I was prescribed Doxepin for sleep problems, but the prescription is for 10mg caplets. All I have read suggest 3mg or 6 mg for insomnia; 150-300mg for anti-drepression. Is 10mg too much to start for trying to help my insomnia? will it have some of the side effects noted for the higher anti-depression dosages?
Is 10mg of Doxepin too high a dose for sleep problems?
Question posted by nosleep1 on 1 Aug 2011
Last updated on 5 August 2016
4 Answers
lilolhipychic48
5 Aug 2016
Hi nosleep1, I have suffered from Insomnia for a decade+,
As you know any medication can cause some kind of side effect(s). However, I just talked to a Pharmist with a degree in Psychology about taking Doxepin 25 mg.for Insomnia, especially since I take a high dose of Lexapro for depression.
He said no more then 25 should be perfectly fine, as it is a drug that's been around a long time, and is known to help Insomnia, for many, and can even help Chronic pain.
I've been taking it for a couple weeks now, I haven't had any bad side effects.
I am so happy with it, I stopped taking Lexapro, and mentally feel better on the low dose of Lexapro! I have noticed it's decreased my Appetite as well,which is good for me because I am overweight.
It's a Serotonin inhibiter, not a dopamine inhibiter, and @ 10 mg. It would not help me.@ all! I tried, felt nothing. I would be very surprised if you had side effects other then being a bit tired at first while you adjusting to it!
I hope this helps you or others,as you asked the question a long while back.
Delila
13 Oct 2013
Hi guys, i just got a notification for this question i understand it is old... but please can you clear something up for me??? When i search the strengths available for Doxepin, i find sites listing 25mg, 50mg and higher? Has this changed so much in the last 2 years??
lilolhipychic48
5 Aug 2016
I would just go to a search engine, and type in Doxepin 3 mg. Or whatever dose you need to research, and try typing the word ( only ) after the mg. You need info on. Hope this helps!
avid448
13 Oct 2013
Try it and see, but likely yes. At the even lower dose of doxepin (ie Silenor at 3 or 6 mg) you are more likely to sleep. If Silenor is too expensive, get your doc to prescribe liquid doxepin, which you can measure out with a TB syringe to 0.3-0.6 ml (which is equal to 3-6 mg). Put it in a few ounces of water, drink and get a good sleep.
LaurieShay
1 Aug 2011
Hey nosleep1,
doxepin doesn't come in a dosage lower than the 10mg pill. So starting at a dose of 10mg is the lowest possible. I don't believe this is too high a starting dose for insomnia.
Sweet dreams,
Laurie
Related topics
insomnia, sleep disorders, doxepin, sleep, prescription
Further information
- Doxepin uses and safety info
- Doxepin prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Doxepin (detailed)
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