Doxepin Topical Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Aug 30, 2024.

Applies to doxepin topical: topical cream.

Precautions

If your skin problem does not improve after 8 days or if it becomes worse, check with your doctor.

This medicine will add to the effects of alcohol (alcoholic beverages or other alcohol-containing preparations [e.g., elixirs, cough syrups, tonics]) and other CNS depressants (medicines that slow down the nervous system, possibly causing drowsiness). Some examples of CNS depressants are antihistamines or medicine for hay fever, other allergies, or colds; sedatives, tranquilizers, or sleeping medicine; 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.

Topical doxepin may cause some people to become drowsy. Make sure you know how to react to this medicine before you drive, use machines, or do other jobs that require you to be alert. If too much drowsiness occurs, it may be necessary to use less medicine, use it less often, or stop using it completely. However, check with your doctor first before lessening your dose or stopping use of this medicine.

This medicine may cause dryness of the mouth. For temporary relief, use sugarless gum or candy, or melt bits of ice in your mouth, or use a saliva substitute. However, if your mouth continues to feel dry for more than 2 weeks, check with your medical doctor or dentist. Continuing dryness of the mouth may increase the chance of dental disease, including tooth decay, gum disease, and fungus infections.

Serious side effects of doxepin topical

Along with its needed effects, doxepin topical 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 as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur while taking doxepin topical:

Symptoms of overdose

• abdominal pain and swelling
• blurring of vision
• convulsions (seizures)
• decreased awareness or responsiveness
• difficulty in breathing
• difficulty in passing urine
• dizziness, fainting, or lightheadedness
• drowsiness
• enlarged pupils
• excessive dryness of mouth
• extremely high fever or body temperature
• extremely low body temperature
• fast heartbeat
• increased or excessive unconscious or jerking movements
• incurable constipation
• irregular heartbeat
• unconsciousness
• vomiting
• weak pulse

Other side effects of doxepin topical

Some side effects of doxepin topical 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:

For healthcare professionals

Applies to doxepin topical: topical cream.

General adverse events

The most frequently reported adverse effects were drowsiness and burning/stinging at application site.^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Very common (10% or more): Drowsiness (up to 22%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Dizziness, taste perversion
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Headache
• Frequency not reported: Lightheadedness, taste bitter, taste metallic^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Common (1% to 10%): Dry mouth
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Numbness of tongue, nausea
• Frequency not reported: Dry lips, dry throat, thirst, indigestion, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Common (1% to 10%): Pruritus, eczema exacerbated
• Frequency not reported: Localized rash, pruritus exacerbated
• Postmarketing reports: Allergic contact dermatitis^[Ref]

Local

• Very common (10% or more): Burning/stinging (23%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Other application site reaction
• Frequency not reported: Irritation, tingling^[Ref]

Genitourinary

• Frequency not reported: Urinary retention^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

• Frequency not reported: Type IV hypersensitivity reaction^[Ref]

Ocular

• Frequency not reported: Blurred vision, dry eyes^[Ref]

Other

• Common (1% to 10%): Fatigue/tiredness, edema
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Fever
• Frequency not reported: Vertigo^[Ref]

Psychiatric

• Common (1% to 10%): Mental emotional changes
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Nervousness/anxiety^[Ref]

See also:

Further information

Doxepin topical 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