How Long Does Sinequan (Doxepin) Stay in Your System?
Depression is a condition that affects the world’s population. It doesn’t discriminate by race, gender, or economic status and is handled in a multitude of ways depending on the country. One way doctors will treat patients suffering from depression is with prescription drugs. There are many antidepressants in the market and they are divided into groups which take various routes to help relieve depression in a patient. The types of antidepressant prescription groups are:
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
- Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)
- Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
- Tricyclic antidepressants
Sinequan is an antidepressant medication in the tricyclic group.
Sinequan (Doxepin) Prescription Facts
Doxepin, the generic name for the brand name prescription Sinequan, is an antidepressant prescribed to patients suffering from depression and anxiety. The medication belongs to a group of antidepressants labeled as tricyclic, which was one of the first types of medications researchers developed to address depression issues directly within the brain.
Sinequan (doxepin) can also be prescribed to treat chronic hives and, at low doses, insomnia. There also were trials performed in 2015 to use doxepin as a treatment for headaches.
Tricyclic antidepressants are comprised of a three-ringed chemical structure. They operate by changing the way neurochemicals in the brain communicate with one another. The downside of these types of antidepressants is, along with changing the chemicals in the brain causing depression, they also affect other neurochemicals which may cause unwanted side effects in some patients.
To lessen the possibility of side effects from Sinequan (doxepin), doctors may have the patient gradually increase the dosage, ending in patients taking between one and three pills per day, depending on the effect this has on their depression. To get the full effect of the medication, patients may sometimes have to wait between one to three weeks for it to build up in their system. Conversely, if the patient and their doctor decide to stop the medication, it’s recommended to wean off over time to lessen any side effects which may occur.
Sinequan (Doxepin) Regulations
Sinequan (doxepin) is a medication that can only be issued through a doctor’s prescription after a diagnosis of depression, anxiety, chronic hives or insomnia. Sinequan is recommended for patients over 12 years of age who suffer from these ailments, because little is known about the effects of doxepin on children younger than 12.
Since doxepin is considered non-addictive, no further regulations for the medication have been required.
Most Commonly Misused Drugs Containing Sinequan (Doxepin)
Although doxepin can have adverse reactions when taken with a large list of other medications, the prescription isn’t included inside other medications and there are no reports that Sinequan causes any type of addiction.
How Sinequan (Doxepin) Affects the Brain and Body
Doxepin works by increasing the levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain, which affects the way these neurochemicals communicate with one another. Over time, the prescription changes the brain chemistry and alleviates signs of depression, anxiety, and insomnia by altering the way the patient’s brain works. The antihistamine properties in Sinequan are shown to address chronic hives in patients, as well.
Since Sinequan affects the neurochemicals known to cause depression, it also can affect other neurochemicals and result in some side effects. Common side effects of this prescription can include:
- drowsiness
- dizziness
- dry mouth
- blurred vision
- constipation
- problems urinating
More serious side effects can include rashes and irregular heartbeats, which should be reported to the patient’s doctor immediately. If any of these or the common side effects occur, especially if there is any undesired change in behavior, it’s important to notify a doctor. The doctor should monitor all side effects to ensure the patient receives the best care possible, even if that means changing the treatment plan.
Half-Life of Sinequan (Doxepin)
Doxepin is metabolized by the liver and eliminated through urine. Once the patient completely stops taking the prescription, it is halfway eliminated from the system in 15 to 18 hours. On the other hand, nordoxepin’s half-life, a byproduct of doxepin, is 28 to 31 hours.
Factors That Influence How Long Sinequan (Doxepin) Stays in Your System
Factors that affect how long Sinequan stays in your system are how long the prescription has been taken and the dosage, but it varies per individual. Other factors which may affect the length of time doxepin is in your system are:
- age
- body mass
- hydration levels
- physical activity
- metabolism
How Long Does Sinequan (Doxepin) Stay in Your Urine, Hair, and Blood?
Doxepin isn’t something that is regularly tested for during blood tests, but you should know that it can cause false positives for amphetamines. So, if you are scheduled for a urine, hair or blood test, let them know you have been taking Sinequan (doxepin), your dosage and how long you’ve been on the medication.
Sinequan (Doxepin) Withdrawal And Detox
The Recovery Village aims to improve the quality of life for people struggling with substance use or mental health disorder with fact-based content about the nature of behavioral health conditions, treatment options and their related outcomes. We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals. The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers.