Last reviewed · How we verify
Amoxan (AMOXAPINE)
Amoxapine, a tricyclic antidepressant, is a small molecule that targets the 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor 2A. Originally developed by Lederle, it was FDA-approved in 1980 for the treatment of depressive disorder. As an off-patent medication, amoxapine is available as a generic from multiple manufacturers. Key safety considerations include its potential for side effects such as drowsiness, dry mouth, and cardiac arrhythmias. Its half-life of 30 hours and bioavailability of 36% are also important pharmacokinetic factors.
At a glance
| Generic name | AMOXAPINE |
|---|---|
| Sponsor | Pfizer |
| Drug class | Tricyclic Antidepressant [EPC] |
| Target | 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor 2A |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Neuroscience |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
| First approval | 1980 |
Approved indications
- Depressive disorder
Boxed warnings
- Suicidality and Antidepressant Drugs Antidepressants increased the risk compared to placebo of suicidal thinking and behavior (suicidality) in children, adolescents, and young adults in short-term studies of major depressive disorder (MDD) and other psychiatric disorders. Anyone considering the use of amoxapine or any other antidepressant in a child, adolescent, or young adult must balance this risk with the clinical need. Short-term studies did not show an increase in the risk of suicidality with antidepressants compared to placebo in adults beyond age 24; there was a reduction in risk with antidepressants compared to placebo in adults aged 65 and older. Depression and certain other psychiatric disorders are themselves associated with increases in the risk of suicide. Patients of all ages who are started on antidepressant therapy should be monitored appropriately and observed closely for clinical worsening, suicidality, or unusual changes in behavior. Families and caregivers should be advised of the need for close observation and communication with the prescriber. Amoxapine is not approved for use in pediatric patients. (See Warnings: Clinical Worsening and Suicide Risk , Precautions: Information for Patients , and Precautions: Pediatric Use )
Common side effects
- drowsiness
- dry mouth
- constipation
- blurred vision
- nausea
- dizziness
- headache
- fatigue
- weakness
- excessive appetite
- increased perspiration
- hypotension
Drug interactions
- carbamazepine
- cimetidine
- cisapride
- citalopram
- clonidine
- duloxetine
- escitalopram
- fluoxetine
- fluvoxamine
- isocarboxazid
- linezolid
- pargyline
Key clinical trials
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| FDA label | Mechanism, indications, dosing, boxed warnings, drug interactions |
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:
- Amoxan CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Amoxan updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- Pfizer portfolio CI