provider image
Welcome! You’re in GoodRx for healthcare professionals. Now, you’ll enjoy a streamlined experience created specifically for healthcare professionals.
Skip to main content
Amoxapine Coupon - Amoxapine 50mg tablet

amoxapine

Generic Asendin
Used for Depression, Anxiety
Used for Depression, Anxiety

Amoxapine is an antidepressant that's used for people who have both depression and anxiety. But, it's not a first-choice option because it has a higher risk of side effects. Drowsiness, dry mouth, constipation, and blurry vision are the most common side effects of amoxapine. The brand name Asendin is no longer sold in the United States, but it's still available as a lower-cost generic tablet.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Hope Chang, PharmD, AAHIVP
reviewer
Kristianne Hannemann, PharmD
Last reviewed on June 6, 2023
BasicsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsWarningsDosageInteractionsCostContraindicationsAlternativesLatest newsImagesReferencesPricesMedicare
basics-icon

What is Amoxapine?

What is Amoxapine used for?

  • Depression that comes along with anxiety or agitation

How Amoxapine works

Amoxapine is a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA). It's not exactly clear how the medication treats depression, but it appears to boost certain chemicals in the brain (serotonin and norepinephrine). These chemicals play a role in affecting your mood.

Are you looking for information on atomoxetine (Strattera) instead?

Drug Facts

Common BrandsAsendin (brand no longer available)
Drug ClassTricyclic antidepressant
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
coupon-save-icon

Get your GoodRx coupon

Avg retail price
$44.70(save 72.13%)
GoodRx discount
$12.46
See prices
basics-icon

What are the side effects of Amoxapine?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

  • Drowsiness (14%)
  • Dry mouth (14%)
  • Constipation (12%)
  • Blurred vision (7%)

Other Side Effects

  • Restlessness
  • Nervousness
  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Tiredness
  • Weakness
  • Trouble sleeping (insomnia)
  • Tremors
  • Nausea
  • Large appetite
  • Irregular heartbeat
  • More sweating than usual
  • Rash

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
  • Suicidal thoughts or behavior
  • Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS): high fever, fast heart rate, full body stiffness, confusion

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

Less common

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

Rare

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

constipation

continuing ringing or buzzing or other unexplained noise in ears

convulsions

cough or hoarseness

dark urine

decrease in frequency of urination

decrease in urine volume

difficulty in breathing

difficulty in passing urine (dribbling)

difficulty in speaking

disturbed concentration

dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up from a lying or sitting position suddenly

double vision

drooling

extremely high fever or body temperature

false beliefs that cannot be changed by facts

fast, weak heartbeat

fever with or without chills

general feeling of tiredness or weakness

headache

hearing loss

high fever

high or low blood pressure

hives or welts

inability to move arms, legs, or facial muscles

inability to speak

increased need to urinate

increased sweating

indigestion

irritability

itching

lack of coordination

light-colored stools

lip smacking or puckering

loss of appetite

loss of bladder control

lower back or side pain

muscle cramps

muscle spasm or jerking of all extremities

muscle trembling, jerking, or stiffness

nausea and vomiting

nervousness

numbness

pain or discomfort in arms, jaw, back, or neck

painful or difficult urination

pains in stomach, side, or abdomen, possibly radiating to the back

pale, clammy skin

passing urine more often

pinpoint red spots on skin

pounding in the ears

puffing of cheeks

rapid or worm-like movements of tongue

redness of skin

seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there

severe muscle stiffness

shortness of breath

shuffling walk

skin rash

slow speech

sore throat

sores, ulcers, or white spots on lips or in mouth

stiffness of limbs

sudden loss of consciousness

sweating

swollen glands

talking, feeling, and acting with excitement

testicular swelling

thirst

trouble in holding or releasing urine

twisting movements of body

uncontrolled chewing movements

uncontrolled movements, especially of face, neck, and back

unpleasant breath odor

unusual bleeding or bruising

unusually pale skin

upper right abdominal pain

vomiting of blood

yellow eyes and skin

Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur:

Symptoms of overdose

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

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. 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:

More common

Dry mouth

Less common

Increased appetite

increased flow of breast milk

Rare

Agitation

breast enlargement

change in taste bad unusual or unpleasant (after)taste

decreased interest in sexual intercourse

depression

excess air or gas in stomach or intestines

full feeling

hair loss, thinning of hair

heartburn

inability to have or keep an erection

increased in sexual ability, desire, drive, or performance

increased interest in sexual intercourse

increased sensitivity of skin to sunlight

loss in sexual ability, desire, drive, or performance

menstrual changes

nasal stuffiness

painful ejaculation

passing gas

rapid weight gain

redness or other discoloration of skin

seizures

severe sunburn

stupor

swollen, painful, or tender lymph glands on side of face or neck

tearing of the eyes

unexpected or excess milk flow from breasts

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Amoxapine

thumbs-up

Pros

Doses up to 300 mg can be taken once a day.

Might work faster than similar medications like amitriptyline or imipramine

Available as a lower-cost generic

thumbs-down

Cons

Causes a lot of side effects

Higher risk of side effects in older adults

Not a good option for people with a history of seizures

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Amoxapine

pharmacist

  • When you first start treatment, you might take smaller doses of amoxapine multiple times a day. This lets your body get used to the medication. If it's easier for you to take the medication one time a day, ask your provider if it's appropriate to adjust your dosing schedule.

    • Make sure to regularly follow up with your provider to discuss how well amoxapine is working for your symptoms. If you continue to feel depressed and aren't bothered by side effects, your provider might raise your dose.

      • It's common to feel dizzy and drowsy while you're taking amoxapine. Drinking alcohol can make these effects worse. It's best to avoid alcohol while you're taking this medication. Also don't drive or do anything that requires a lot of focus until you know how the medication affects you.

        • Don't stop taking amoxapine without speaking to your provider first. Stopping it too suddenly could cause withdrawal symptoms. If you'd like to stop taking the medication, your provider can come up with a plan so you can do so safely.

          • Keep amoxapine in a safe place. Get medical help right away if you or someone else takes more than the recommended amount. An overdose can lead to serious heart and kidney problems.

            faqs

            Frequently asked questions about Amoxapine

            Is amoxapine an antipsychotic?
            No, amoxapine isn't an antipsychotic. It's a tricyclic antidepressant. While both groups of medications affect chemicals in the brain, they work differently and are generally used for different mental health conditions. Tricyclic antidepressants like amoxapine are mainly used for depression, whereas antipsychotics can help treat schizophrenia as well.
            How long does it take amoxapine to work?
            Most people will start to feel the effects of amoxapine within 2 weeks. Some people might feel the effects as soon as 4 to 7 days after starting this medication. Make sure to keep your follow-up appointments with your provider since they might need to adjust your dose when you first start taking this medication.
            How long do the side effects of amoxapine last?
            After taking a dose of amoxapine, the medication can stay in your body for a long time (up to about a week). This means that even when you stop taking amoxapine, you could still experience side effects for several days after stopping. If you experience any side effects that are bothering you during and after treatment with amoxapine, speak with your provider.
            Does amoxapine cause weight gain?
            In clinical studies, less than 1% of people who took amoxapine reported weight gain. Amoxapine can raise your appetite. As a result, you might end up eating more than usual during treatment, which can possibly lead to weight gain. If you have concerns about your weight while you're taking amoxapine, speak to your provider.
            Does amoxapine make you sleepy?
            Drowsiness is a common side effect of amoxapine. In clinical studies, 14% of people reported feeling sleepy while taking this medication. Make sure to avoid driving or performing activities that require you to be alert until you know how this medication affects you.
            Do you have to take amoxapine at night?
            You can take amoxapine at any time of the day that's easy for you to remember. When you first start taking this medication, your provider will probably recommend that you take it two or three times a day. This helps you get used to the medication. Once you're on a consistent maintenance dose, they might switch your dosing schedule to once daily at night. This might be helpful for people who get sleepy from taking amoxapine. If you're feeling sleepy during the day, talk to your provider about the best time to take your medication.
            What's the difference between amoxapine and sertraline (Zoloft)?
            Both amoxapine and sertraline (Zoloft) are antidepressants. However, sertraline (Zoloft) is used for many other mental health conditions besides depression. Amoxapine and sertraline (Zoloft) belong to different classes of medications and work a little differently. Sertraline (Zoloft) is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), while amoxapine is a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA). In studies, TCAs like amoxapine have proven to work just as well as other antidepressants (including SSRIs) for treating depression. But, sertraline (Zoloft) is the first-choice medication for the treatment of depression because it has less side effects than amoxapine. Speak with your provider to learn more about the similarities and differences that these two medications have.
            GoodRxEducationalIcon

            How to save using GoodRx

            Compare Prices
            1. Compare PricesSpecify your dosage and quantity to find out exactly how much you can save.
            Select your free coupon
            2. Select your free couponYou can use the displayed coupon, or compare prices at other pharmacies near you.
            Show coupon to your pharmacist
            3. Show coupon to your pharmacistPresent your printed or electronic coupon when you pick up your prescription.
            Get free couponLearn more
            warings-icon

            What are the risks and warnings for Amoxapine?

            Amoxapine can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

            risk-warning

            Suicidal thoughts and behavior

            • Risk factors: Age 24 or younger

              Amoxapine can raise the risk of suicidal thoughts or behavior. Watch for new or worsening depression, suicidal thoughts or behavior, especially during the first few months of treatment or when the dose changes. Let your healthcare provider know right away if you notice any unusual changes in your mood or behavior while taking amoxapine.

              risk-warning

              Possible bipolar disorder

              Sometimes, depression can be the first sign of a bipolar disorder. Unfortunately, amoxapine doesn't treat bipolar disorder and can set off a manic phase (high energy). Your provider will screen you for bipolar disorder before you start amoxapine. Let them know about your full medical history and if anyone in your family has a history of bipolar disorder.

              risk-warning

              Eye problems

              • Risk factors: Narrow-angle glaucoma

                Many antidepressants, including amoxapine, can cause eye-related side effects. This can cause eye pain in people who already have eye conditions, such as glaucoma. Let your provider know if you have a history of eye problems and if amoxapine starts causing vision changes or discomfort.

                risk-warning

                Difficulty controlling movements

                • Risk factors: Older adults (especially women) | Taking amoxapine for a long time

                  Amoxapine can cause a movement condition called tardive dyskinesia (TD). Common symptoms of TD include uncontrollable facial movements, such as blinking or sticking out your tongue. It happens more often to older adults, especially older women, but it can happen to anyone. Let your provider know if this starts to happen to you or a loved one if you're a caregiver. Sometimes TD will go away if the medication is stopped or the dose is lowered.

                  risk-warning

                  Neuroleptic malignant syndrome

                  Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) is a rare, but life-threatening condition that's associated with amoxapine use. Symptoms include high fever, fast heart rate, full body stiffness, and confusion. Get medical attention right away if you notice any of these symptoms. Your healthcare provider will probably find another medication that'll work better for you.

                  dosage

                  Amoxapine dosage forms

                  The average cost for 21 tablets of 50mg of Amoxapine is $13.00 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 70.92% off the average retail price of $44.70.
                  tablet
                  Tablet
                  DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                  25mg30 tablets$12.46$0.42
                  50mg21 tablets$13.00$0.62
                  100mg30 tablets$22.67$0.76
                  150mg30 tablets$32.01$1.07

                  Typical dosing for Amoxapine

                  The typical starting dose is 50 mg by mouth two or three times a day. Your healthcare provider will adjust your dose based on your depression symptoms. The typical maintenance dose ranges from 200 mg to 300 mg a day.

                  interactions

                  Interactions between Amoxapine and other drugs

                  Amoxapine may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Amoxapine. Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

                  Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.

                  Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

                  Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

                  drug-cost

                  How much does Amoxapine cost?

                  To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.
                  Amoxapine (generic)
                  GoodRx lowest price

                  $12.46

                  (save 72.13%)
                  View prices & coupons
                  contraindications-icon

                  Amoxapine contraindications

                  Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Amoxapine will not be safe for you to take.
                  alternatives

                  What are alternatives to Amoxapine?

                  There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Amoxapine. Compare a few possible alternatives below.
                  Amoxapine
                  Used for:

                  • Depression that comes along with anxiety or agitation

                  $12.46 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                  Amitriptyline
                  Used for:

                  • Depression

                  $4.00 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                  Mirtazapine (Remeron)
                  Used for:
                  $4.50 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                  images

                  Amoxapine images

                  Orange Round 5714 And Dan 50 - Amoxapine 50mg Tablet
                  This medicine is Orange, Round, Scored Tablet Imprinted With "Dan 50" And "5714".Orange Round 5714 And Dan 50 - Amoxapine 50mg Tablet
                  White Round Ce 167 - Amoxapine 50mg Tablet
                  This medicine is White, Round, Scored Tablet Imprinted With "Ce 167".White Round Ce 167 - Amoxapine 50mg Tablet

                  Get savings updates for Amoxapine

                  Receive price alerts, news, and other messages from GoodRx about Amoxapine and other healthcare topics and relevant savings offers.

                  By signing up, I agree to GoodRx's Terms and Privacy Policy, and to receive marketing messages from GoodRx.

                  References

                  Best studies we found

                  2023 American Geriatrics Society Beers Criteria® Update Expert Panel. (2023). American Geriatrics Society 2023 updated AGS Beers Criteria® forpotentially inappropriate medication use in older adults. 

                  Actavis Pharma, Inc. (2015). Amoxapine tablet [package insert]. DailyMed.

                  American Psychiatric Association. (2010). Practice guideline for the treatment of patients with major depressive disorder.

                  View All References (1)

                  MedlinePlus. (2022). Agitation.

                  GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.
                  Was this page helpful?

                  Compare other Depression, Anxiety drugs

                  Elavil vs AmoxapineElavil vs AnafranilElavil vs CafergotElavil vs CymbaltaElavil vs DesipramineElavil vs DesyrelElavil vs DoxepinElavil vs EffexorElavil vs FioricetElavil vs ImitrexElavil vs LamictalElavil vs LidocaineElavil vs MaprotilineElavil vs OleptroElavil vs PamelorElavil vs PropranololElavil vs ProzacElavil vs SilenorElavil vs SurmontilElavil vs TegretolElavil vs TofranilElavil vs TopamaxElavil vs TrazodoneElavil vs VivactilLunesta vs RemeronLyrica vs ElavilLyrica vs RemeronRemeron vs ElavilWellbutrin vs ElavilZoloft vs Elavil
                  View More

                  Browse medications

                  View All

                  Research prescriptions and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.