🩺 Main Uses
Depression; anxiety; insomnia (low‑dose formulations); pruritus (topical).
🧪 The Science & Facts
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Half‑life (t½)
15 h
How long the drug hangs around. Longer half‑life = slower changes.
Time to Peak (Tmax)
3 h
Roughly when you feel the main effect after a dose.
What it hits (receptors)
Primary:
Marked sedation and weight gain risk via H1 blockade.
How your body processes it (metabolism)
CYP2D6 genetics/inhibitors alter exposure.
⚠️ Warnings
- Very sedating, often used for insomnia at low doses.
- High anticholinergic load → dry mouth, constipation, blurred vision, urinary retention.
- Weight gain and daytime drowsiness are common.
- Dangerous in overdose (arrhythmia, seizures).
- Not great in older adults → delirium and falls risk.
⏬ Taper & Withdrawal
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If you’re reducing
Reduce slowly to avoid rebound insomnia/anxiety.
Possible withdrawal
Sleep disturbance, anxiety, cholinergic symptoms (sweating, nausea).
Info here is educational, not medical advice. Always taper with prescriber support if possible.
🧠 Trusted External Sources Last reviewed 22 Aug 2025, 21:25 by Connor O’Driscoll
🔗 Interaction Checker
Always verify drug interactions using the Drugs.com Checker.
Need Help Getting Off This?
Try your GP first. If that doesn't help, find local support services who understand tapering.
Find Support Near You →⚠️ Black Box Warning
Antidepressants can increase suicidal thoughts/behaviours in under‑25s.
This is a plain‑English summary of headline safety warnings. Talk to a clinician before changing any medication.