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Compare Elavil vs. Doxepin

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Amitriptyline (formerly branded as Elavil) and doxepin (formerly branded as Sinequan) are both tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) used to treat depression. However, doxepin is also FDA approved for anxiety, while amitriptyline is often used off-label for nerve pain and migraine prevention. Both medications can cause sleepiness and weight gain, but amitriptyline has a higher risk of interactions with other medications, such as sedatives and antihistamines. Doxepin is available in an oral solution form, which can be helpful if you have trouble swallowing pills. Both medications can cause withdrawal symptoms if stopped suddenly, and they are not recommended for people with certain heart conditions or glaucoma. Additionally, both can worsen mood symptoms, especially in younger individuals.

  • Amitriptyline
    Doxepin (Sinequan)
  • Amitriptyline
    Doxepin (Sinequan)

  • Summary of Elavil vs. Doxepin

    Summary for Tricyclic antidepressant
    Prescription only

    Amitriptyline is FDA approved to treat depression. But it isn't as commonly used today as other antidepressants because it can cause a lot of side effects, such as sleepiness and weight gain. In addition, amitriptyline has many interactions with other medications, including other antidepressants, sedatives, and antihistamines. But despite the side effects and interactions, amitriptyline is often used off label for nerve pain due to diabetes and migraine prevention. While its brand name Elavil is no longer available, amitriptyline is available as a generic medication.

    Summary for Tricyclic antidepressant
    Prescription only

    Doxepin (Sinequan) is a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA). It comes as a capsule that's taken by mouth to treat depression or anxiety in people over the age of 12. But it's not a first-choice option for these conditions because of the risk of side effects, such as drowsiness, dry mouth, and weight gain. The typical dose of doxepin (Sinequan) ranges from 75 mg to 150 mg by mouth once daily. It's available as a generic capsule and oral solution; the brand name (Sinequan) is discontinued. <br> Note: Doxepin (Silenor) tablets are FDA-approved for insomnia.

  • Indications of Elavil vs. Doxepin

    Indications for
    •Depression
    Indications for
    •Depression
    •Anxiety

  • Pros and Cons of Elavil vs. Doxepin

    Pros and Const for Tricyclic antidepressant
    Pros
    •Available in many different strengths
    •Available as a lower-cost, generic form
    •Can take with or without food
    Cons
    •Has many unpleasant side effects compared to other antidepressants
    •Can cause withdrawal symptoms if you suddenly stop taking it after long-term use
    •Not the best choice for people with heart problems, glaucoma, or seizures or people age 65 years and older
    Pros and Const for Tricyclic antidepressant
    Pros
    •Taken by mouth
    •Typically taken once daily
    •Available as oral capsules and solution
    Cons
    •Need to avoid alcohol while taking it
    •Can take 2 to 3 weeks before you notice the full effects for depression
    •Can cause withdrawal symptoms if you stop taking the medication suddenly

  • Common Side Effects of Elavil vs. Doxepin

    Common Side Effects for
    •Sleepiness
    •Dizziness
    •Weakness
    •Fatigue
    •Headache
    •Dry mouth
    •Nausea
    •Vomiting
    •Constipation
    •Weight gain
    Common Side Effects for
    •Drowsiness
    •Blurred vision
    •Dry mouth
    •Constipation
    •Trouble passing urine

  • Warnings of Elavil vs. Doxepin

    Common Side Effects for
    •Worsening depression, suicidal thoughts, and unusual behavior
    •Not for use alone in bipolar disorder
    •Risk of heart problems, heart attack, or stroke
    •Seizures
    •Glaucoma
    •Higher risk of falls
    Common Side Effects for
    •Suicidal thoughts or behavior
    •Unmasking of bipolar disorder
    •Serotonin syndrome
    •Drowsiness

  • Prices with our coupons for Elavil vs. Doxepin

    Learn more about Amitriptyline
    Learn more about Doxepin

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