Amoxapine
Information about Amoxapine
Amoxapine uses
Amoxapine is used in the treatment of depression. It is used in patients intolerant of or unresponsive to alternative treatment options for depression.
How amoxapine works
Amoxapine is a tricyclic antidepressant. It increases the levels of chemical messengers in the brain that help in regulating the mood and treat depression.
Common side effects of amoxapine
Weight gain, Dryness in mouth, Abnormality of voluntary movements, Difficulty in urination, Increased heart rate, Orthostatic hypotension (sudden lowering of blood pressure on standing), Constipation, Parkinsonism, Akathisia (inability to stay still), Dystonia (involuntary muscle contractions), Insomnia (difficulty in sleeping), Drowsiness
Available Medicine for Amoxapine
Expert advice for Amoxapine
- You have been prescribed Amoxapine for the treatment of depression.
- Drink plenty of fluids as it may cause dehydration and constipation.
- Monitor your weight during the treatment as Amoxapine can cause weight gain and increased appetite.
- It may cause sleepiness. Don't drive or do anything requiring concentration until you know how Amoxapine affects you.
- Talk to your doctor if you notice sudden mood changes, unusual movements or develop suicidal thoughts.
Frequently asked questions for Amoxapine
Amoxapine
Q. What is Amoxapine used for?
Amoxapine is a medicine used to treat depression. It restores the balance of certain chemicals (neurotransmitters) in the brain that are responsible for depression along with anxiety or agitation. This helps to elevate the mood and enhances the behavior by creating a feeling of well being.
Q. What are the side effects of Amoxapine?
The common side effects of Amoxapine are an increased heart rate, orthostatic hypotension (sudden decrease in blood pressure on standing), dryness in mouth, abnormality of voluntary movements, weight gain, difficulty in urination and constipation. Please consult your doctor if any of these side effects worry you. The doctor will suggest ways to manage or prevent them.
Q. I feel better now, can I stop taking Amoxapine?
No, you should not stop taking Amoxapine without discussing it with your doctor even if you feel better. This is because if you stop taking it suddenly, your depression may come back and your symptoms may worsen. Your doctor will decide for how long you need to continue this medicine. Consult your doctor if any of the side effects bother you. If you have completed your course of treatment, your doctor may decrease your dose gradually before taking you off this medicine.