Amoxapine
Amoxapine is a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) that is primarily used to treat major depressive disorder and associated anxiety symptoms. It works by increasing the levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brain, including norepinephrine and serotonin.
Amoxapine is an antidepressant used to treat major depressive disorder by restoring neurotransmitter balance in the brain.
This medication carries a boxed (black box) warning — the strongest type of FDA warning. Review the full prescribing information before use.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- N06AA17
- RxNorm
- 722
- Generic
- Amoxapine
- Class
- atc-n06
- Brands
- —
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- tablet
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 500mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 250mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 400mg daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
10 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
use only if benefits outweigh potential risks to fetus
regular fetal monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
third trimestertaper before delivery if possible
consider tapering in third trimester to avoid neonatal toxicity
neonatal monitoring after birth for withdrawal symptoms
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedinguse lowest effective dose
monitor infant for sedation, irritability, and feeding difficulties
observe infant for adverse effects
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
geriatric
elderly over 65start at very low dose and titrate slowly
avoid or use extreme caution due to anticholinergic effects and orthostatic hypotension risk
monitor blood pressure, cardiac function, and cognitive status
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
children under 12not recommended
not approved for use in children due to limited safety and efficacy data
n/a
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pediatric_age
adolescents 12 17use with caution if benefits outweigh risks
close monitoring required for suicidal ideation and behavioral changes
regular psychiatric monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
mildno major adjustment needed
monitor renal function periodically
monitor renal function
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
severereduce dose by 25-50%
use with caution and consider dose reduction
monitor renal function and drug levels if available
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
mild to moderatereduce dose by 25-50%
use with caution and consider dose reduction
monitor liver function and drug levels if available
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
severeavoid or use significantly reduced dose
avoid use in severe hepatic impairment due to significantly impaired metabolism
monitor liver function closely
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
Statistics and clinical data
Commonly prescribed since
FDA approval year for Amoxapine
Drug class
Pharmacological classification system
Common uses
Primary therapeutic indication
Mechanism of action
Primary pharmacodynamic action
Treatment of major depressive disorder, particularly cases with prominent anxiety or agitation. May also be used for schizoaffective disorder and bipolar depression in some patients.
Amoxapine works by inhibiting the reuptake of norepinephrine and serotonin at neuronal synapses, thereby increasing their availability. It also exhibits weak dopamine D2 receptor blocking activity, which may contribute to its antipsychotic-like effects.
May cause sedation, dry mouth, blurred vision, or constipation. Should not be stopped abruptly. May take 2-4 weeks to see full therapeutic effects. Use with caution in patients with history of seizures, urinary retention, or cardiovascular disease.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 24, 2026. · Read our editorial policy