Silenor

Generic: Doxepin Hydrochloride

Rx only

Tricyclic antidepressant✓ FDA-verified

Silenor 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 take it as a tablet, with a starting dose of 6 mg once daily for adults and 3 mg for older adults, and you should not exceed 6 mg in a day. It's important not to take it if you have narrow-angle glaucoma or severe urinary retention. Additionally, if you're taking cimetidine, a common heartburn medication, your maximum dose should be reduced to 3 mg.

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Uses

Insomnia characterized by difficulty with sleep maintenance.

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Dosage

Adults: 6 mg once daily, take within 30 minutes of bedtime.

Elderly: Start with 3 mg once daily, can increase to 6 mg if needed.

Do not exceed 6 mg total per day.

Do not take within 3 hours of 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 may require lower doses due to increased sensitivity.

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Drug interactions

Cimetidineincreases doxepin exposureMonitor
Alcoholincreases sedative effectsMonitor
CNS depressantsincreases sedative effectsMonitor
Sedating antihistaminesincreases sedative effects.Monitor

Ask about this drug

Answers pulled from the FDA label only.

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).