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DOTHIEPIN (now Dosulepin)
(Dopress. Your brand is:
)
What does it do?
Dothiepin is used to treat and prevent depression, and sometimes other conditions.
How should you take it?
Take dothiepin regularly as directed with a glass of water, usually at night time.
What if you miss a dose?
Take the missed dose if you remember on the same day. If not, skip the dose and carry on as
normal. Do not take two doses at the same time.
Can you take other medicines?
Some medicines available without a prescription may react with dothiepin including:
 some antihistamines (may be in anti-allergy, anti-nausea and cough/cold preparations)
 cold and flu preparations containing phenylephrine (e.g. Sudafed PE) or dextromethorphan
(e.g. Robitussin Dry Cough Forte)
 anti-sickness preparations (e.g. Sea-legs)
 anti-diarrhoea preparations (e.g. Diastop)
Tell your pharmacist or doctor about all medicines or treatments that you may be taking including
vitamins, herbal products (e.g. St John’s wort) or recreational drugs (e.g. ecstasy).
What side effects might you notice?
Side Effects
Fast or irregular heartbeat, fainting
Fever, sweating, tremor, confusion
Anxiety, restlessness
Drowsiness, dizziness, headache, trouble sleeping
Dry mouth, changes in taste, changes in vision, trouble urinating
Constipation, weight gain
Skin rash
Involuntary movements
Changes in sexual function
Recommended action
Tell your doctor immediately
Tell your doctor
Tell your doctor if troublesome
If you notice any other effects, discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist.
Other information:
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Tell your doctor if you have liver, heart, thyroid, prostate or urinary problems.
Tell your doctor if you have glaucoma, bipolar disorder, or if you have ever had a seizure.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
Your doctor may need to do a heart test (ECG) before you start and while you are taking
dothiepin.
Dothiepin may make you dizzy or sleepy and make it dangerous to drive, operate machinery or do
activities that require you to be alert. Limit alcohol intake because it can increase these effects.
If your depression continues to get worse, see your doctor.
Do not stop taking dothiepin without talking to your doctor.
Prepared by the PILs Committee at Christchurch Hospital, Canterbury District Health Board, New Zealand. Jan 2015