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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Is Doxepin Sufficient To Treat Atrial Fibrillation?

I am 76 yrs.old and have afib. My Dr. prescribed doxepin as I kept getting up every 1 to 2 hrs. a night. My insurance would not pay for prescription as they said people over 65 should not take this medicine. Is it really safe for me to take or should I go back to my Dr. for something else?
Wed, 26 Feb 2014
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hi and welcome to HCM. Doxepin belongs to the family of medications known as tricyclic antidepressants. It is used to treat different types of depression. It is particularly useful in treating depression symptoms, which include anxiety, tension, trouble sleeping, guilt, fear, and lack of energy. Effects of doxepin on anxiety are apparent before effects on depression. You may not feel the full antidepressant effect for 2 to 3 weeks. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor. Some side effects of this medication are
blurred vision
confusion
constipation
decreased sexual ability
diarrhea
difficulty speaking or swallowing
tiredness or weakness (mild)
trouble sleeping
unpleasant taste in mouth
vomiting
weight gain

This drug is not to treat atrial fibrillation and it is not prescribed to people who are abnormal heart rhythms. Please consult your doctor once again and get treatment for atrial fibrillation if present. All the best

regards
Dr Santosh
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Is Doxepin Sufficient To Treat Atrial Fibrillation?

Hi and welcome to HCM. Doxepin belongs to the family of medications known as tricyclic antidepressants. It is used to treat different types of depression. It is particularly useful in treating depression symptoms, which include anxiety, tension, trouble sleeping, guilt, fear, and lack of energy. Effects of doxepin on anxiety are apparent before effects on depression. You may not feel the full antidepressant effect for 2 to 3 weeks. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor. Some side effects of this medication are blurred vision confusion constipation decreased sexual ability diarrhea difficulty speaking or swallowing tiredness or weakness (mild) trouble sleeping unpleasant taste in mouth vomiting weight gain This drug is not to treat atrial fibrillation and it is not prescribed to people who are abnormal heart rhythms. Please consult your doctor once again and get treatment for atrial fibrillation if present. All the best regards Dr Santosh