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Синекван

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Синекван

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Treatment option: Alcoholism, Neurosis, Psychosis, Sedation

Medically reviewed

Laura Arias

Last updated on 22/12/2025

This page provides general, reference-level information compiled from official medical sources. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For decisions about your health, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

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Overview of Синекван

Quick Facts

Property Description
Active ingredient Doxepin hydrochloride
Form Oral capsule, oral solution, topical cream
Pharmacological class Tricyclic Antidepressant (TCA)
General purpose Relieves emotional distress, anxiety, and promotes sleep
Origin Synthetic, dibenzoxepin derivative

What Type of Medicine is Синекван?

Синекван is a psychotropic agent containing the active ingredient doxepin hydrochloride, which is classified as a Tricyclic Antidepressant (TCA). It is a synthetic compound, specifically a dibenzoxepin derivative, known for its historical use and broad pharmacological scope. Its position as a foundational drug in the TCA class, supported by decades of clinical use, confirms its role in modulating central nervous system activity.


Forms, Composition, and Chemical Identity

The active substance, doxepin, is administered primarily by the oral route in forms such as an oral capsule or an oral solution concentrate, though it is also prepared as a topical cream. Doxepin is chemically manufactured as a racemic mixture of two geometric shapes, the (E)-isomer and the (Z)-isomer. The compound is metabolized to an active form, nordoxepin, which further contributes to the overall therapeutic effect. These preparations rely on standard pharmaceutical carriers tailored for their respective routes of administration.


What is the General Purpose of Doxepin?

The general purpose of doxepin is to help relieve significant emotional discomfort and psychological distress. It works by balancing the supply of key neurotransmitters, such as Norepinephrine and Serotonin, in the brain. The drug's most notable differentiating feature is its high affinity for the Histamine H1-receptor, a mechanism that provides a strong, inherent calming and sedative effect. This dual action makes it broadly beneficial for addressing pervasive anxiety and promoting a more restful, stable state, particularly in cases where sleep disturbance is a component.

Regulatory References

  1. Doxepin - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf
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What side effects are possible with Синекван?

Possible Side Effects and Safety Information

Adverse effects associated with Doxepin (Синекван) are formally classified by government regulatory authorities based on their reported frequency and the affected system-organ class. The most frequently documented reactions are typically related to its anticholinergic and sedative properties. Effects such as dry mouth, somnolence (drowsiness), constipation, and dizziness are often categorized as Very Common or Common and are sometimes more pronounced at the beginning of treatment.

Regulatory labeling organizes adverse effects into system-organ classes, highlighting potential impact on the Nervous System (e.g., tremor, confusion) and Cardiovascular System (e.g., tachycardia, hypotension).

Serious adverse reactions are explicitly documented in official labeling, which includes a Boxed Warning regarding the increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children, adolescents, and young adults taking antidepressants. Other serious, though rare, documented risks involve the potential for seizures, severe cardiac arrhythmias, and blood dyscrasias.

Safety notes also address specific populations: Older adults are officially noted to be more susceptible to adverse effects, including confusion and orthostatic hypotension. The medicine is formally contraindicated in the presence of pre-existing conditions such as untreated angle-closure glaucoma and a strong tendency toward urinary retention. These classifications structure the official understanding of the medicine’s risk profile, separating common, expected effects from rare, critical safety concerns.

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Overdose and Emergency Response

Overdose and when to seek help

Overdose with Синекван (Doxepin) is associated with severe manifestations of Tricyclic Antidepressant (TCA) toxicity, which is officially documented as potentially life-threatening. Immediate medical attention is required for any suspected overdose, regardless of the severity of initial signs.

Regulatory Mandate for Emergency Response

Due to the documented risk of symptoms, including fatal dysrhythmias and deaths, hospital monitoring is required as soon as possible. Regulators mandate contacting a Poison Help line or emergency services immediately for guidance. Continuous cardiac monitoring for a minimum of six hours is strongly advised to detect critical changes. Protecting the patient’s airway and establishing an intravenous line are also documented requirements for initial stabilization.

Documented Overdose Manifestations

Symptoms listed in regulatory labeling primarily involve the cardiovascular and central nervous systems (CNS). Critical signs include cardiac dysrhythmias, severe hypotension, convulsions, and profound CNS depression leading to coma. Other documented signs may include confusion, agitation, hyperpyrexia, and specific changes in the electrocardiogram, such as a QRS duration of 0.10 seconds, which is cited as an indicator of toxicity severity.

Overdose Management Notes

Official prescribing information details specific supportive procedures and contraindications. Gastrointestinal decontamination (such as gastric lavage and activated charcoal) is required. The use of certain treatments, including Physostigmine and Type 1A/1C antiarrhythmics, is generally not recommended or contraindicated due to established risks. Emesis is contraindicated, and monitoring of drug plasma levels should not be used to guide management.

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Therapeutic Uses of Синекван

The therapeutic scope for Doxepin (Синекван) is applied across clinical contexts involving symptoms related to emotional distress and physical discomfort. The medicine is used in conditions marked by increased psychological tension and functional stress.

Синекван is commonly used to address the symptom clusters of Major Depressive Disorder, pervasive Anxiety Disorders, chronic sleep maintenance challenges, and persistent pruritus. It provides support that helps ease the overall symptom burden, particularly when symptoms like tension, chronic worry, and nocturnal awakenings interfere with daily functioning. The medication is considered relevant for easing manifestations of Major Depressive Disorder, and may assist with symptoms where anxiety is a contributing factor. This means it is applied in scenarios where short-term symptomatic assistance is needed to help patients cope more steadily with difficult episodes.


Quick Facts: Therapeutic Focus

Feature Benefit
Symptom Cluster Pervasive anxiety, tension, chronic worry
Context of Use Conditions involving heightened psychological stress
Patient Benefit Contributes to easing emotional distress
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Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

This section summarizes the official population eligibility and restriction rules for Синекван (Doxepin), as documented in regulatory prescribing information. Eligibility is primarily defined by contraindications, age restrictions, and the status of certain pre-existing conditions.

Populations for Whom Use is Contraindicated

  • Individuals with known hypersensitivity to doxepin or related dibenzoxepines.
  • Patients diagnosed with glaucoma (specifically untreated narrow-angle glaucoma).
  • Patients with a history or tendency of urinary retention or severe urinary retention.
  • Patients currently taking, or who have taken within the last 14 days, a Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor (MAOI).
  • Patients with severe liver disease (as per some regulatory bodies).

Age-Related and Specific Population Rules

Population Category Official Regulatory Status
Pediatric Patients (<12 years) Not recommended; safe use conditions have not been established [1.3].
Older Adults (Geriatric) Allowed, but requires caution; dose selection must start low due to increased susceptibility to effects [1.4].
Pregnancy Safety has not been established; use is advised only if clearly needed and the benefit justifies the potential risk [1.1].
Lactation (Breastfeeding) Not recommended or contraindicated due to the potential for adverse effects in the nursing infant [4.2].

Condition-Specific Eligibility Restrictions

Use requires caution in patients with hepatic (liver) impairment, renal (kidney) impairment, and those with severe cardiovascular disease [2.1]. The presence of these conditions places limitations on general eligibility.

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What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Interactions with other medicines and products

Синекван (doxepin) has known interactions with several classes of medications, primarily involving effects on brain chemistry and drug metabolism. These interactions require careful consideration and may necessitate dosage adjustments or avoidance of combination.

Interacting Product Category Interaction Mechanism / Resulting Risk
Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) Concomitant use, including with medicines like linezolid, is contraindicated due to the potentially fatal risk of Serotonin Syndrome (a severe increase in serotonin levels). A mandatory 14-day washout period is required when switching between these agents.
Other Serotonergic Drugs Concomitant use with other medications that increase serotonin, such as SSRIs, SNRIs, or triptans, increases the risk of Serotonin Syndrome.
Strong CYP2D6 Inhibitors Синекван is largely metabolized by the CYP2D6 enzyme. Strong inhibitors of this enzyme can increase doxepin concentrations in the blood, requiring a dosage reduction of Синекван to avoid adverse effects.
CNS Depressants and Alcohol The drug can cause significant sedation; using it concurrently with alcohol or other central nervous system depressants (e.g., sedating antihistamines) results in additive sedative effects, impairing alertness and coordination. Co-administration with alcohol should be avoided.
Antihypertensive Agents At daily dosages exceeding 150 mg, Синекван has been reported to block the antihypertensive effect of guanethidine and related compounds.
Cimetidine Cimetidine is known to increase doxepin blood levels, which may require monitoring and a dosage reduction of Синекван.
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Mechanism of Action

Синекван (Doxepin) works through several key mechanisms that modulate neurotransmitter activity and receptor signaling in the central nervous system.

Modulation of Key Neurotransmitters

Синекван primarily acts as an inhibitor of the sodium-dependent transporter proteins responsible for the reuptake of norepinephrine (NE) and serotonin (5-HT) into presynaptic nerve terminals. This mechanism increases the concentration and prolongs the action of these two critical neurotransmitters in the synaptic cleft, which results in the modulation of adrenergic and serotonergic signal transmission.


Antagonism of Histamine and Adrenergic Receptors

The drug engages mechanisms that block specific receptor-mediated signaling pathways by acting as an antagonist at histamine H1 receptors and, to a lesser extent, alpha1-adrenergic receptors. The drug’s high-affinity binding to H1 receptors initiates a signaling sequence that influences central nervous system processes related to arousal. This antagonism elicits downstream physiological effects, including adjustments in arousal and alertness, and affects systemic responses mediated by histamine.


Antimuscarinic Pathway Engagement

Синекван also engages mechanisms that involve muscarinic acetylcholine receptor antagonism. This anticholinergic activity modulates key pathways associated with the regulation of various autonomic and cognitive processes throughout the body. This action modulates the muscarinic pathway, affecting early molecular steps in the parasympathetic cascade.

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Dosage and Administration Information

Official Administration Guidelines for Doxepin

The usage of doxepin (Синекван) is determined by its official formulation, following distinct protocols for systemic treatment and localized application.

Administration Scope

Feature General Guidelines
Route of Administration Oral (capsule or solution) for systemic effects; Topical (cream) for localized skin treatment.
Dosing Schedule (Oral) Standard range is typically 75 mg to 150 mg per day for anxiety/depression. The maximum recommended dosage is 300 mg per day. For low-dose use (sleep maintenance), the dose is 6 mg once daily.
Frequency and Timing The full oral daily dose may be given as a single dose, often taken at bedtime. Alternatively, it may be administered in divided doses. Topical cream is applied four times daily, spaced at least three to four hours apart.

Preparation and Special Conditions

Oral administration of the concentrate solution (10 mg/mL) requires mandatory dilution immediately before use, mixed with approximately 120 mL (four ounces) of liquid, such as water, milk, or specific juices.

For age-specific use, older adults are typically initiated on a lower dose, with the low-dose form starting at 3 mg once daily. Pediatric use (under 12 years) of the oral capsule/solution is not recommended. The low-dose tablet should not be taken within 3 hours of a meal.

Treatment with the topical cream should not exceed 8 days, and the application site should not be covered with an occlusive dressing. The cessation of oral doxepin requires a gradual dosage reduction to align with official procedural guidelines.

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Recent Clinical Evidence

Research Evidence / Overview of Studies for Синекван


Evidence for Use in Depression and Anxiety (Oral Capsules/Solution)

Research examining Синекван was studied for adults who experienced symptoms associated with depression and anxiety, including those where the emotional discomfort was associated with alcoholism or organic disease. The research context involved historical Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) which used in research exploring how symptoms change over time. These studies research examined outcomes related to changes in depressed mood, anxiety, and tension, along with associated outcomes related to systemic or functional imbalance.

Studies monitored outcomes related to symptom measurement based on clinical rating scales. However, because much of this research is historical, the findings were mixed and evidence quality varies across studies compared to current standards. Long-term effects are not fully established by these initial controlled trials. Follow-up durations were limited primarily to assessing acute symptom change.


Evidence for Use in Insomnia and Sleep Maintenance (Low-Dose Tablets)

A separate and more recent body of research was studied for the low-dose formulation of Синекван in addressing conditions characterized by fluctuating or episodic manifestations of sleep maintenance difficulties. This research base includes multiple, modern Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trials (RCTs). These studies research examined objective sleep parameters such as Wake After Sleep Onset (WASO), Total Sleep Time (TST), and Sleep Efficiency (SE), alongside patient-reported outcomes describing perceived discomfort with sleep.

The trials studies report how symptoms evolved in the observed populations compared to an inactive substance (placebo). The findings describe patterns observed in the studies related to changes in sleep maintenance outcomes; however, the measurements showed only a small-to-medium difference when compared against the placebo control. Follow-up durations were limited to intermediate periods, with the maximum controlled data covering up to 12 weeks. Limited information for long-term outcomes beyond three months means that the knowledge about continued use remains uncertain.


Evidence for Use as a Topical Treatment for Itching (Pruritus)

The topical cream formulation was evaluated in Randomized Double-Blind, Vehicle-Controlled Trials focusing on adults experiencing pruritus (itching) linked to conditions such as Atopic Dermatitis and Lichen Simplex Chronicus. These studies research examined outcomes linked to inflammatory or irritative states, specifically looking at changes in the severity of itching. The controlled data was associated with a maximum duration of application limited to 8 days.

Data for certain groups remain insufficient as the controlled trials focused primarily on adults. Furthermore, because follow-up durations were limited to just over one week, there is limited information for long-term outcomes or repeated use of the cream.


What is Still Uncertain About Синекван

For the historical use in depression and anxiety, evidence quality varies across studies, and the lack of modern, large-scale RCTs means certainty remains low for some findings. Across all formulations, data for certain groups remain insufficient, particularly for long-term use in children and in patients with multiple specific comorbidities. The existing studies provide insight into short-term changes but do not offer individual predictions, and research does not determine whether an individual will respond similarly.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Синекван (FAQ)

Q: Does Drug X cause drowsiness or affect my ability to drive?

Studies and official product information indicate that drowsiness or dizziness has been reported as an effect of this medicine. The official labeling recommends that individuals use caution when operating machinery or driving, as effects on mental alertness may occur.

Q: Is Drug X safe to take for more than one year?

The approved clinical studies that supported the regulatory approval of Drug X assessed treatment duration for a specific, limited time, up to a maximum of [X] months. The official product information does not comprehensively summarize data on use beyond this duration. For specific guidance regarding long-term use, the individual should consult with their healthcare provider.

Q: Is Drug X safe for children who are 2 years old?

According to the official product information, Drug X is approved only for use in adults and pediatric patients aged [Y] years and older. Safety and effectiveness have not been confirmed in children younger than [Y] years of age. Based on the official product information, use in children aged 2 years old is not supported by current data.

Q: What is the correct way to store Drug X?

The regulatory documents specify that Drug X should be stored at controlled room temperature, which is typically between 68^circF to 77^circF (20^circC to 25^circC). The official product information notes that the product should be kept in its original container and protected from both light and excessive moisture to maintain its stability.

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How should Синекван be stored and disposed of?

How to Store and Dispose of Sinequan

Official regulatory guidelines mandate specific storage and handling requirements for Sinequan (Doxepin HCl) to ensure stability and safety.

Storage Requirements

Item Requirement
Temperature Store at 20 C to 25 C (68 F to 77 F). Excursions permitted between 15 C and 30 C (59 F and 86 F) (USP Controlled Room Temperature).
Child Safety Keep Sinequan and all drugs out of the reach of children.
Oral Concentrate Avoid excessive heat. Must be mixed just prior to administration with acceptable diluents (e.g., water, milk, or specific juices). Do NOT mix with carbonated beverages.

Disposal

Official labeling does not provide explicit disposal rules, suggesting patients should follow general local and federal drug disposal guidelines.

Attention! Always consult to a doctor or pharmacist before using pills or medicines.

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