Who can take dosulepin
Dosulepin is usually only prescribed if you're already taking it and have not had any serious side effects.
If you have not had dosulepin before, your doctor will not usually prescribe it. This is because of the risk of serious side effects. Occasionally, however, it may still be the best choice of treatment for you.
If other treatments have not helped you, your doctor may refer you to a specialist (such as a psychiatrist or pain consultant). If the specialist thinks dosulepin is the best medicine for you, they may prescribe it.
Most adults aged 18 years and over can take dosulepin.
If you have diabetes, dosulepin can make it more difficult to keep your blood sugar stable. Your doctor may recommend that you monitor your blood sugar more often for the first few weeks of taking it. This is so they can adjust your diabetes treatment if necessary.
Who may not be able to take dosulepin
Dosulepin is not suitable for some people. To make sure it's safe for you, check with your doctor if you:
- have ever had an allergic reaction to dosulepin or any other medicine
- have a heart problem – dosulepin can make some heart problems worse
- have a rare condition called porphyria
- have liver or kidney problems
- have epilepsy or are having electroconvulsive treatment – dosulepin may increase your risk of having a fit or seizure (jerking or shaking uncontrollably)
- have an eye problem called glaucoma – dosulepin can increase the pressure in your eye
- have thoughts about harming yourself or ending your life
- are trying to become pregnant, are already pregnant or are breastfeeding
- are going to be put to sleep (have an anaesthetic) before an operation