Sinequan- Can Anybody Tell Me About This Stuff?

[The Hermit King]

On my last trip the VA they tell me that this particular VA hospital has discontinued prescribing benzodiazepines for anxiety and panic attacks for patients with PTSD. So they put me on something called Sinequan and tell me it will help with anxiety, panic, and social phobia.

If anybody has any experience with this stuff please share it with me. Like how well it works if at all, side effects and withdrawal effects if I stop taking it. I am very cautious with anything that messes with the chemical balance of my brain after a bad experience years ago with effexor.

Thanks.

 

[cherryblossom]

Please be aware of [DLMURL]https://www.ptsdforum.org/c/threads/use-of-text-speak-and-abbreviations-when-posting.30234/#post-484955[/DLMURL]

Please explain your abbreviation 'VA', so that everyone can understand. (Is it Veterans Association?)

As far as I know Sinequan (Doxepin) is a tricyclic antidepressant. As such it takes a few weeks for it to reach therapeutic benefits, unlike benzodiazepines which work very quickly, and tend to be taken and prescribed as needed (Pro Re Nata -PRN) within limits.

Tricyclics may interact with other antidepressants, and any sedative medication, also including alcohol. They are also extremely dangerous in overdose, and as such have been prescribed less and less over recent years. Selective Serotonin Re-uptake Inhibitors (SSRI's), and other classes of newer antidepressants are often more favoured.

Several years ago I took a different tricyclic (dosulepin) and the major side effect for me was a really dry mouth. Seriously dry mouth. I had to stop taking it, because I couldn't talk without constantly drinking water, which wasn't practical during work!

 

[The Hermit King]

Please explain your abbreviation 'VA', so that everyone can understand.

Veterans Affairs, it's who veterans get their health care through after leaving the military. Sorry.