Dothep (Dosulepin), an antidepressant or mood elevator, is used to treat depression and anxiety.
Why have I been prescribed Dothep?
- Dothep (Dosulepin), an antidepressant or mood elevator, is used to treat depression and anxiety.
How does it work?
Dothep is thought to increase the levels of two chemicals (noradrenaline and serotonin) in the brain which are known to be decreased in depression.
When and how do I take it?
Dothep is taken between once to three times a day depending on what dose you are on. Preferably taken after meals. Do not skip doses or take less of the medication than your doctor has prescribed.
What’s the dose?
The usual dose for an adult is 1 or 2 capsules three times a day of the 25mg strength. Or 1 or 2 capsules daily of the 75 mg strength.
Could it interact with other tablets?
- Dothep 25mg capsules may interact with anti-hypertensive drugs (for high blood pressure) and so reduce their effectiveness.
- Barbiturates (used in epilepsy) may cause lower blood levels of Dothep and methylphenidate (used in attention deficit hyperactive disorder-ADHD) may cause higher blood levels of Dothep. The dose of antidepressant may need to be adjusted by your doctor.
What are the possible risks or side-effects?
Dothep 25mg capsules may cause some unpleasant effects in certain people:
- drowsiness
- weakness
- tiredness
- excitement
- insomnia
- dry mouth
- constipation
- sweating
- difficulty urinating
- blurred vision
Contact your doctor if these effects are persistent or severe.
If you develop skin rash, fever, slow speech, difficulty swallowing, yellowing of the skin - stop taking the capsules and contact your doctor immediately.
If you are depressed and/or have anxiety disorder you can sometimes have thoughts of harming or killing yourself. These may be increased when first starting antidepressants, since these medications all take time to work, usually about two weeks but sometimes longer.
Can I drink alcohol while taking it?
- Alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by Dothep. You should talk to your doctor first.
What if I’m pregnant/breastfeeding?
Dothep should not be used in pregnancy, particularly in the first trimester, unless your doctor deems it absolutely necessary.
It should not be used while breast feeding.
If you have any more questions please ask your Pharmacist.
Remember to keep all medicines out of reach of children
Please Note: We have made every effort to ensure that the content of this information sheet is correct at time of publish, but remember that information about drugs may change. This sheet does not list all the uses and side-effects associated with this drug. For full details please see the drug information leaflet which comes with your medicine. Your doctor will assess your medical circumstances and draw your attention to any information or side-effects which may be relevant in your particular case.
References:
http://www.medicines.org.au/files/afpdothe.pdf
http://www.nps.org.au/medicines/brain-and-nervous-system/antidepressant-medicines/dothiepin/for-individuals/dothiepin-brands/dothep-capsules
http://www.drugs.com/answers/alternative-for-dothep-due-to-side-effects-167370.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dosulepin
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