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Would Lexapro Be A Better Choice Than Doxepin?
I had been on 20mg of doxepin for several years and my endrocrinologist added Lexapro (5mg) for hot flashes. My drug company then contacted my GP to let him know I should not be taking the two meds. I am now just taking the doxepin. Would Lexapro be a better choice since it is newer. I go to my GP this week and will ask him about the med conflict. Thanks
Tue, 31 Dec 2019
Hi,
Yes, Lexapro is a better choice than doxepin. Doxepin is a tricyclic antidepressant commonly prescribed to treat moos disorders such as depression and anxiety as well as for insomnia.
Its common side effects include drowsiness, dizziness, dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation, trouble urinating, vomiting, stomach upset and weight gain.
Whereas Lexapro (escitalopram) is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) commonly prescribed to treat depression and anxiety.
Its side effects include nausea, dry mouth, sleep disturbances, tiredness, dizziness and constipation.
As compared with Lexapro, it is found to be more effective in the treating mood disorders and its side effects are less common and well tolerated by most of the patients hence recommended by your endocrinologist.
If taken together with Doxepin, Lexapro can increase the risk of a serious condition called the 'serotonin syndrome' which is characterized by confusion, hallucination, seizure, increased blood pressure and heart rate, fever, excessive sweating, shivering, blurred vision, muscle spasm or stiffness, tremor, incoordination, stomach cramp, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
In its severe form coma and death may occur. So, take either of these two (Lexapro preferred over doxepin) but never take them together.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Take care
Regards,
Dr. Mohammed Taher Ali, General & Family Physician
Yes, Lexapro is a better choice than doxepin. Doxepin is a tricyclic antidepressant commonly prescribed to treat moos disorders such as depression and anxiety as well as for insomnia.
Its common side effects include drowsiness, dizziness, dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation, trouble urinating, vomiting, stomach upset and weight gain.
Whereas Lexapro (escitalopram) is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) commonly prescribed to treat depression and anxiety.
Its side effects include nausea, dry mouth, sleep disturbances, tiredness, dizziness and constipation.
As compared with Lexapro, it is found to be more effective in the treating mood disorders and its side effects are less common and well tolerated by most of the patients hence recommended by your endocrinologist.
If taken together with Doxepin, Lexapro can increase the risk of a serious condition called the 'serotonin syndrome' which is characterized by confusion, hallucination, seizure, increased blood pressure and heart rate, fever, excessive sweating, shivering, blurred vision, muscle spasm or stiffness, tremor, incoordination, stomach cramp, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
In its severe form coma and death may occur. So, take either of these two (Lexapro preferred over doxepin) but never take them together.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Take care
Regards,
Dr. Mohammed Taher Ali, General & Family Physician
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