Common use

Amoxapine is used to treat the symptoms of depression. It works on the central nervous system (CNS) to increase levels of certain chemicals in the brain. This medicine is a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA).

Dosage and direction

Take this medicine only as directed by your doctor to benefit your condition as much as possible. Do not take more of it, do not take it more often, and do not take it for a longer time than your doctor ordered. The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients, follow your doctor's orders. For depression: Adults - At first, 50 milligrams (mg) two or three times per day. Your doctor may increase your dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 300 mg per day unless you are in a hospital.

Precautions

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For this medicine, the following should be considered:
Allergies: Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines.
Pediatric: Appropriate studies have not been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of amoxapine in the pediatric population. Safety and efficacy have not been established.
Breast Feeding: There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.

Contraindications

Amoxapine may cause some people to be agitated, irritable, or display other abnormal behaviors. It may also cause some people to have suicidal thoughts and tendencies or to become more depressed.
Do not take amoxapine if you have taken a monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor (isocarboxazid [Marplan®], phenelzine [Nardil®], selegiline [Eldepryl®, or tranylcypromine [Parnate®]) in the past two weeks. Do not start taking a MAO inhibitor within two weeks of stopping amoxapine.
This medicine will add to the effects of alcohol and other central nervous system (CNS) depressants (medicines that cause drowsiness).
This medicine may cause some people to become drowsy or less alert than they are normally. Make sure you know how you react to this medicine before you drive, use machines, or do anything else that could be dangerous if you are drowsy or not alert.

Possible side effect

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur: excitement; fast, irregular, pounding, or racing; heartbeat or pulse; fear or nervousness; mood or mental changes; nightmares; restlessness; shakiness and unsteady walk; shakiness in legs, arms, hands, or feet; sleeplessness; swelling; trouble sleeping; unable to sleep; unsteadiness, trembling, or other problems with muscle control or coordination, abdominal or stomach pain; actions that are out of control; black, tarry stools; bleeding gums; bloating; blood in urine or stools; blurred vision; burning, crawling, itching, numbness, prickling, "pins and needles", or tingling feelings; chest pain or discomfort; chills; clay-colored stools; confusion; confusion about identity, place, and time; continuing ringing or buzzing or other unexplained noise in ears; convulsions; cough or hoarseness; dark urine.
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them: Dry mouth; Increased appetite; Increased flow of breast milk.

Drug interaction

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended: Bromopride; Clorgyline; Grepafloxacin; Isocarboxazid; Levomethadyl; Linezolid; Methylene Blue; Metoclopramide; Moclobemide; Phenelzine; Potassium Citrate; Ranolazine; Safinamide; Selegiline; Tranylcypromine.

Missed dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Overdose

Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur: Change in consciousness; drowsiness; epileptic seizure that will not stop; fatigue; increased blood; pressure;; increased thirst; loss of consciousness; swelling of face, fingers, or lower legs; total body jerking; troubled breathing; weight gain.

Storage

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing. Keep out of the reach of children. Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.