin is a tricyclic drug and the drug acts also by increasing serotonin in brain. Taking both drugs together may result in increased serotonin in brain which may lead to SEROTONIN SYNDROME. So in normal circumstances use of both these medicines should be avoided or drugs should be used in low doses only. As per my opinion you should reduce the doses of Doxepin first and then start with minimum doses like 5 mg of Escitalopram. This would prevent any serious side effect.

Or it would be better to start Lexapro after you stop taking Doxepin completely.

Thanks. Hope this helps you. Please don't hesitate to ask again for more doubts.


Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (6 hours later)
Dr. Bishnoi:
My doctor prescribed Escitalogram 10 mg. Can I take Escitalogram 10 mg instead of 5 mg after I completely stop Doxepin? Thank you so much for your swift and very clear answer.
regards,
XXXX
doctor
Answered by Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (4 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Yes you can start with 10 mg dose after you stop Doxepin

Detailed Answer:
Hello again and thanks for your appreciation...

Yes after stopping the Doxepin you can start with Escitalopram 10 mg with no fear. Taking both these drugs simultaneously may result in increased restlessness and anxiety. No need to worry to start with 10 mg after stopping Doxepin.

Thanks. Still have more doubts please ask again.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (8 minutes later)
Dr. Bishnoi:

You are so amazing! I just sent you the question and I got my answer in 5 mins. I appreciate your answer and will do so. Thank you for putting me at ease. Hope you have a great day!

XXXX
doctor
Answered by Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (3 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Thanks for your appreciation.

Detailed Answer:
Hello again

Thanks again for your appreciation XXXX. It was my duty to answer your doubts. Wish you a good health.

Take care. Good Day
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
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Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi

Psychiatrist

Practicing since :2007

Answered : 5193 Questions

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What Are The Withdrawal Symptoms Of Doxepin?

Brief Answer: Better to stop Doxepin first and then start with Escitalopram Detailed Answer: Hello thanks for contacting again Lexapro is Escitalopram and the drug is a SSRI drug which acts by increasing serotonin transmission in brain. Doxepin is a tricyclic drug and the drug acts also by increasing serotonin in brain. Taking both drugs together may result in increased serotonin in brain which may lead to SEROTONIN SYNDROME. So in normal circumstances use of both these medicines should be avoided or drugs should be used in low doses only. As per my opinion you should reduce the doses of Doxepin first and then start with minimum doses like 5 mg of Escitalopram. This would prevent any serious side effect. Or it would be better to start Lexapro after you stop taking Doxepin completely. Thanks. Hope this helps you. Please don't hesitate to ask again for more doubts.