MedDataToolDoxepin is a medication used to help treat insomnia, especially when you have trouble staying asleep. It works by blocking certain receptors in the brain that can help promote sleep. You typically take it as a tablet, starting with a dose of 6 mg once daily for adults or 3 mg for older adults, and it should be taken about 30 minutes before bedtime. It's important not to take it if you have untreated narrow-angle glaucoma or if you're taking certain medications called MAO inhibitors. Additionally, if you're taking cimetidine, a common heartburn medication, your maximum dose of doxepin should be reduced to 3 mg.
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Uses
- Insomnia characterized by difficulty maintaining sleep.
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Dosage
Adults: 6 mg once daily, taken within 30 minutes of bedtime.
Elderly: Start with 3 mg once daily, may increase to 6 mg if needed.
Do not exceed 6 mg per day.
Take doxepin tablets at least 3 hours after a meal.
Always follow your doctor's specific instructions for your dose.
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Side effects
Common
Somnolence/sedationnauseaupper respiratory tract infectionAbnormal thinking
Serious
behavioral changessuicide riskworsening depression
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Warnings
⚠ Important warnings
- Do not take with MAO inhibitors within the past two weeks.
- May increase sedation when taken with alcohol.
- Caution with other CNS depressants and sedating antihistamines.
- Elderly patients may require lower doses.
- Use with caution in patients with liver impairment.
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Drug interactions
- Cimetidineincreases doxepin exposureMonitor
- Alcoholincreases sedative effectsMonitor
- CNS Depressantsincreases sedative effectsMonitor
- Sedating Antihistaminesincreases sedative effectsMonitor
- Tolazamiderisk of severe hypoglycemia.Caution
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Answers pulled from the FDA label only.
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Medical Disclaimer: This content is provided for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before taking any medication.
Data Source: Publicly available drug labeling information from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Data Source: Publicly available drug labeling information from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).