Generic Name: doxepin (Silenor) (DOX e pin)
Brand Names: Silenor
What is doxepin (Silenor)?
Doxepin (Silenor) is in a group of drugs called hypnotics.
Doxepin (Silenor) is used to treat insomnia in people who have trouble staying asleep.
Doxepin may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about doxepin (Silenor)?
You should not use doxepin if you are allergic to it, or if you have untreated narrow-angle glaucoma or severe problems with urination. Do not use doxepin if you have used an MAO inhibitor such as furazolidone (Furoxone), isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) within the past 14 days. Serious, life-threatening side effects can occur if you take doxepin before the MAO inhibitor has cleared from your body. Some people using this medicine have engaged in activity such as driving, eating, or making phone calls and later having no memory of the activity. If this happens to you, stop taking doxepin and talk with your doctor.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking doxepin (Silenor)?
Some people using this medicine have engaged in activity such as driving, eating, or making phone calls and later having no memory of the activity. If this happens to you, stop taking doxepin and talk with your doctor. You should not use doxepin if you are allergic to it, or if you have untreated narrow-angle glaucoma or severe problems with urination. Do not use doxepin if you have used an MAO inhibitor such as furazolidone (Furoxone), isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) within the past 14 days. Serious, life-threatening side effects can occur if you take doxepin before the MAO inhibitor has cleared from your body.
If you have any of these other conditions, you may need a doxepin dose adjustment or special tests:
sleep apnea (breathing stops during sleep);
depression;
bipolar disorder (manic-depression); or
liver disease.
FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether doxepin will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication. It is not known whether doxepin passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Do not give doxepin to anyone younger than 18 years old without the advice of a doctor.
How should I take doxepin (Silenor)?
Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
Take this medication within 30 minutes before bedtime. Doxepin should not be taken within 3 hours after eating a meal.
It may take 7 to 10 days before your insomnia symptoms improve. Keep using the medication as directed and tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 10 days of treatment. Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
Do not take Silenor if you do not have time for a full night's sleep before being active again.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. An overdose of doxepin can be fatal.
Overdose symptoms may include uneven heartbeats, extreme drowsiness, agitation, vomiting, blurred vision, confusion, hallucinations, feeling hot or cold, muscle stiffness, feeling light-headed, fainting, seizure (convulsions), or coma.
What should I avoid while taking doxepin (Silenor)?
Do not drink alcohol. Doxepin can increase the effects of alcohol, which could be dangerous. Doxepin may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert.
Avoid taking Silenor within 3 hours after eating a meal.
Doxepin (Silenor) side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Report any new or worsening symptoms of depression to your doctor, such as: mood or behavior changes, anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, or if you feel impulsive, irritable, agitated, hostile, aggressive, restless, hyperactive (mentally or physically), more depressed, or have thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself. Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:
fast, pounding, or uneven heart rate;
confusion, hallucinations, unusual thoughts or behavior, seizure (convulsions);
easy bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness;
feeling light-headed, fainting;
restless muscle movements in your eyes, tongue, jaw, or neck;
tremors or uncontrollable shaking;
urinating less than usual or not at all; or
extreme thirst with headache, nausea, vomiting, and weakness.
Less serious side effects may include:
drowsiness, dizziness;
nausea;
cold symptoms such as stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat;
feeling dizzy, drowsy, or tired;
nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, loss of appetite;
dry mouth;
weight changes;
lack of coordination;
numbness or tingly feeling;
strange dreams;
blurred vision, headache, ringing in your ears;
increased sweating;
breast swelling (in men or women); or
decreased sex drive, impotence, or difficulty having an orgasm.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What other drugs will affect doxepin (Silenor)?
Cold or allergy medicine, sedatives, narcotic pain medicine, muscle relaxers, and medicine for seizures or anxiety can add to sleepiness caused by doxepin. Tell your doctor if you regularly use any of these medicines, or any other sleep medication.
Before taking doxepin, tell your doctor if you have used an "SSRI" antidepressant in the past 5 weeks, such as citalopram (Celexa), escitalopram (Lexapro), fluoxetine (Prozac, Sarafem), fluvoxamine (Luvox), paroxetine (Paxil), or sertraline (Zoloft).
Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use, especially:
cimetidine (Tagamet); or
tolazamide (Tolinase).
This list is not complete and other drugs may interact with doxepin. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.
More Silenor resources
- Silenor Side Effects (in more detail)
- Silenor Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
- Silenor Drug Interactions
- Silenor Support Group
- 58 Reviews for Silenor - Add your own review/rating
Compare Silenor with other medications
- Insomnia
Where can I get more information?
- Your pharmacist can provide more information about doxepin (Silenor).
See also: Silenor side effects (in more detail)
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