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Doxepin

Doxepin is a brand of Doxepin.

Doxepin tablets are indicated for the treatment of insomnia characterized by difficulty with sleep maintenance. The clinical trials performed in suppo.

Checked against the official label · Updated

Prescription medicine Oral Safety alerts on record

Doxepin: quick answers

Used for
Doxepin tablets are indicated for the treatment of insomnia characterized by difficulty with sleep maintenance.
Usual adult dose
Initial dose: 6 mg, once daily for adults and 3 mg, once daily for the elderly.
Children
The safety and effectiveness of doxepin tablets in pediatric patients have not been evaluated.
Prescription
Prescription medicine in the United States; rules differ by country.

From the official label (Nov 2025). Your prescription and pharmacist come first.

How to use Doxepin

What the official label says. If a doctor prescribed it, follow the prescription. Your pack's leaflet comes first if it is different.

Who it is for

Doxepin tablets are indicated for the treatment of insomnia characterized by difficulty with sleep maintenance. The clinical trials performed in support of efficacy were up to 3 months in duration. Doxepin tablets are indicated for the treatment of insomnia characterized by difficulties with sleep maintenance. ( 1 , 14 )

How to take it and how often
  • The dose of doxepin tablets should be individualized
  • Initial dose: 6 mg, once daily for adults and 3 mg, once daily for the elderly
  • Take within 30 minutes of bedtime
  • Total daily dose should not exceed 6 mg
  • Should not be taken within 3 hours of a meal
  • Dosing
  • In Adults The recommended dose of doxepin tablets for adults is 6 mg once daily
  • A 3 mg once daily dose may be appropriate for some patients, if clinically indicated
  • Dosing in the Elderly The recommended starting dose of doxepin tablets in elderly patients (≥ 65 years old) is 3 mg once daily
  • The daily dose can be increased to 6 mg, if clinically indicated
  • Administration Doxepin tablets should be taken within 30 minutes of bedtime
  • To minimize the potential for next day effects, doxepin tablets should not be taken within 3 hours of a meal [ see Clinical Pharmacology ]
  • The total doxepin tablets dose should not exceed 6 mg per day
Strengths it comes in

Doxepin Tablets are available containing 3.39 mg or 6.78 mg of doxepin hydrochloride, USP equivalent to 3 mg or 6 mg of doxepin, respectively. Doxepin tablets are not scored. The 3 mg tablets are light blue, round, biconvex, beveled edge tablet debossed with 161 on one side of the tablet and plain on the other side. …

Children
  • The safety and effectiveness of doxepin tablets
  • In pediatric patients have not been evaluated
Older adults

A total of 362 subjects who were ≥ 65 years and 86 subjects who were ≥ 75 years received doxepin tablets in controlled clinical studies. No overall differences in safety or effectiveness were observed between these subjects and younger adult subjects. Greater sensitivity of some older individuals cannot be ruled out. Sleep-promoting drugs may cause confusion and over-sedation in the elderly. …

While you are taking it
  • Advise the patient to read the FDA-approved patient labeling (Medication Guide)
  • Sleep-Driving and Other Complex Behaviors: There have been reports of people getting out of bed after taking a hypnotic and driving their cars while not fully awake, often with no memory of the event
  • If a patient experiences such an episode, it should be reported to his or her doctor immediately, since "sleep-driving" can be dangerous
  • This behavior is more likely to occur when a hypnotic is taken with alcohol or other central nervous system depressants [see Warnings and Precautions and Drug Interactions ]. …
Talk to a doctor first if
  • Hypersensitivity to doxepin hydrochloride, inactive ingredients, or other dibenzoxepines
  • Co-administration with Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs): Do not administer if patient is taking MAOIs or has used MAOIs within the past two weeks
  • Untreated narrow angle glaucoma or severe urinary retention. …
Medicines it may not mix with

MAO inhibitors: Doxepin tablets should not be administered in patients on MAOIs within the past two weeks. ( 4.2 ) Cimetidine: Increases exposure to doxepin. ( 7.2 ) Alcohol: Sedative effects may be increased with doxepin. ( 7.3 , 5.4 ) CNS Depressants and Sedating Antihistamines: Sedative effects may be increased with doxepin. ( 7.4 , 5.4 ) Tolazamide: A case of severe hypoglycemia has been reported. ( 7.5 ) 7.1 Cytochrome P450 Isozymes Doxepin is primarily metabolized by hepatic cytochrome P450 isozymes CYP2C19 and CYP2D6, and to a lesser extent, by CYP1A2 and CYP2C9. Inhibitors of these isozymes may increase the exposure of doxepin. …

Warnings

Need to Evaluate for comorbid diagnoses: Reevaluate if insomnia persists after 7 to 10 days of use. ( 5.1 ) Abnormal thinking, behavioral changes, complex behaviors: May include “Sleep-driving” and hallucinations. Immediately evaluate any new onset behavioral changes. ( 5.2 ) Depression: Worsening of depression or suicidal thinking may occur. Prescribe the least amount feasible to avoid intentional overdose. ( 5.3 ) CNS-depressant effects: Use can impair alertness and motor coordination. Avoid engaging in hazardous activities such as operating a motor vehicle or heavy machinery after taking drug. ( 5.4 ) Do not use with alcohol. …

Possible side effects

The following serious adverse reactions are discussed in greater detail in other sections of labeling: • Abnormal thinking and behavioral changes [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 ) ]. • Suicide risk and worsening of depression [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3) ]. • CNS Depressant effects [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 ) ]. The most common treatment-emergent adverse reactions, reported in ≥ 2% of patients treated with doxepin tablets, and more commonly than in patients treated with placebo, were somnolence/sedation, nausea, and upper respiratory tract infection. …

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Available data from published epidemiologic studies and postmarketing reports have not established an increased risk of major birth defects or miscarriage (see Data) . There are risks of poor neonatal adaptation with exposure to tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), including doxepin, during pregnancy (see Clinical Considerations). …

If you take too much

Doxepin is routinely administered for indications other than insomnia at doses 10- to 50-fold higher than the highest recommended dose of doxepin tablets. The signs and symptoms associated with doxepin use at doses several-fold higher than the maximum recommended dose (Excessive dose) of doxepin tablets for the treatment of insomnia are described [ see Overdosage ( 10.1 ) ], as are signs and symptoms associated with higher multiples of the maximum recommended dose (Critical overdose) [ see Overdosage ( 10.2 ) ]. …

Dependence and misuse

9.1 Controlled Substance Doxepin is not a controlled substance. 9.2 Abuse Doxepin is not associated with abuse potential in animals or in humans. Physicians should carefully evaluate patients for history of drug abuse and follow such patients closely, observing them for signs of misuse or abuse of doxepin (e.g., incrementation of dose, drug-seeking behavior). …

How to store it

Store at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature]. Protect from light. Dispense in a tight, light-resistant container as defined in the USP using a child-resistant closure. …

If you miss a dose

Take it when you remember, unless it is nearly time for the next dose. Then skip the missed one. Never take two doses at once to make up for it. Check your leaflet, as some medicines are different.

From the official U.S. FDA label for this active ingredient. Your pack may have a different strength, so always read its leaflet. If a doctor prescribed it, follow the prescription. Ask a pharmacist if you are unsure. Label dated 2025-11-07.

How much Doxepin costs

In other countries

Prices in other countries are not what you will pay where you live; they show how prices compare.

Same medicine, other brands

Products with Doxepin as the active ingredient. Names differ between countries.

Registered products

United States (FDA)

Doxepin HydrochlorideDOXEPIN HYDROCHLORIDE 75 mg/1 · Capsule · Aurobindo Pharma Limited
NDC 59651-176Label
Doxepin HydrochlorideDOXEPIN HYDROCHLORIDE 25 mg/1 · Capsule · Mylan Pharmaceuticals Inc.
NDC 0378-3125Label
Doxepin HydrochlorideDOXEPIN HYDROCHLORIDE 100 mg/1 · Capsule · Aurobindo Pharma Limited
NDC 59651-177Label
Doxepin HydrochlorideDOXEPIN HYDROCHLORIDE 50 mg/1 · Capsule · Bryant Ranch Prepack
NDC 71335-2472Label
Doxepin HydrochlorideDOXEPIN HYDROCHLORIDE 25 mg/1 · Capsule · Appco Pharma LLC
NDC 55801-528Label

Other countries: check your pack's registration number and we point you to your regulator.

Safety alerts and recalls

Doxepin Hydrochloride Capsules, USP, 10 mg, 100 Capsules, Rx only, Manufactured by: Alembic Pharmaceuticals Limited, Panela v 389350, Gujarat, India, Manufactured for: Alembic PharU.S. FDA Class II
25 Jul 2025 · Alembic Pharmaceuticals Limited · OngoingCGMP Deviations: Presence of Nitrosamine Drug Substance Related Impurity above the proposed interim limit.
DOXEPIN HCL Capsule, 150 mg, Rx only, Distributed by: AidaPak Service, LLC, NDC 49884022201U.S. FDA Class II
2 Jul 2013 · Aidapak Services, LLC · TerminatedLabeling: Label Mixup; DOXEPIN HCL Capsule, 150 mg may be potentially mislabeled as VALSARTAN, Tablet, 160 mg, NDC 00078035934, Pedigree: AD46312_7, EXP: 5/16/2014.

A recall usually affects certain batches only. Compare the lot number on your pack.

Check your pack of Doxepin

Type the registration number on the pack, or scan it with your camera.

Or take photos of the pack
3 free checks left today Official sources: U.S. FDA · EMA (EU) · Health Canada · WHO alerts

Questions about Doxepin

What is in Doxepin?

Doxepin contains Doxepin. Other brands with the same active ingredient work the same way; the dose and strength on your pack are what matter.

What is Doxepin used for?

Doxepin tablets are indicated for the treatment of insomnia characterized by difficulty with sleep maintenance. The clinical trials performed in support of efficacy were up to 3 months in duration. Doxepin tablets are indicated for the treatment of insomnia characterized by difficulties with sleep maintenance. ( 1 , 14 ) (From the official U.S. FDA label.)

How do I take Doxepin?

Follow your prescription or the leaflet in your pack. The official label says: The dose of doxepin tablets should be individualized. Initial dose: 6 mg, once daily for adults ( 2.1 ) and 3 mg, once daily for the elderly. ( 2.1 , 2.2 ) Take within 30 minutes of bedtime. Total daily dose should not exceed 6 mg. ( 2.3 ) Should not be taken within 3 hours of a meal. ( 2.3 , 12.3 ) 2.1 Dosing in Adults The recommended dose of doxepin tablets for adults is 6 mg…

Can I drive after taking Doxepin?

Abnormal thinking, behavioral changes, complex behaviors: May include “Sleep-driving” and hallucinations.

Do I need a prescription for Doxepin?

Usually yes. Doxepin is a prescription medicine in most countries. Rules differ by country.

What brands contain Doxepin?

Doxepin is sold under names such as Prudoxin, Silenor, Zonalon. Brand names differ between countries.

What are the side effects of Doxepin?

The official label lists: The following serious adverse reactions are discussed in greater detail in other sections of labeling: • Abnormal thinking and behavioral changes [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 ) ]. • Suicide risk and worsening of depression [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3) ]. • CNS Depressant effects [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 ) ]. The most common treatment-emergent advers… Tell your doctor about any side effect that bothers you or does not go away.

Can children take Doxepin?

The safety and effectiveness of doxepin tablets in pediatric patients have not been evaluated. Always use the dose for the child's age or weight on the pack or prescription.

Can I take Doxepin when pregnant or breastfeeding?

8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Available data from published epidemiologic studies and postmarketing reports have not established an increased risk of major birth defects or miscarriage (see Data) . There are risks of poor neonatal adaptation with exposure to tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), including doxepin, during pregnancy (see Clinical Considerations). … Ask your doctor or midwife first.

Can I drink alcohol with Doxepin?

The official label says: 4 ) Do not use with alcohol.

What medicines interact with Doxepin?

MAO inhibitors: Doxepin tablets should not be administered in patients on MAOIs within the past two weeks. ( 4.2 ) Cimetidine: Increases exposure to doxepin. ( 7.2 ) Alcohol: Sedative effects may be increased with doxepin. ( 7.3 , 5.4 ) CNS Depressants and Sedating Antihistamines: Sedative effects may be increased with doxepin. ( 7.4 , 5.4 ) Tolazamide: A case of severe hypogly… Use the free interaction checker before combining medicines.

What happens if I take too much Doxepin?

Doxepin is routinely administered for indications other than insomnia at doses 10- to 50-fold higher than the highest recommended dose of doxepin tablets. The signs and symptoms associated with doxepin use at doses several-fold higher than the maximum recommended dose (Excessive dose) of doxepin tab… Get medical help right away.

How should I store Doxepin?

Store at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature]. Protect from light. Dispense in a tight, light-resistant container as defined in the USP using a child-resistant closure. …

How can I check that my Doxepin is genuine?

Scan the registration number on your pack with PillVera (NAFDAC number in Nigeria, NDC in the United States, DIN in Canada), check the expiry date and buy only from licensed pharmacies.

Sources

This page shows what official sources say, in plain words. It is not medical advice: your prescription and your doctor or pharmacist come first. Brand names, strengths and rules differ between countries.