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Doxepin increase - when it will kick in

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Posted 10/6/2014 2:36 PM (GMT 0)
Background: I developed depression 2 years ago after a traumatic event. I couldn't sleep for weeks, so I was put on Cipralex and Doxepin. I have felt a lot better over the last year and a half, so I went off Cipralex this June.

New problem: That same month I started a new job, and by mid to late July I noticed this job wasn't for me. My boss refused to pay, I was always anxious and fearful of him, and stressed mind you. It exploded mid-August when I quit. He was verbally abusive - yelling, blaming, rude. So once I quit I made a labour complaint. He still has not paid. I've gone back to school and have mounting debt.

I noticed that I couldn't sleep all that well, I've been moody (upset or angry), crying, eyelids twitch, loss of concentration, and memory loss or confusion. My doc said to up my Doxepin to help me sleep. I find that my sleep patterns change every other day. One night I'll sleep fine with little to no sleep disturbance. The next night it feels like I'm waking upi every hour, can't fall asleep too well. The changes back.

So my question is, when will the increased dose of Doxepin start helping me sleep? Has my depression come back (doesn't feel like the last time)? Or is it just the continued stress from work?

Should I wait a few weeks to see if the medication will start helping, or should I consider Cipralex again?
Posted 10/6/2014 4:21 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Sibby,

welcome to the forum.

Sometimes it takes weeks for a med to kick in all the way. And sometimes the med can't do the whole job.

Have you tried sleep hygene methods and meditating?
Reading something calming before sleeping?

You can also call the doc and say this is just not working I need something else.

Personally, I would try the sleep hygene, google it, and try some of these methods first. It sounds like you are over whelmed with anxiety and it is just running over the effects of the medication.

Peace and comfort
Trina
Posted 10/7/2014 2:38 PM (GMT 0)
Hello Bnot,

Cipralex and Doxepin helped my depression when I had it two years ago. I've been on Doxepin since then. I didn't know that if you upped the dose that it would take a while to kick in. Thank you for the information

I know the sleep hygiene methods. And most have helped, and I have used them. Thanks.
Posted 10/9/2014 1:44 AM (GMT 0)
Hey bnot,

I was thinking of taking Cipralex again. It helped me clear my head and calm down for sleep when I was depressed. My doctor gave me that option to start it again. But I'm not sure if it will help me with the stress though. I need help with falling asleep and staying asleep.

Or should I wait about a week or two to see if Doxepin helps me? He also gave me the option to tinker around with my dosing for Doxepin to see what works. I was originally taking 30mg, then I upped it to 40mg. 40 doesn't seem to work on my no-sleep nights, but 50mg helps with my sleep nights, but not so much when nights that I don't sleep.

I'm just confused and I don't have a lot of knowledge with this. Sorry for asking.

Post Edited (Sibby) : 10/8/2014 8:01:04 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 10/9/2014 8:33 AM (GMT 0)
I would go slow with the increases only because sometimes it takes awhile for the meds to work. I am not familiar with doxepin. But some meds take six to eight weeks, so I would give it time to catch up to the increase.

I hope that you feel better soon...

Hugs, Karen...
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