What is Silenor?

Silenor and the generic alternative Doxepin is a medication is used to treat a certain sleep problem (insomnia). It may help you stay asleep longer and reduce the number of times you awaken during the night. Doxepin belongs to a class of drugs known as tricyclic antidepressants. It is not known how this medication improves sleep, though it may be due to blocking histamine receptors.

Always read the patient information and instructions carefully before using this medication.

• Take this medication by mouth, usually once nightly within 30 minutes before bedtime on an empty stomach, or as directed by your doctor. Do not take it within 3 hours of a meal because the effect of the medication will be delayed.
• Do not take this medication unless you are able to get a full night of sleep (7-8 hours) before you must be active again.
• Dosage is based on your medical condition, age, and response to therapy. Do not take more than 6 milligrams per day.
• Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day.
• Tell your doctor if your condition persists or worsens after 7-10 days.

Make sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist:

• If you have any drug allergies.
• Which other prescription and non-prescription medications you currently take.
• Your medical history, especially of: problems urinating (urinary retention), personal or family history of glaucoma (angle-closure type).

Also be aware that:

• This drug may make you drowsy. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Avoid alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).
• Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).
• During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. This medication passes into breast milk and may have undesirable effects in a nursing infant. Therefore, breast-feeding while using this drug is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Common side-effects may include but are not limited to:

• Drowsiness or nausea may occur.

Contact your doctor if you experience any of the following side-effects:

• Rarely, after taking this drug, people have gotten out of bed and driven vehicles while not fully awake ("sleep-driving"). People have also sleepwalked, prepared/eaten food, made phone calls, or had sex while not fully awake. Often, these people do not remember these events. This problem can be dangerous to you or to others. If you find out that you have done any of these activities after taking this medication, tell your doctor right away. Your risk is increased if you use alcohol or other medications that can make you drowsy while taking doxepin.
• At higher doses, doxepin is used to treat a variety of other conditions, including depression and other mental/mood disorders. It can help prevent suicidal thoughts/attempts and provide other important benefits. However, studies have shown that a small number of people (especially people younger than 25) who take antidepressants for any condition may experience worsening depression, other mental/mood symptoms, or suicidal thoughts/attempts. Therefore, it is very important to talk with the doctor about the risks and benefits of antidepressant medication (especially for people younger than 25), even if treatment is not for a mental/mood condition. Tell the doctor right away if you notice worsening depression/other psychiatric conditions, unusual behavior changes (including possible suicidal thoughts/attempts), or other mental/mood changes (including new/worsening anxiety, panic attacks, irritability, hostile/angry feelings, impulsive actions, severe restlessness, very rapid speech). Be especially watchful for these symptoms if a new antidepressant is started or when the dose is changed.
• Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including: eye pain/swelling/redness, widened pupils, vision changes (such as seeing rainbows around lights at night, blurred vision).
• Any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

Q: What happens if I miss a dose?

A: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.

Q: What should I avoid while taking Silenor?

A: Do not drink alcohol. Dangerous side effects or death could occur. Avoid taking Silenor within 3 hours after eating a meal. Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how this medicine will affect you. Dizziness or drowsiness can cause falls, accidents, or severe injuries.