Dosulepin hydrochloride - Depression

At the Surrey and North-West Sussex Area Prescribing Committee (APC) held in June 2020, it was decided that all BLACK status drugs would have their review dates extended for 5 years without the need for a review.

If a clinician or provider wishes to change the traffic light status of any BLACK drug then they will need to submit a paper for change as per usual APC process.

The Prescribing Clinical Network does not recommend the use of dosulepin
Dosulepin will be considered BLACK on the traffic light system, prescribers should:
- NOT initiate dosulepin for any new patient;
AND
- Switch patients taking dosulepin to an alternative antidepressant

In exceptional circumstances where there is a clinical need for dosulepin to be prescribed in primary care this should be undertaken in a cooperation arrangement with a multidisciplinary team and / or other healthcare professional

Note - The Mood Hive and associated local depression and anxiety treatment guidelines have been removed from PAD.

Updated guidelines and resources for treating and managing depression in adults are being developed by Surrey & Borders Partnership. For current advice, in line with NICE guidance, please see the Clinical Knowledge Summaries - link provided below