Indication
Depression
RAG rating
n/a
Document type
Patient information
Place
Hertfordshire and West Essex ICB
Output type
Pharmacy / Prescribing
Information leaflet
Dosulepin-Patient-information-leaflet.docx

Dosulepin Patient Information Leaflet


Dosulepin – Information for Patients

NHS guidance states that some medicines should not routinely be prescribed. This is because the medicines are:

·      Not as safe as other medicines OR

·      Not as good (effective) as other medicines OR

·      More expensive than other medicines that do the same thing.

One of these medicines is dosulepin.

This document will explain why the changes are happening and where you can get more information and support.

Why does the NHS want to reduce prescribing of dosulepin?

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) says that dosulepin should not be prescribed for depression because it may be harmful in some people and it is very dangerous in overdose. Death from dosulepin overdose can occur quickly, even before you can be treated in hospital.

As there are quite a lot of safety concerns about dosulepin, all patients currently taking it should have a review with their prescriber.

If dosulepin is dangerous should I stop taking it immediately?

You may suffer side effects if you stop taking dosulepin suddenly. The side effects are usually harmless but unpleasant. They may include headaches, flu-like symptoms, feeling sick, finding it hard to sleep, and feeling restless or anxious. Your prescriber will support you to reduce your dose of dosulepin gradually before you stop it and slowly introduce a new medicine (if you are to be prescribed one).

What options are available instead of dosulepin?

You can talk to your prescriber about the options available so that you can come to a joint decision about what’s best for you.

There are now many safer alternative antidepressants to dosulepin that have fewer side effects. It’s also possible that you will no longer need to take an antidepressant at all.

In exceptional (rare) circumstances dosulepin may continue to be prescribed if a consultant or other specialist healthcare professional supports this decision.

What do I do if my medicine has been changed and it’s causing me problems?

If you have problems with your new medicine, you should speak to your prescriber.

Where can I find more information and support?

 

Find out more about the medicines that are being stopped or reduced: https://www.england.nhs.uk/long-read/items-which-should-not-routinely-be-prescribed-in-primary-care-policy-guidance/


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