Drug Notes

Amoxapine (By mouth)

Amoxapine (a-MOX-a-peen)

Treats depression. This medicine is a TCA.

Brand Name(s):

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet

• Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
• You may take your medicine with food or milk to prevent nausea.
• If you are taking amoxapine for depression, it may take up to 3 weeks before you start to feel better.
• This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.
• Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take 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.
• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

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

• Some medicines and foods can affect how amoxapine works. Tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following:
  • Bepridil, halofantrine, pimozide, procarbazine
  • Antibiotics, blood thinners (such as warfarin), or medicine for heart rhythm problems or high blood pressure
• Tell your doctor if you use anything else that makes you sleepy. Some examples are allergy medicine, narcotic pain medicine, and alcohol.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have heart problems (including a recent heart attack), seizures, glaucoma, kidney disease, liver disease, asthma, overactive thyroid, or problems with urination.
• For some children, teenagers, and young adults, this medicine may increase mental or emotional problems. This may lead to thoughts of suicide and violence. Talk with your doctor right away if you have any thoughts or behavior changes that concern you. Tell your doctor if you or anyone in your family has a history of bipolar disorder or suicide attempts.
• Do not stop using this medicine suddenly without asking your doctor. You may need to decrease your dose slowly before you stop it completely.
• This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive or do anything that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.
• This medicine may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Wear sunscreen. Do not use sunlamps or tanning beds.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

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

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• 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
• Uncontrollable muscle movements or twitching

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

• Blurred vision
• Constipation
• Dry mouth
• Trouble sleeping, or drowsiness

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 1/27/2017