Introduction
Slipaid 6 is a tricyclic antidepressant. It is used in the treatment of insomnia (difficulty in sleeping). It is also used in patients intolerant of or unresponsive to alternative (other) treatment options for depression and anxiety disorders.
Slipaid 6 works by increasing the levels of chemical messengers in the brain that stabilizes and enhances the mood. It is usually advised to take it before bedtime because it can make you feel drowsy. It can be taken with or without food, but you should take it at a fixed time each day for better efficacy. The dose and duration will be decided by your doctor so that you get the right amount to control your symptoms. If you have missed any dose, take it as soon as you remember it. Do not skip any dose and finish the full course of treatment even if you feel better. This medication must not be stopped suddenly without talking to the doctor. Your dose may be modified or gradually decreased before stopping the medicine.
The most common side effects of this medicine include increased heart rate, blurred vision, dryness in the mouth, difficulty in urination and constipation. Initially, this medicine may also cause a sudden drop in the blood pressure, especially when you change positions. It may even cause dizziness and sleepiness, so do not drive or do anything that requires mental focus until you know how this medicine affects you. To lower the chances of dizziness, rise slowly if you have been sitting or lying down. It may also lead to weight gain in some people. Most of the common side effects tend to be mild and temporary. Your doctor may be able to suggest ways of preventing or reducing side effects if they bother you or do not go away. Serious side effects associated with this medicine are rare.
Before taking this medicine, it is important to tell your doctor if you are taking or have recently taken any other medicines for the same or any other diseases. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should take this medicine with proper consultation and caution. This medicine is not known to be addictive, but you can experience additional side effects (withdrawal symptoms) if you stop taking it suddenly. If you notice any sudden mood change or get suicidal or self-harm thoughts, you must consult the doctor without delay. Also, remember to take this medicine as advised by the doctor as an overdose of this medication may lead to a serious health emergency. Consumption of alcohol should be avoided as alcohol interacts with this medicine to cause serious health issues.
Uses of Slipaid 6
- Insomnia
- Depression
- Anxiety
Side effects of Slipaid 6
Common
- Constipation
- Difficulty in urination
- Dryness in mouth
- Increased heart rate
- Orthostatic hypotension (sudden lowering of blood pressure on standing)
- Weight gain
How to use Slipaid 6
Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Do not chew, crush or break it. Slipaid 6 may be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time.
How Slipaid 6 works
Slipaid 6 is a tricyclic antidepressant. It increases the levels of chemical messengers in the brain that help in regulating the mood and treat depression.
What if you forget to take Slipaid 6?
If you miss a dose of Slipaid 6, 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 schedule. Do not double the dose.
Indication
Anxiety disorders, Depression, Insomnia
Administration
May be taken with or without food.
Adult Dose
Oral
Depression/Anxiety
Adult: Initiate at low dose (25 mg/day); gradually titrate upward every 5-7 days
Dosage range: 25-300 mg/day PO, up to 150 mg/day as single dose
If dose exceeds 150 mg/day, divide q12hr
Hepatic impairment: Use lower dose and adjust gradually for depression;
Insomnia (Silenor)
Sleep maintenance
3-6 mg PO within 30 minutes before bedtime; not to exceed 6 mg/day
Hepatic impairment/debilitated patients: 3 mg PO within 30 minutes before bedtime
Elderly
Insomnia
Sleep maintenance
Starting dose: 3 mg PO within 30 minutes before bedtime
May increase to 6 mg PO HS if clinically indicated
Depression/Anxiety
Lower initial dose (ie, 10 mg/day) and adjust gradually; 10-25 mg PO qHS
May increase by 10-25 mg increments q3Day for inpatients and weekly for outpatients if tolerated
Child Dose
<12 years old: Not recommended
Contraindication
Hypersensitivity; mania, glaucoma, neonates (topical); lactation.
Mode of Action
Doxepin inhibits serotonin and norepinephrine re-uptake by the presynaptic neuronal membrane increasing its synaptic conc in the CNS.
Precaution
Epilepsy, CV disease, pregnancy, history of urinary retention, glaucoma; gradual withdrawal. May impair ability to drive or operate machinery.
Lactation: Enters breast milk; not recommended (AAP states "may be of concern")
Side Effect
Sedation, fatigue, weakness, lethargy,Dry mouth,Constipation,Blurred vision,Headache,Agitation,Insomnia,Anxiety,Nausea, vomiting,Sweating,Confusion, extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS), dizziness, paresthesia,Orthostatic hypotension, ECG changes, tachycardia,Increased LFTs,Tinnitus,Sexual dysfunction,Rash,Seizure,Agranulocytosis,Thrombocytopenia,Eosinophilia,Leukopenia,SIADH
Pregnancy Category Note
Pregnancy category: Not available
Lactation: Enters breast milk; not recommended (AAP states "may be of concern")
Interaction
Methylphenidate may increase plasma doxepin levels.
Potentially Fatal: Potentiates hypertensive action of sympathomimetics. Increased anticholinergic effects with MAOIs. Additive CNS effects with anticholinergics, CNS depressants and alcohol.