Amoxapine (By mouth)

Introduction:

Amoxapine (a-MOX-a-peen)

Treats depression. This medicine is a tricyclic antidepressant.

Brand Name(s):

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to amoxapine or to any other tricyclic antidepressant medicine (such as amitriptyline, imipramine, Aventyl®, Elavil®, Norpramin®, Tofranil®, Vivactil®). You should not use this medicine if you have had a recent heart attack or have taken an MAO inhibitor (Eldepryl®, Marplan®, Nardil®, Parnate®) in the past 14 days.

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet

  • Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to take and how often. Do not take more medicine or take it more often than your doctor tells you to.
  • You may take your medicine with food or milk to avoid stomach upset.
  • If you are using amoxapine for depression, it may take up to 3 weeks before you start to feel better.
  • This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions. Ask your pharmacist for the Medication Guide if you do not have one. Your doctor might ask you to sign some forms to show that you understand this information.

If a dose is missed:

  • If you miss a dose or forget to take your medicine, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose.
  • Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
  • If you take this medicine only at bedtime, do not take a missed dose in the morning without asking your doctor.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

  • Store the medicine at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using amprenavir (Agenerase®), bepridil (Vascor®), halofantrine (Halfan®), pimozide (Orap®), procarbazine (Matulane®), antibiotics (such as Avelox®, Tequin®), blood thinners (Coumadin®, warfarin), medicine for heart rhythm problems (such as Betapace®, Corvert®, Tikosyn®), medicine for high blood pressure (such as Catapres®, Clorpres®, Combipres®), or pain medicine (such as Acupan®, Ultram®).
  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are using any medicines that make you sleepy (such as sleeping pills, cold and allergy medicine, narcotic pain relievers, or sedatives).
  • Do not drink alcohol while you are taking this medicine.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have heart problems, seizures, glaucoma, kidney disease, liver disease, asthma, overactive thyroid, or problems with urination.
  • For some children and teenagers, this medicine can increase thoughts of suicide. All of the warnings in this leaflet are true for a child or teenager who is using this medicine. Tell your doctor right away if you start to feel more depressed. Also tell your doctor right away if you have thoughts about hurting yourself. Report any unusual thoughts or behaviors that trouble you, especially if they are new or get worse quickly. Make sure your caregiver knows if you have trouble sleeping, get upset easily, have a big increase in energy, or start to act reckless. Also tell your doctor if you have sudden or strong feelings, such as feeling nervous, angry, restless, violent, or scared. Let your doctor know if you or anyone in your family has bipolar disorder (manic-depressive) or has tried to commit suicide.
  • Do not stop using this medicine suddenly without asking your doctor. You may need to slowly decrease your dose before stopping it completely.
  • This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.
  • This medicine may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Use a sunscreen when you are outdoors. Avoid sunlamps and tanning beds.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

  • Change in how much or how often you urinate
  • Fast or pounding heartbeat
  • Fever, sweating, confusion, irregular heartbeat, muscle stiffness
  • Lightheadedness or fainting, shallow breathing
  • Problems with balance or walking
  • Seizures
  • Skin rash
  • Uncontrollable muscle movements or twitching

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

  • Blurred vision
  • Constipation
  • Dry mouth
  • Trouble sleeping
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