Prothiaden and Dosulepin: Same Medication
Yes, Prothiaden and dosulepin are the same medication—Prothiaden is simply the brand name for the generic drug dosulepin (also known as dothiepin). 1, 2
Nomenclature and Chemical Identity
- Dosulepin (also spelled dothiepin) is the generic name for this tricyclic antidepressant (TCA), which is structurally related to amitriptyline 1
- Prothiaden is the proprietary/brand name under which dosulepin hydrochloride has been marketed 2, 3
- The chemical name is 11-(3-dimethylaminopropylidene)-6,11-dihydrodibenzo[b,e]thiepin hydrochloride, making it a thio analogue of amitriptyline 4
Clinical Characteristics
- Dosulepin/Prothiaden functions as a tricyclic antidepressant with efficacy comparable to amitriptyline, imipramine, and other TCAs 1
- The medication works by facilitating noradrenergic neurotransmission through uptake inhibition and possibly enhancing serotoninergic neurotransmission 1
- Typical dosing ranges from 75-225 mg/day, with most patients requiring 125-150 mg/day 2
- It can be administered as a single daily dose, which appears particularly beneficial for symptomatic insomnia during early treatment 3
Important Safety Considerations
- Dosulepin carries an increased risk of toxicity in overdose compared with other antidepressants, prompting safety warnings from the MHRA and NICE in the UK 5
- Like other TCAs, cardiac toxicity is a concern, though dosulepin has not been associated with cardiotoxicity at therapeutic doses 1
- The most common side effect is dry mouth, though anticholinergic effects occur less frequently than with amitriptyline 1, 2
- Sedative/anxiolytic activity is similar to amitriptyline, making it useful for depression with coexisting anxiety 1