Silenor (Doxepin HCL)

Description

Indications

Doxepin is prescribed to address insomnia, which involves difficulties falling asleep or maintaining sleep in individuals who struggle to stay asleep. This medication belongs to a category of drugs referred to as tricyclic antidepressants. Its mechanism of action involves the reduction of brain activity, facilitating the onset of sleep.

Uses and Dosage

Doxepin is available in tablet form for oral administration. Typically, it’s taken once daily, about 30 minutes before bedtime. Avoid taking doxepin within three hours of having a meal.

Ensure that you take doxepin exactly as prescribed; refrain from altering the dosage, taking more or less, or increasing the frequency without your doctor’s guidance.

Following the ingestion of doxepin, you will likely experience drowsiness shortly afterward and continue to feel sleepy for an extended period. Plan to go to bed immediately after taking the medication and ensure that you can stay asleep for 7 to 8 hours. If you anticipate that you won’t be able to go to bed right away and sleep for the required duration, refrain from taking doxepin (Silenor) during that time.

Typically, you should start experiencing improved sleep within the initial few days of using doxepin. If your sleep doesn’t show signs of improvement within 7-10 days or worsens, contact your doctor.

Side Effects

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention:

• nausea
• dizziness

Caution

Prior to taking doxepin, inform your doctor or pharmacist about any allergies you may have, whether they are related to doxepin, other tricyclic antidepressants like amoxapine, or any other substances. This medication could include inactive components capable of causing allergic reactions or other complications.

Before commencing this treatment, disclose your medical history to your doctor or pharmacist, particularly if you have a history of urinary retention or if you or your family have a history of glaucoma of the angle-closure type.

This medication may induce drowsiness, and the use of alcohol or marijuana may intensify this drowsiness. Until you are confident in your ability to do so safely, avoid activities that require alertness, such as driving or operating machinery.

During pregnancy, the use of this medication should be limited to situations where it is clearly necessary. Discuss the potential risks and benefits with your doctor. Infants born to mothers who have used this medication during the final three months of pregnancy may infrequently exhibit withdrawal symptoms, such as difficulties with feeding or breathing, seizures, muscle stiffness, or persistent crying. If you observe any of these symptoms in your newborn, promptly notify your doctor.

This medication can enter breast milk and may result in undesirable effects on a nursing infant. It is not recommended to breastfeed while using this drug.

Form and Strength

Silenor is available in the following forms and strengths:

• Silenor tablet:
  • 3mg
  • 6mg

FAQ

Is Silenor a good sleeping pill?

In older patients with primary insomnia, Silenor can increase duration of sleep without next-day effects. However, it does not significantly decrease the time to sleep onset, and it is less effective in younger adults.

Can I take Silenor every night for sleep?

A person should not take Silenor for longer than 4–8 weeks.

Resources

1. https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2011/0815/p453.html#:~:text=In%20older%20patients%20with%20primary%20insomnia%2C%20Silenor%20can%20increase%20duration,less%20effective%20in%20younger%20adults
2. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/doxepin-for-insomnia#:~:text=The%20dosing%20for%20insomnia%20is,longer%20than%204%E2%80%938%20weeks
3. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a617017.html
4. https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-154518/silenor-oral/details
5. https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/doxepin-oral-route/side-effects/drg-20072083?p=1
6. https://www.drugs.com/silenor.html