Doxepin Dosage
This dosage information may not include all the information needed to use Doxepin safely and effectively. See additional information for Doxepin.
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Usual Adult Dose for:
Usual Geriatric Dose for:
Additional dosage information:
Usual Adult Dose for Anxiety
For Mild Anxiety:
Initial dose: 25 mg per day in 1 to 3 divided doses.
Maintenance dose: 25 to 50 mg per day in 1 to 3 divided doses.
For Moderate Anxiety:
Initial dose: 75 mg per day in 1 to 3 divided doses.
Maintenance dose: 75 to 150 mg per day in 1 to 3 divided doses.
For Severe Anxiety:
Initial dose: 150 mg per day in 1 to 3 divided doses.
Maintenance dose: 150 to 300 mg per day in 1 to 3 divided doses.
The maximum single dose should not exceed 150 mg.
Additional therapeutic effect is rarely to be obtained by exceeding a dose of 300 mg per day. Antianxiety effect is apparent before the antidepressant effect. Optimal antidepressant effect may not be evident for 2 to 3 weeks.
Dose selection for the geriatric patient should start at the lower end of the dosing range.
Usual Adult Dose for Depression
For Mild Depression:
Initial dose: 25 mg per day in 1 to 3 divided doses.
Maintenance dose: 25 to 50 mg per day in 1 to 3 divided doses.
For Moderate Depression:
Initial dose: 75 mg per day in 1 to 3 divided doses.
Maintenance dose: 75 to 150 mg per day in 1 to 3 divided doses.
For Severe Depression:
Initial dose: 150 mg per day in 1 to 3 divided doses.
Maintenance dose: 150 to 300 mg per day in 1 to 3 divided doses.
The maximum single dose should not exceed 150 mg.
Additional therapeutic effect is rarely to be obtained by exceeding a dose of 300 mg per day. Antianxiety effect is apparent before the antidepressant effect. Optimal antidepressant effect may not be evident for 2 to 3 weeks.
Dose selection for the geriatric patient should start at the lower end of the dosing range.
Usual Adult Dose for Urticaria
Studies:
10 mg orally three times daily.
Usual Adult Dose for Insomnia
Recommended dose: 6 mg orally once daily
A 3 mg orally once daily dose may be appropriate for some patients, if clinically indicated.
Doxepin should be taken within 30 minutes of bedtime.
To minimize the potential for next day effects, doxepin should not be taken within 3 hours of a meal.
The total doxepin dose should not exceed 6 mg per day.
Usual Geriatric Dose for Insomnia
Recommended starting dose in patients 65 years old or older: 3 mg orally once daily
The daily dose can be increased to 6 mg orally once daily, if clinically indicated.
Doxepin should be taken within 30 minutes of bedtime.
To minimize the potential for next day effects, doxepin should not be taken within 3 hours of a meal.
The total doxepin dose should not exceed 6 mg per day.
Renal Dose Adjustments
There are no data on exact renal dose adjustments. However, a reduction in dose may be warranted in certain patients.
Liver Dose Adjustments
Patients with hepatic impairment should begin with a lower dose and increase gradually.
Dose Adjustments
The entire dose may be administered at bedtime.
Precautions
The 150 mg capsule strength is intended for maintenance therapy only and is not recommended for initiation of therapy.
Safety and effectiveness have not been established in pediatric patients less than 12 years of age.
Dialysis
Doxepin is not dialyzable.
