Doxepin
SleepAlso known as Silenor
Doxepin is a decades-old antidepressant that, at the low doses used for sleep, works mainly by blocking histamine — the same reason some allergy medicines make you drowsy. It's especially good at helping you stay asleep through the night rather than just falling asleep. Here's the standout: at sleep doses it's not a controlled substance and doesn't carry the same dependence risk as drugs like zolpidem, which makes it a reasonable option if habit-forming medications worry you.
How to take it
When
Within 30 minutes of bedtime, on nights you can get a full 7-8 hours of sleep.
Food
Don't take it within 3 hours of a meal — food delays it and raises the chance of next-day grogginess.
Avoid
Skip alcohol and other sedatives — they pile on the drowsiness. Don't take it if you've used an MAOI antidepressant in the past two weeks. Don't drive until you know how it affects you.
Habit-forming?
No — at sleep doses doxepin isn't a controlled substance and isn't considered habit-forming.
Missed a dose?
Doxepin is only taken at bedtime, so if you forget, just skip that night and take your next dose at the usual time. Never double up.
Common side effects
- Drowsiness the next day
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Dry mouth
- Stuffy nose
Call a doctor if
- Swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat — this is an emergency, call for help immediately
- New or worsening depression or thoughts of hurting yourself — get help now
- Doing activities while not fully awake, like walking or eating — stop the medication and call your doctor
- A fast or irregular heartbeat
- Confusion or hallucinations