Asendin
(amoxapine)
Stabilizes your mood.
Our bottom line
While Asendin (amoxapine) can treat depression, you have to take it several times a day and it can make you feel sleepy.
- Drug class: Neuro/psych
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (amoxapine)
Upsides
- Asendin (amoxapine) can be used to treat more severe forms of depression.
- Compared to similar medicines, Asendin (amoxapine) improves the mood in depression more quickly.
- Asendin (amoxapine) is available as generic.
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What to expect from amoxapine, on one page
Download Fact SheetDownsides
- Asendin (amoxapine) is not a first choice medicine for depression because of side effects.
- In some people, Asendin (amoxapine) can stop working as early as 2-3 months after you start taking it.
- Not recommended in older people, children under 16, or people who've had a history of seizures.
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What to expect from amoxapine, on one page
Download Fact SheetAsendin (amoxapine) is a tricyclic antidepressant. It increases the activity of serotonin and norepinephrine in your brain which regulate your mood.
- Drug class: Neuro/psych
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (amoxapine)
Used for
Dosage forms
- Pill
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What to expect when you take Asendin (amoxapine) for Depression
Skip what to expect section. Skip to side effects section.- First few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonthsLong term
- Effectiveness
- Starts to kick inFull effects
- First few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonthsLong term
- Possible side effects
- Changes in movement
- Increased risk of suicide
- Insomnia
- Drowsiness
Side effect rates for Asendin (amoxapine)
- Drowsiness or fatigue14%14%
- Dry mouth14%14%
- Constipation12%12%
- Vision changes7%7%
The placebo bar shows how common a side effect was for people taking a sugar pill instead of amoxapine.
People taking amoxapine felt side effect more
People taking amoxapine felt side effect less
Risks and Warnings for Asendin (amoxapine)
Skip risks section. Skip to common concerns section.- Higher risk if:
- › People under age 24
Taking Asendin (amoxapine) can make you more likely to harm yourself or commit suicide, especially if you are younger and during the first few weeks of taking the medicine. If you or your child feel like they want to hurt themselves while taking Asendin (amoxapine), call the doctor right away.
This is a black box warning. The FDA requires this warning when there is a significant risk of serious or life-threatening effects that anyone taking the drug should consider.
Pharmacist Q&A
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is this drug for?
This medication treats depression.Common concerns from people taking Asendin (amoxapine)
Final section. Do you want to return to drug navigation?Research studies with animals found harmful effects on unborn babies. It hasn’t been properly studied in humans. The benefits might outweigh the risks even if you’re pregnant. Talk with your doctor.
Tip: Always talk with your doctor before you take any medication while pregnant.- Take Asendin (amoxapine) with food to avoid stomach upset.
- You can feel very tired or sleepy. Don't drive or do anything that requires concentration until you know how it affects you.