sofidexFor patientsAre you a clinician? Clinical site
Ask Sofi
Listen
Patient SupportEmergencies & Reporting
Log inSign up

Warning-sign checks

Doxepin overdose: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Call 911 immediately if the person is difficult to wake, has a seizure, collapses, has trouble breathing, or has taken doxepin intentionally.

    Elsewhere, call your local poison centre or emergency number.

    Routine follow-up happens after emergency care.

    And for anyone, someone who:

    • is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    New fainting, seizures, breathing difficulty, or marked confusion after discharge require urgent reassessment.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Seek follow-up advice for ongoing tiredness, cough after vomiting, muscle pain, reduced urination, or concerns about restarting medicines.

    And for anyone, someone who:

    • is having side effects from a medicine, or is struggling to take it as prescribed

The article also says

Any known or possible doxepin overdose needs immediate professional advice, even if there are no symptoms.

In the United States, call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 .

While waiting for help:

Do not make the person vomit

Do not give food, drink, charcoal, or another medicine unless instructed

Do not let the person drive

Keep the medicine container or packaging for responders

Place an unconscious but breathing person on their side if safe

Start CPR if they are not breathing and you know how

If an intentional overdose may have occurred, stay with the person if it is safe.

Remove access to remaining medicines without putting yourself at risk.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Doxepin overdose. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.