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Mental Health Depression Doxepin
Mental Health Depression Doxepin

Silenor (doxepin) prescription available online

Having trouble falling asleep or staying asleep? Doxepin helps with difficulty staying asleep and the onset of insomnia. Speak to one of our board-certified primary care doctors to see if Doxepin is right for you.*
Convenient online Doxepin prescriptions Available as a tablet or capsule Save up to 37% on Doxepin with RX discount card*
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*Prescriptions are provided at the doctor’s discretion. Learn more about our controlled substances policy and how you can save up to 80% with our prescription discount card.
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About doxepin

Doxepin is considered a tricyclic antidepressant. It works on the central nervous system to increase the levels of certain chemicals in the brain.

Doxepin is used to treat insomnia, depression, and anxiety. Doxepin is available only by prescription. It is available in a generic formulation under different brand names, including Silenor.

Doxepin may be prescribed as a tablet or capsule. It’s always important to follow the specific instructions on your prescription, as they can vary based on the formulation and dosage prescribed.

If you're prescribed doxepin, be sure to complete the full course of the tricyclic antidepressant unless your healthcare professional specifically tells you to stop. If you don’t complete your prescription, the antidepressant may not fully treat your insomnia.

Doxepin uses

There are several FDA-approved uses for doxepin, but healthcare professionals may also prescribe it off-label to treat other medical conditions.

Your doctor may prescribe doxepin for the following or other reasons not listed here. Ask your online doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about why a medication is prescribed.

Insomnia

Doxepin, under the brand name Silenor, is FDA-approved to treat insomnia in people with trouble sleeping or staying asleep.

Depression and anxiety

Sinequan and other generic brands of doxepin are FDA-approved to treat major depressive disorder (MDD) and anxiety. Silenor tablets are not prescribed to treat depression, anxiety, or other mental illnesses, as they are a lower dose intended to help with insomnia only.

Doxepin side effects

The side effects associated with taking doxepin are typically mild. Most doxepin side effects are associated with drowsiness.

Doxepin has some common side effects. They may include:

  • Drowsiness and tiredness

  • Morning grogginess

  • Dry mouth

  • Nausea

  • Cold symptoms, such as sore throat and runny nose


Other side effects, which are less common but might be more severe, could include:

  • Unusual thoughts or behavior

  • Urinary retention

  • Blurry vision

  • Worsening depression or suicidal thoughts


Tell your doctor if you notice any adverse effects, or if you develop any other new or concerning symptoms. The use of doxepin therapy is not recommended in children under age 18.

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How to take doxepin

Your pharmacist will provide you with instructions on how to take your doxepin prescription. Be sure to read your prescription label and follow the instructions. Call your doctor or pharmacy if you have any questions.

Doxepin can come in different forms and doses, so be sure to follow the specific instructions on your prescription. The typical starting dose ranges from 3 mg to 6 mg once daily.

Take doxepin within 30 minutes before bedtime. Avoid taking doxepin within three hours after eating. It may take 7–10 days before your insomnia symptoms improve.

What to avoid while taking doxepin

Doxepin has many possible drug interactions. Don’t change what you take without checking with your doctor or pharmacist. That includes other medications or supplements, as well as over-the-counter drugs. 

Possible drug interactions with doxepin include:

  • Other medications that cause drowsiness, such as opioid pain medications, muscle relaxants, and sleeping pills

  • Other tricyclic antidepressants or anxiety medication

  • Anticholinergic drugs, such as belladonna alkaloids

  • Tolinase (tolazamide)

  • Tagamet (cimetidine)


Avoid drinking alcohol while taking doxepin. If you drink alcohol, you may experience an increased risk of adverse effects such as extreme drowsiness, confusion, vomiting, and lightheadedness.

 

Medication alternatives to doxepin

If your healthcare provider prefers to put you on another treatment, they may suggest other tricyclic antidepressants or insomnia medications in another drug class. Here are some common doctor-recommended alternatives based on your health issue:

Insomnia

Amitriptyline
Oleptro (trazodone)
Norpramin (desipramine)
Trofranil (imipramine) Pamelor (Nortriptyline)

Doxepin prescription FAQs

How much does doxepin cost?

Depending on your pharmacy, doxepin costs around $17 for thirty 10 mg capsules without insurance. Doxepin is a generic medication, and brand name Silenor will may cost more

How can I refill my doxepin prescription?

To refill your doxepin prescription, book a virtual appointment with one of our top-rated board-certified primary care doctors. After reviewing your symptoms and medical history, your doctor can send an electronic prescription to your local pharmacy.

How long does it take for doxepin to kick in?

Doxepin starts working approximately 30 minutes after taking your dose.

What medications should not be taken with doxepin?

You should avoid taking certain drugs with doxepin, such as:

  • Other selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), tricyclic antidepressants, and antidepressant drugs

  • Anticholinergic drugs, such as belladonna alkaloids

  • Other medications with sedative effects, such as opioid pain medications, muscle relaxants, and sleeping pills

Why can't you take doxepin with a meal?

If you take doxepin with a meal, the medication may not work as well, or it may make you tired the next day.

Who should not take doxepin?

Avoid taking doxepin if you have certain medical conditions, such as:

  • Sleep apnea

  • Untreated narrow-angle glaucoma

  • Urinary retention or trouble urinating

  • Kidney or liver disease

What happens if I miss a dose of doxepin?

If you miss a dose of doxepin, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it's almost time for your next dose. Avoid taking two doses to make up for a missed dose.

Avoid taking doxepin if you don't have time for a full night's sleep before being active again.

What happens if I take too much doxepin?

If you've taken too much doxepin, seek emergency medical attention or contact your local poison control center. An overdose of doxepin can be fatal.

3 simple steps to request your doxepin prescription today

How It Works Step 1
Step 1

Book a doxepin prescription request appointment.

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How It Works Step 2
Step 2

Talk to your medical provider regarding your doxepin prescription.

Visit with a doctor on your smartphone or computer.
How It Works Step 3
Step 3

Pick up your doxepin prescription, if provided

We can send prescriptions to any local pharmacy.

How pricing works

To get a new or refill on your doxepin prescription, join our monthly membership and get discounted visits.

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  • Same-day appointments 7 days a week
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  • Prescription discount card to save up to 80%
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  • Cancel anytime

Paying with insurance

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Often the same as an office visit. Most patients with in-network insurance pay $30 or less!

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Paying without insurance

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First month free

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Visits

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Visit price without insurance

Initial visits are $129.
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*If we're unable to treat you, we'll provide a full refund. Please note that any medication or lab work costs are not included. Please refer to our refund policy for additional information.

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PlushCare content is reviewed by MDs, PhDs, NPs, nutritionists, and other healthcare professionals. Learn more about our editorial standards and meet the medical team. The PlushCare site or any linked materials are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is the information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment.