Silenor® for Sleep Maintenance Insomnia: Uses, Dosing, Safety

What Silenor® Is and How It Works

Silenor is the brand name for low-dose doxepin, a tricyclic antidepressant used here as a sleep medication. At 3 mg and 6 mg, it works mainly by blocking histamine H1 receptors in the brain. This helps reduce nighttime awakenings and improves sleep maintenance. Many people search for silenor for sleep because it is effective, non-controlled, and simple to use.

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Unlike stimulants or benzodiazepines, this doxepin sleep dose targets sleep continuity rather than sleep onset. Silenor tablet uses include the treatment of insomnia characterized by difficulty with sleep maintenance. It is not intended to treat depression at these doses. The silenor drug class is tricyclic antidepressant, but its low-dose action is primarily antihistaminic.

Tablets are taken once nightly. Food can increase exposure and next-day drowsiness, so timing in relation to meals matters. The medicine is available as Silenor 3 mg and Silenor 6 mg strengths to allow careful titration.

Dosage and Usage

• Indication: adults with insomnia characterized by difficulty maintaining sleep.
• Form/strengths: Silenor tablet in 3 mg and 6 mg strengths.
• Typical starting dose: 3 mg once nightly, taken within 30 minutes of bedtime.
• Do not take within 3 hours of a meal; food increases exposure and next-day sedation.
• If needed and tolerated, increase to 6 mg once nightly (maximum).
• Older adults, hepatic impairment, or CYP2D6 poor metabolizers: 3 mg is often adequate.
• Take only when a full night (7–8 hours) of sleep is planned.
• Missed dose: if the night has passed, skip. Do not take in the daytime.
• Swallow tablets whole; do not crush, split, or chew.
• Avoid alcohol and other sedatives at bedtime; additive CNS effects may occur.

• Store at 20–25 °C (68–77 °F); brief excursions 15–30 °C (59–86 °F).
• Keep tablets dry and in the original container with the label.
• Travel: carry in your hand luggage with a copy of your prescription.
• Protect from excess heat in cars or windowsills; use a small insulated pouch in summer.
• Keep out of reach of children and pets.

Benefits and Savings

Silenor sleep medication helps reduce awakenings and increases total sleep time. When taken correctly, next-day impairment is usually low. It is not a controlled substance, and dependence risk is low. Many people prefer this option over sedative-hypnotics.

Ordering through YouDrugstore can lower Silenor price compared with typical US cash costs. Expect savings of 60–80% versus common US pharmacy pricing. Silenor tablets price can drop further when a multi-month supply is chosen, since per-month costs usually decrease. Reorder reminders help you stay on schedule.

If you compare silenor cost across sources, remember that brand and strengths vary by market. We also carry Silenor generic (doxepin), which can offer added savings. Ask your prescriber if the generic for silenor is appropriate for you, and we can fill that prescription at Canadian prices.

For current promotions, see our silenor coupon.

Side Effects and Safety

• Drowsiness or next-day sleepiness
• Dizziness or fatigue
• Dry mouth
• Nausea or upset stomach
• Headache
• Abnormal dreams
• Upper respiratory or flu-like symptoms

Serious but less common risks include urinary retention, worsening of narrow-angle glaucoma, confusion, and rare allergic reactions. All antidepressants carry a warning for suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children, adolescents, and young adults; Silenor is not approved for pediatric use. Do not use with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or within 14 days of stopping an MAOI. Use caution with sleep apnea, severe pulmonary disease, liver impairment, or a history of urinary retention. Alcohol and other CNS depressants can increase sedation. Strong CYP2D6 inhibitors (such as fluoxetine, paroxetine, quinidine, and bupropion) can raise doxepin levels; dose reduction may be needed.

Onset Time

Many patients notice fewer awakenings on the first night. Benefits build over several nights as a stable schedule is set. Most people see consistent improvements within 1–2 weeks. If taken with or too soon after a meal, onset may be delayed and next-day drowsiness may increase.

Compare With Alternatives

Generic doxepin is the standard alternative to Silenor. The active ingredient is the same, and many prescriptions can be filled with a generic doxepin sleeping pill when appropriate. This option can further reduce silenor generic cost while preserving efficacy in sleep maintenance.

Some clinicians use Trazodone off-label for insomnia, particularly when coexisting mood symptoms are present. It acts on multiple neurotransmitters and may help with sleep onset as well as maintenance, but sedation and next-day effects can occur.

For patients whose primary concern is comorbid anxiety or depression rather than pure insomnia, an antidepressant such as Venlafaxine Xr may be selected for the mood disorder, with or without a dedicated sleep aid. Discuss options if nighttime awakenings persist.

Compared with sedative-hypnotics (zolpidem, eszopiclone), Silenor and doxepin silenor regimens have low abuse potential and focus on sleep maintenance. Orexin antagonists (e.g., suvorexant) are another class, often used when both onset and maintenance are problematic.

Combination Therapy

• Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT‑I) alongside Silenor can improve durability of results.
• Sleep hygiene: consistent schedule, dark cool room, limited late caffeine, and regular exercise.
• Avoid combining with other sedatives or alcohol to reduce additive CNS depression.
• If taking strong CYP2D6 inhibitors, prescribers often keep the dose at 3 mg.
• When used with other antidepressants, clinicians monitor for oversedation and adjust timing.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

Good candidates include adults with frequent nighttime awakenings who can dedicate a full night to sleep. Silenor tablet uses focus on maintenance insomnia, not sleep initiation. It is a practical choice for those seeking a non-controlled option.

People who should not use Silenor include those on MAOIs or within 14 days of MAOI therapy, those with untreated narrow‑angle glaucoma, and those with severe urinary retention. Caution is advised in sleep apnea, significant liver disease, and in older adults who are sensitive to sedatives. At insomnia doses, Silenor for depression is not indicated.

Want to manage Silenor price? Ordering a larger supply can lower per‑month costs. We offer reminders when it is time to reorder, so you avoid gaps in therapy. If appropriate, ask your prescriber about Silenor generic (doxepin), which can further reduce silenor cost. Some shoppers compare silenor goodrx listings, but Canadian pricing from YouDrugstore often provides strong value.

The doxepin sleep dose is typically 3–6 mg nightly. Silenor 3 mg is a common starting point, and Silenor 6 mg is the maximum dose. Your prescriber will choose a dose that balances benefit and tolerability.

Authoritative Sources

FDA Prescribing Information for Silenor (doxepin)

Health Canada Drug Product Database: Doxepin listings

Manufacturer Product Information for Silenor

Order Silenor® from YouDrugstore: add to cart, upload your prescription, and we ship with prompt, express, cold-chain handling.

This content is educational and does not replace advice from your healthcare professional. Always follow your prescriber’s guidance for diagnosis, treatment, and dosing.