Amoxapine Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Aug 21, 2024.

Applies to amoxapine: oral tablet.

Precautions

It is very important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits to allow for changes in your dose and to check for any unwanted effects.

Amoxapine may cause some people to be agitated, irritable, or display other abnormal behaviors. It may also cause some people to have suicidal thoughts and tendencies or to become more depressed. If you, your child, or your caregiver notice any of these side effects, tell your doctor or your child's doctor right away.

Do not take amoxapine if you have taken a monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor (isocarboxazid [Marplan®], phenelzine [Nardil®], selegiline [Eldepryl®, or tranylcypromine [Parnate®]) in the past two weeks. Do not start taking a MAO inhibitor within two weeks of stopping amoxapine. If you do, you may develop confusion, agitation, restlessness, stomach or intestinal symptoms, sudden high body temperature, extremely high blood pressure, or severe convulsions.

This medicine may cause tardive dyskinesia (a movement disorder). Check with your doctor right away if you have any of the following symptoms while taking this medicine: lip smacking or puckering, puffing of the cheeks, rapid or worm-like movements of the tongue, uncontrolled chewing movements, or uncontrolled movements of the arms and legs.

Check with your doctor right away if you are having convulsions (seizures); difficulty with breathing; a fast heartbeat; high fever; high or low blood pressure; increased sweating; loss of bladder control; severe muscle stiffness; unusually pale skin; or tiredness. These could be symptoms of a serious condition called neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS).

Do not Stop taking amoxapine without first checking with your doctor . Your doctor may want you to gradually reduce the amount you are using before stopping it completely. This may help prevent a possible worsening of your condition and reduce the possibility of withdrawal symptoms such as headache, nausea, or a general feeling of discomfort or illness.

This medicine will add to the effects of alcohol and other central nervous system (CNS) depressants (medicines that cause drowsiness). Some examples of CNS depressants are antihistamines or medicine for hay fever, other allergies or colds; sedatives, tranquilizers, or sleeping medicines; prescription pain medicine or narcotics; barbiturates; medicine for seizures; muscle relaxants; or anesthetics, including some dental anesthetics. Check with your doctor before taking any of the above while you are using this medicine.

This medicine may cause some people to become drowsy or less alert than they are normally. Make sure you know how you react to this medicine before you drive, use machines, or do anything else that could be dangerous if you are drowsy or not alert.

Common side effects of amoxapine

Some side effects of amoxapine may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Serious side effects of amoxapine

Along with its needed effects, amoxapine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking amoxapine:

Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur while taking amoxapine:

Symptoms of overdose

• change in consciousness
• drowsiness
• epileptic seizure that will not stop
• fatigue
• increased blood pressure
• increased thirst
• loss of consciousness
• swelling of face, fingers, or lower legs
• total body jerking
• troubled breathing
• weight gain

For healthcare professionals

Applies to amoxapine: oral tablet.

General adverse events

The most commonly reported side effects were drowsiness, dry mouth, constipation, and blurred vision.^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Very common (10% or more): Drowsiness (up to 14%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Alterations in EEG patterns, ataxia, dizziness, headache, tremors
• Frequency not reported: Disturbed concentration, extrapyramidal symptoms, incoordination, mydriasis, neuroleptic malignant syndrome, numbness, paresthesia of the extremities, peculiar taste, seizures, stroke, syncope, tardive dyskinesia, tingling^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Very common (10% or more): Dry mouth (up to 14%), constipation (up to 12%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Nausea
• Frequency not reported: Abdominal pain, black tongue, diarrhea, epigastric distress, flatulence, pancreatitis, paralytic ileus, parotid swelling, stomatitis, sublingual adenitis, vomiting^[Ref]

Psychiatric

• Common (1% to 10%): Anxiety, confusion, excitement, insomnia, nervousness, nightmares, restlessness
• Frequency not reported: Delusions, disorientation, hallucinations, hypomania, increased or decreased libido, suicidality^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

• Common (1% to 10%): Edema, palpitations
• Frequency not reported: Atrial arrhythmias, atrial fibrillations, heart block, hypertension, hypotension, myocardial infarction, tachycardia, vasculitis^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Common (1% to 10%): Increased perspiration, skin rash
• Frequency not reported: Alopecia, petechia, photosensitization, pruritus, urticaria^[Ref]

Other

• Common (1% to 10%): Fatigue, weakness
• Frequency not reported: Drug fever, hyperthermia, tinnitus^[Ref]

Metabolic

• Common (1% to 10%): Excessive appetite
• Frequency not reported: Anorexia, change in blood glucose levels, weight gain or loss^[Ref]

Endocrine

• Common (1% to 10%): Increased prolactin levels
• Frequency not reported: Gynecomastia, syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion^[Ref]

Ocular

• Common (1% to 10%): Blurred vision
• Frequency not reported: Disturbances of accommodation, lacrimation^[Ref]

Genitourinary

• Frequency not reported: Breast enlargement, delayed micturition, dilation of the urinary tract, galactorrhea, impotence, menstrual irregularity, painful ejaculation, testicular swelling, urinary frequency, urinary retention^[Ref]

Hematologic

• Frequency not reported: Agranulocytosis, eosinophilia, leukopenia, purpura, thrombocytopenia^[Ref]

Hepatic

• Frequency not reported: Altered liver function, hepatitis, jaundice^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Frequency not reported: Nasal stuffiness^[Ref]

See also:

Further information

Amoxapine side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer