Tricyclic antidepressants are used to treat depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders. Although they’ve been predominantly replaced by antidepressants like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) for treating depression, tricyclic antidepressants like doxepin are still prescribed. Today we’re looking into the addictive nature of doxepin and answering a popular questioning: can doxepin get you high?
What Is Doxepin?
Also known by brand names like Silenor, Zonalon, and Prudixon, doxepin is an antidepressant and nerve pain medication. Doxepin uses include depression, anxiety, sleep disorder, and nerve pain treatment.
Formulations of this medication may also be prescribed to reduce itching caused by dermatitis and other skin diseases. As a tricyclic antidepressant, doxepin works by increasing the levels of chemicals like serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain and nervous system to improve mood and reduce anxiety.
It’s believed that depression and other mood disorders are tightly linked to an imbalance or lack of these chemicals. Doxepin is designed to activate the release of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain and prevent them from being reabsorbed to improve mood and create a chemical balance.
Doxepin Side Effects
Doxepin is an oral medication that’s usually taken between one and three times daily. The dosing of this medication varies from patient to patient.
For capsules or solution formulations of doxepin, the dosage starts at 75 milligrams (mg) once a day or is divided into several doses. Doses may be slowly increased to a maximum of 150 mg per day. For tablet forms of doxepin, dosage begins at 3 to 6 mg per day and might be adjusted depending on the severity of the person’s condition.
Whenever you take any medications, it’s important to always take them exactly as prescribed. If you feel as if your antidepressant isn’t working, speak to your doctor before taking a lesser or higher dose than prescribed or taking alternate medications.
Additionally, keep in mind that all medications carry a risk of adverse side effects and reactions. In addition to managing depression and anxiety symptoms, doxepin side effects include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Weakness or tiredness
- Dizziness
- Dilated pupils
- Mouth sores
- Dry mouth
- Skin sensitivity to sunlight
- Flushing
- Changes in appetite or weight
- Changes in the way things taste
- Stomach upset
- Indigestion
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Difficulty urinating or excessive urination
- Excessive thirst
- Changes in sex drive
- Ringing in the ears
- Swollen testicles (men)
- Increased breast size
- Milky nipple discharge (women)
- Excessive sweating
- Chills
- Headache
- Hair loss
While you may not experience all of these symptoms if you take doxepin, it’s important to look out for them and speak to your doctor if you experience any adverse side effects. Moreover, taking higher doses of your antidepressants than prescribed increases your risk of experiencing negative reactions, so be sure to take your medication as prescribed.
Can You Get High On Doxepin?
Unlike prescription drugs like opioids and benzos, you cannot get high on doxepin. This antidepressant does not produce any euphoric side effects.
However, you should only take this medication under the care of your doctor. Never self-increase your dosage or continue taking doxepin without your physician’s approval.
While the addictive nature of doxepin is minuscule, doxepin abuse or misuse can lead to dangerous side effects like severe heartburn, mood swings, stomach pains, as well as dizziness, irregular heartbeat, wide pupils, fainting, or seizures. Additionally, despite these dangers, some people may mix their antidepressants with alcohol to experience a particular high.
Instead of a euphoric high, expected side effects may include severe dizziness, sedation, and loss of consciousness, as well as intoxication and overdose. On its own and when combined with alcohol, a doxepin overdose can be fatal, so if you recognize any of the side effects mentioned above, seek medical attention immediately.
Is Doxepin Addictive?
While doxepin is not addictive in the same way that cocaine and heroin are, a person can become psychologically dependent on it to feel “normal.” When this occurs, one may experience withdrawal symptoms whenever their doses are reduced or stopped.
Combining this medication with other drugs or alcohol is highly discouraged, as it could lead to physical and psychological complications. Taking doxepin with other substances can also inhibit the medication from working properly, which may lead to worsening depression and anxiety symptoms.
As a result, the person may be tempted to take higher doses of their medication to experience the same relief, increasing their risk of overdose and death. If you notice that your use of doxepin is getting out of hand, don’t wait to seek out prescription drug addiction treatment.
Help for Doxepin Addiction and Abuse
Again, while dependence on doxepin and cocaine are highly different, it’s possible for people to abuse their prescription antidepressants. Often, people jump from their prescription medications to illicit drugs to experience more intense highs.
There are also immediate risks to misusing antidepressants and other substances, one of them being addiction. If you or a loved one has developed a dependence on drugs or alcohol, our luxury treatment center in Palm Beach can help.
Our high-end rehab offers both inpatient and outpatient services to help people with addictions recover. Because we offer luxury Florida drug and alcohol treatment, patients are guaranteed all the comfort and support they’re accustomed to while receiving care at our facility.
From private transportation services to numerous amenities, Seaside Palm Beach is here to offer effective addiction treatment that doesn’t exclude comfort. For more information about our luxury drug and alcohol rehab in South Florida, call us today at 561-677-9374.
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