Amoxapine - Oral

Amoxapine is used to treat depression.

Take Amoxapine exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.

You may take this medicine with or without food. Try to take it at the same time each day.

The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on the severity of your condition and response to the medication.

Amoxapine must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it suddenly as this may worsen your condition.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.

DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.

If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.

Alert your doctor if you are recovering from a recent heart attack as this medicine may not be suitable for you.

Do not take Amoxapine if you are currently taking or have taken a medicine that is used to treat depression known as a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid, phenelzine and tranylcypromine in the last 14 days.

Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:

• history of heart problems e.g. rapid heartbeat, previously had a heart attack
• history of stroke
• epilepsy (fits or seizures) or predisposing conditions to fits or seizures e.g. head trauma, brain damage, alcoholism
• disease of the blood vessels supplying the brain
• increased pressure in the eye
• stomach or bowel problems e.g. decreased bowel movement
• enlarged prostate gland
• inability to completely empty the bladder when urinating
• diabetes
• kidney disease
• liver disease

Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving this medicine to the elderly. Elderly people may be more sensitive to the side effects.

Notify your doctor if you have recently undergone or will undergo electroshock therapy (also known as electroconvulsive therapy or ECT).

Medicines for depression such as Amoxapine may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviour. As depression and some psychiatric disorders are themselves associated with an increased risk of suicide, it is important for you or your family members to monitor your condition, especially at the start of treatment and if your dosage is still being adjusted. If you experience new or sudden changes in mood, behaviour, thoughts or feelings or a worsening of your depression with suicidal thoughts or attempts, harm to self or harm to others, contact your doctor immediately.

Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?

Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.

• Routine tests (e.g. heart rate, blood sugar levels) may be done while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
• Your blood pressure may fall to unsafe levels without you noticing it. Monitor your blood pressure regularly during treatment.

What lifestyle changes should I make to cope with depression?

Regular exercise and eating a healthy diet will help increase energy and hormones in the body such as serotonin, endorphins and other feel-good chemicals that minimise mood swings. Get enough sleep, as lack of sleep may cause irritability, moodiness, sadness, and tiredness.

Amoxapine may cause drowsiness, dizziness or blurred vision. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert or need to see clearly.

This medicine may cause your blood pressure to fall suddenly when you get up from a sitting or lying down position and you may feel giddy. To minimise this problem, stand up slowly.

Other side effects include any of the following: headache, dry mouth, nausea, constipation, tiredness, difficulty sleeping, nervousness, and skin rash.

Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:

• having thoughts of self-harm
• unusual changes in mood or behaviour (being agitated or having compulsive and impulsive behaviour)
• confusion, fever, rapid or irregular heartbeat, excessive sweating, muscle stiffness or cramps
• difficulty controlling body movements, mouth twitching, sticking out of the tongue
• changes in eyesight

Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.

Do not take Amoxapine if you are currently taking or have taken medicine that is used to treat depression known as a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid, phenelzine, and tranylcypromine in the last 14 days.

Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:

• medicines for fits or seizures e.g. phenobarbital
• cimetidine (medicine that reduces stomach acid production)
• St. John's wort (herbal medicine)

This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Amoxapine.

Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.

Avoid alcohol. Amoxapine may worsen the dizziness and drowsiness caused by alcohol intake.

Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.

Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.