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Dosulepin

    Brands

    DEA Class;  Rx

    Common Brand Names; Prothiaden

    • Tricyclic antidepressant (TCA)

    Dosulepin is a tricyclic antidepressant commonly used only in patients for whom alternative therapies are ineffective due to its toxicity potential.

    Dosulepin is an antidepressant medicine that is used to treat depression.

    Occasionally, dosulepin is also used for some types of nerve pain, such as fibromyalgia, and to prevent migraines.

    Dosulepin is available on prescription, but usually only if you’re already taking it and have not had any serious side effects.

    • Epilepsy as it can lower the seizure threshold
    • TCAs should not be used concomitantly or within 14 days of treatment with monoamine oxidase inhibitors due to the risk for serotonin syndrome
    • Acute recovery phase following myocardial infarction as TCAs may produce conduction defects and arrhythmias
    • Liver failure
    • Hypersensitivity to dosulepin
    • Drowsiness
    • Extrapyramidal symptoms
    • Tremor
    • Disorientation
    • Dizziness
    • Paresthesias
    • Alterations to ECG patterns
    • Dry mouth
    • Sweating
    • Urinary retention
    • Hypotension

    Anaesthesia
    Elderly
    Electroconvulsive therapy
    Family history of long QT syndrome
    Suicidal ideation
    Bipolar disorder
    Breastfeeding
    Cardiovascular disorder
    Electrolyte imbalance
    Epileptic disorder
    Hepatic impairment
    History of mania
    History of torsade de pointes
    Narrow angle glaucoma
    Phaeochromocytoma
    Pregnancy
    Prostate disorder
    Thyroid dysfunction
    Urinary retention

    Pregnancy: Dosulepin should only be used in pregnancy if considered necessary

    Lactation: Dosulepin passes into breast milk in very small amounts and has not been linked with side effects in breastfed babies. Although other medicines might be preferred while you are breastfeeding, it is important you take the medicine that works for you.

    Adult

    Initially 75 mg daily in divided doses or as a single dose at night, increasing to 150 mg daily. Up to 225 mg daily has been used in certain circumstances.

    Elder

    Initially 50 to 75 mg daily. As with any antidepressant, the initial dose should be increased with caution under close supervision. Half the normal adult dose may be sufficient to produce satisfactory clinical response.

    Oral formulations of dosulepin hydrochloride

    Capsules

    • 25mg

    Tablets

    • 75mg