Doxepin what is it used for

Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. Doxepin may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while you are taking this medication. Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture not in the bathroom. Store doxepin capsules away from light. Unneeded medications should be disposed of in special ways to ensure that pets, children, and other people cannot consume them.

However, you should not flush this medication down the toilet. Instead, the best way to dispose of your medication is through a medicine take-back program. It is important to keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers such as weekly pill minders and those for eye drops, creams, patches, and inhalers are not child-resistant and young children can open them easily.

To protect young children from poisoning, always lock safety caps and immediately place the medication in a safe location — one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach. In case of overdose, call the poison control helpline at If the victim has collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be awakened, immediately call emergency services at Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription over-the-counter medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.

Generic alternatives may be available. Doxepin Depression, Anxiety pronounced as dox' e pin. Why is this medication prescribed? How should this medicine be used? Other uses for this medicine What special precautions should I follow? You may need to decide whether to stop breastfeeding or stop taking this medication. For seniors: Seniors may be more sensitive to doxepin. This may make them more likely to feel confused or drowsy while taking the drug.

For children: Doxepin has not been established as safe or effective for use in children younger than 12 years. It should not be used in people in this age range. All possible dosages and drug forms may not be included here. Your dosage, drug form, and how often you take the drug will depend on:. The liver and kidneys of older adults may not work as well as they used to. This can cause your body to process drugs more slowly.

As a result, a higher amount of a drug stays in your body for a longer time. This increases your risk of side effects. Your doctor may start you on a lower dosage or a different medication schedule. This can help keep levels of this drug from building up too much in your body. However, because drugs affect each person differently, we cannot guarantee that this list includes all possible dosages.

Always speak with your doctor or pharmacist about dosages that are right for you. Your symptoms of anxiety should start to improve sooner than that. Doxepin oral capsule is used for short- or long-term treatment. Stopping it suddenly may cause side effects. These include nausea, headache, and tiredness. For this drug to work well, a certain amount needs to be in your body at all times. If you take too much: You could have dangerous levels of the drug in your body.

You may have the following symptoms:. But if your symptoms are severe, call or go to the nearest emergency room right away. What to do if you miss a dose: Take your dose as soon as you remember. But if you remember just a few hours before your next scheduled dose, take only one dose. Never try to catch up by taking two doses at once. This could result in dangerous side effects.

How to tell if the drug is working: You should have fewer symptoms of depression or anxiety. You may be in a better mood. Do not take doxepin Silenor if you will be unable to go to bed right away and remain asleep for 7 to 8 hours after taking the medication. You should begin to sleep better during the first few days of treatment with doxepin Silenor. If your sleep does not improve within days, or gets worse call your doctor.

Your doctor or pharmacist will give you the manufacturer's patient information sheet Medication Guide when you begin treatment with doxepin Silenor and each time you refill your prescription. Read the information carefully and ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions. This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information. Doxepin Silenor should only be taken at bedtime.

If you did not take doxepin Silenor before you went to bed and you are having trouble sleeping, you may take doxepin Silenor if you will be able to stay in bed for at least 7 to 8 hours afterward. Do not take a double dose of doxepin Silenor to make up for a missed dose. Doxepin Silenor may cause other side effects.

Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication. Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from light, and excess heat and moisture not in the bathroom. Unneeded medications should be disposed of in special ways to ensure that pets, children, and other people cannot consume them.

However, you should not flush this medication down the toilet. Instead, the best way to dispose of your medication is through a medicine take-back program. It is important to keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers such as weekly pill minders and those for eye drops, creams, patches, and inhalers are not child-resistant and young children can open them easily. To protect young children from poisoning, always lock safety caps and immediately place the medication in a safe location — one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach.

Use the medicine exactly as directed. It may take 7 to 10 days before your insomnia symptoms improve. Keep using as directed and call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 10 days of treatment. Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.

Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use. Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time. Do not take Silenor if you do not have time for a full night's sleep before being active again. Health Topics. Health Tools. Doxepin Silenor. Reviewed: June 23, Doxepin is a tricyclic antidepressant. You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to doxepin, amoxapine, or loxapine, or if you have: untreated narrow-angle glaucoma; or severe urination problems.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had: sleep apnea breathing stops during sleep ; depression, mental illness, or addiction to drugs or alcohol; kidney or liver disease; glaucoma; or urination problems.