Definition

Noun: A tricyclic antidepressant medication, a hydrochloride salt form of doxepin, used primarily to treat depression and anxiety disorders. It is known for its sedative effects and can cause several side effects, including dry mouth, drowsiness, and gastrointestinal issues.

Usage

This term is used in medical and pharmaceutical contexts to refer to the specific chemical compound and medication. It is a formal drug name. - The doctor prescribed doxepin hydrochloride for her chronic anxiety. - Common side effects of doxepin hydrochloride include sedation and dry mouth.

Advanced Usage

• Pharmacological Class: It is classified as a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA).
• Therapeutic Use: Beyond depression, it is sometimes used in low doses for the treatment of insomnia and chronic itching (pruritus) due to its potent antihistaminic properties.
  • Low-dose doxepin hydrochloride is an FDA-approved treatment for insomnia.

Variants and Related Words

• Doxepin: The base chemical name for the active compound, without specifying the salt form.
• Adapin: A former brand/trade name for doxepin hydrochloride.
• Sinequan: A former brand/trade name for doxepin hydrochloride.

Synonyms

• Tricyclic antidepressant (this is the class of drug, not an exact synonym for the specific compound).

Noun

1. a tricyclic antidepressant (trade names Adapin and Sinequan) with numerous side effects (dry mouth and sedation and gastrointestinal disturbances)