DOXEPIN (SLEEP) - ORAL

DOXEPIN (SLEEP) - ORAL

PHONETIC PRONUNCIATION: (dox-EH-pin)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Silenor

GENERIC NAME(S): doxepin HCl

Uses

USES: This 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.


How to use DOXEPIN (SLEEP) - ORAL

HOW TO USE: Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start taking doxepin and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist. 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.

Side Effects

SIDE EFFECTS: Drowsiness or nausea may occur. If either of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious 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). A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Precautions

PRECAUTIONS: Before taking doxepin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other tricyclic antidepressants (such as amoxapine); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: problems urinating (urinary retention), personal or family history of glaucoma (angle-closure type). This drug may make you drowsy. Alcohol or marijuana 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. 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.

Interactions

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval. Some products that may interact with this drug include: cimetidine. Taking MAO inhibitors with this medication may cause a serious (possibly fatal) drug interaction. Avoid taking MAO inhibitors (isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, rasagiline, safinamide, selegiline, tranylcypromine) during treatment with this medication. Most MAO inhibitors should also not be taken for two weeks before and after treatment with this medication. Ask your doctor when to start or stop taking this medication. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking other products that cause drowsiness such as opioid pain or cough relievers (such as codeine, hydrocodone), alcohol, marijuana, other drugs for sleep or anxiety (such as alprazolam, lorazepam, zolpidem), muscle relaxants (such as carisoprodol, cyclobenzaprine), or antihistamines (such as cetirizine, diphenhydramine). Check the labels on all your medicines (such as allergy or cough-and-cold products) because they may contain ingredients that cause drowsiness. Ask your pharmacist about using those products safely.

Overdose

OVERDOSE: If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: extreme drowsiness, hallucinations, fast/irregular heartbeat, fainting, slow/shallow breathing, seizures.

Images

SILENOR 3 MG TABLET

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blue
shape
oblong
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3, SP
SILENOR 6 MG TABLET

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green
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oblong
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6, SP

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Faq for DOXEPIN (SLEEP) - ORAL

Doxepin (Sleep) - Oral is used to treat sleep problems (insomnia). It helps you fall asleep faster, stay asleep longer, and experience a better quality sleep.

Doxepin (Sleep) - Oral belongs to a class of medications called tricyclic antidepressants. It works by affecting certain chemicals in the brain that may be imbalanced in people with sleep problems.

Common side effects of Doxepin (Sleep) - Oral include drowsiness, dizziness, dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation, and trouble urinating. These side effects are usually temporary and may improve as your body adjusts to the medication.

Doxepin (Sleep) - Oral may start working within the first few days of treatment, but it can take up to two weeks to experience its full effects. It is important to take the medication as directed by your healthcare provider for best results.

No, Doxepin (Sleep) - Oral is not considered habit-forming. However, it is important to follow your healthcare provider's instructions and not exceed the recommended dosage to avoid potential dependence or withdrawal symptoms.

It is generally recommended to avoid alcohol while taking Doxepin (Sleep) - Oral. Alcohol can increase the sedative effects of this medication and may cause excessive drowsiness and impairment.

Doxepin (Sleep) - Oral is usually prescribed for short-term treatment of sleep problems. Long-term use should be carefully monitored by your healthcare provider, as it may not be suitable for everyone.

The use of Doxepin (Sleep) - Oral during pregnancy and breastfeeding is not recommended. It is important to consult with your healthcare provider to weigh the potential risks and benefits before taking this medication.

Doxepin (Sleep) - Oral should be taken exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. It is usually taken within 30 minutes before bedtime. Avoid taking it with a high-fat meal, as this may delay its effects.



Disclaimer

IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.