How is low-dose doxepin different from antidepressant doses?

At the very low doses used for insomnia, doxepin mainly blocks histamine H1 receptors, which can help reduce nighttime awakenings. At the much higher doses used for depression or anxiety, it affects additional neurotransmitters and has broader anticholinergic effects. This difference in receptor activity helps explain why sleep doses are lower and typically better tolerated than psychiatric doses. Use only as directed by your prescriber.

Can I cut or crush the tablets?

Tablets are film-coated. Swallow whole unless your prescriber gives other instructions based on your specific regimen. Altering the tablet can change how quickly the medicine is absorbed and may affect tolerability. If you have trouble swallowing pills, discuss alternatives or other strategies with your healthcare professional before making changes.

When should I take my bedtime dose?

Take it once nightly within about 30 minutes of going to bed, allowing time in bed for a full night’s rest. Avoid taking it within three hours of a meal because food can delay onset and increase next-day drowsiness. If you happen to miss the bedtime window, skip the dose and wait until the next night rather than taking it during the day.

Will I become dependent on this sleep treatment?

Low-dose doxepin is not classified as a controlled substance. It does not have the same dependence potential associated with some other hypnotics. However, any sleep therapy can be habit-forming in routine. Follow your prescriber’s plan, and review regularly whether you still need it. Tapering or changes should be guided by a clinician, especially if you take other sedating medicines.

Is it safe with SSRIs or other antidepressants?

Your clinician should check for interactions. Combining with SSRIs, SNRIs, or triptans can, rarely, increase serotonin-related symptoms. Cimetidine and some CYP2D6 inhibitors can raise doxepin levels. Using it with benzodiazepines, opioids, or alcohol increases sedation and fall risk. Never start, stop, or combine medicines without professional guidance.

Who should avoid this medicine?

People with untreated narrow-angle glaucoma or severe urinary retention should avoid this therapy. Do not use it with monoamine oxidase inhibitors or within 14 days of stopping an MAOI. Caution is advised in older adults, those with liver impairment, breathing disorders, or a history of urinary problems. Discuss your full medical history and all medicines with your prescriber.

What if I still wake up during the night?

Do not take an extra dose during the night. Instead, practice consistent sleep habits and review caffeine, alcohol, and late meals. If awakenings persist, keep a brief sleep diary and share it with your clinician. They may reassess timing, other medicines, or consider alternatives if this option is not a good fit for your pattern of insomnia.

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Silenor® is a low-dose doxepin tablet used to help adults stay asleep. This page explains how it works, who may benefit, and how to order with US shipping from Canada. It also covers Silenor without insurance to support self-pay decisions.

What Silenor Is and How It Works

YouDrugstore is a licensed Canadian pharmacy in Manitoba. Pharmacists review prescriptions before dispensing.

Silenor® contains doxepin, a tricyclic compound used at very low doses for sleep maintenance insomnia. At these doses it primarily blocks histamine H1 receptors in the brain, which may reduce awakenings during the night. It does not function like a traditional antidepressant at this strength.

Food slows onset. The official label advises avoiding doses within three hours of a meal. Alcohol or other sedatives can increase drowsiness. If you plan to Buy doxepin for sleep, your prescriber should confirm it matches your diagnosis and medications.

Who It’s For

This treatment is approved for adults with insomnia characterized by difficulty maintaining sleep. It is not intended for initial sleep onset problems alone. People with untreated narrow-angle glaucoma or severe urinary retention should avoid it. Those with sleep apnea, severe liver disease, or who use other sedatives should discuss risks with a healthcare professional.

Use caution in older adults and those with depression, bipolar disorder, or a history of urinary problems. Do not combine with monoamine oxidase inhibitors, and allow adequate washout if switching therapies.

Dosage and Usage

Follow your prescription and the product label. Typical dosing is once nightly within 30 minutes of bedtime, ensuring time in bed for a full night’s rest. Do not take within three hours of a meal. Swallow tablets whole with water; do not crush or split unless your prescriber instructs otherwise. Avoid alcohol and other sleep medicines unless your prescriber agrees.

If you wake during the night, do not take an extra dose. Next-day drowsiness can occur, especially if you sleep less than a full night, take it after a large meal, or combine with other sedatives. If daytime sedation or anticholinergic effects become troublesome, contact your prescriber for guidance.

Strengths and Forms

Film-coated tablets are commonly available in 3 mg and 6 mg. Availability can vary by market and stock. Your prescriber will choose the strength that fits your history, age, and other medicines.

Missed Dose and Timing

If you miss the bedtime dose, skip it. Do not take the tablet during the day. Resume the usual schedule the next night. Never double up to make up a missed dose.

Storage and Travel Basics

Store tablets at room temperature in a dry place, away from excess heat, moisture, and light. Keep medication in the original child-resistant container. For travel, carry it in your hand luggage with your prescription label. Pack only what you need and consider a small buffer. If crossing borders, bring a copy of your prescription. Keep out of reach of children and pets.

Benefits

This medicine may help reduce nighttime awakenings and improve sleep maintenance. It is not a controlled substance. Many people appreciate that the dose is low and taken once nightly. As a Silenor sleep aid, it can fit into a broader plan that includes consistent bedtime routines and reduced evening stimulants.

Side Effects and Safety

Dry mouth
Drowsiness or fatigue
Nausea or upset stomach
Upper respiratory symptoms
Dizziness

More serious effects are uncommon but can include worsening depression or suicidal thoughts, urinary retention, angle-closure glaucoma in susceptible individuals, confusion, or severe allergic reactions. Seek urgent care for troubling mental health changes, eye pain with vision changes, trouble urinating, or signs of an allergic reaction. The risk of low blood sugar is not typical with this therapy, but added sedation can occur with alcohol, opioids, benzodiazepines, or other hypnotics.

Drug Interactions and Cautions

Avoid use with MAO inhibitors or within 14 days of stopping an MAOI. Strong CYP2D6 inhibitors and cimetidine can raise doxepin levels. Other anticholinergic agents can add to dry mouth, constipation, or urinary effects. Combining with alcohol, benzodiazepines, opioids, or other sleep medicines increases sedation and fall risk. Use caution with SSRIs, SNRIs, or triptans due to rare reports of serotonin-related symptoms when multiple serotonergic agents are combined.

What to Expect Over Time

This Silenor sleep medication may begin helping the first night for some people. Others may notice steadier sleep over several days as bedtime routines become consistent. If benefits or tolerability seem uncertain, review your sleep schedule, caffeine intake, and any late meals with your prescriber. Do not change the dose without medical advice. Pairing the treatment with good sleep hygiene can support results.

Compare With Alternatives

Some adults do well with non-benzodiazepine hypnotics. If your prescriber suggests an alternative, you can review Zolpidem or the Canadian option Zopiclone. Each has different cautions, such as next-day impairment and complex sleep behaviors. Your history and other medicines guide the choice.

Pricing and Access

Canadian pharmacy options can offer competitive Silenor price for self-pay patients. We also display Doxepin price when a prescriber recommends the generic. Check current pricing and start checkout when you are ready. Delivery typically Ships from Canada to US with clear tracking. For occasional offers, see our Promotions page. Your prescription is required and verified.

Availability and Substitutions

Stock can vary. If a specific tablet is unavailable, your prescriber may recommend doxepin of the same low-dose class when appropriate. Substitutions depend on clinical judgment, your prescription, and local regulations. We do not guarantee restock dates, but our team updates the product page as supply changes.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

Adults who wake often during the night may be candidates if a prescriber confirms insomnia characterized by difficulty maintaining sleep. Those with untreated narrow-angle glaucoma, severe urinary retention, or who use MAOIs should avoid it. People with liver impairment, breathing problems, or who take multiple sedatives need individualized review.

To manage costs, ask about a multi-month fill if appropriate, which may lower per-tablet pricing. Setting refill reminders helps prevent gaps. Consider generic options when your prescriber agrees. Keep tablets in the original bottle for easier travel and pharmacy verification.

Questions to Ask Your Clinician

Right candidate: Is low-dose doxepin suitable for my type of insomnia?
Meal timing: How should I time the dose around dinner or snacks?
Safety: Which medicines or supplements should I avoid with this therapy?
Side effects: What signs mean I should call the office?
Alternatives: If this option is not a fit, what else could I try?
Duration: How long should I continue before reassessing results?

Authoritative Sources

FDA DailyMed: Silenor Prescribing Information Health Canada Drug Product Database What Is Doxepin Used For

Learn More

For broader context on sleep and mental health, explore Insomnia, Mental Health, our Sleep Disorders Guide, and the Antidepressants Guide. Ingredient background is also covered in Doxepin Cream Uses.

Ready when your prescription is? Order from YouDrugstore for prompt, express US delivery from Canada with temperature-controlled handling when required. This page is informational and not a substitute for medical advice.

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View All FAQs

How is low-dose doxepin different from antidepressant doses?
At the very low doses used for insomnia, doxepin mainly blocks histamine H1 receptors, which can help reduce nighttime awakenings. At the much higher doses used for depression or anxiety, it affects additional neurotransmitters and has broader anticholinergic effects. This difference in receptor activity helps explain why sleep doses are lower and typically better tolerated than psychiatric doses. Use only as directed by your prescriber.
Can I cut or crush the tablets?
Tablets are film-coated. Swallow whole unless your prescriber gives other instructions based on your specific regimen. Altering the tablet can change how quickly the medicine is absorbed and may affect tolerability. If you have trouble swallowing pills, discuss alternatives or other strategies with your healthcare professional before making changes.
When should I take my bedtime dose?
Take it once nightly within about 30 minutes of going to bed, allowing time in bed for a full night’s rest. Avoid taking it within three hours of a meal because food can delay onset and increase next-day drowsiness. If you happen to miss the bedtime window, skip the dose and wait until the next night rather than taking it during the day.
Will I become dependent on this sleep treatment?
Low-dose doxepin is not classified as a controlled substance. It does not have the same dependence potential associated with some other hypnotics. However, any sleep therapy can be habit-forming in routine. Follow your prescriber’s plan, and review regularly whether you still need it. Tapering or changes should be guided by a clinician, especially if you take other sedating medicines.
Is it safe with SSRIs or other antidepressants?
Your clinician should check for interactions. Combining with SSRIs, SNRIs, or triptans can, rarely, increase serotonin-related symptoms. Cimetidine and some CYP2D6 inhibitors can raise doxepin levels. Using it with benzodiazepines, opioids, or alcohol increases sedation and fall risk. Never start, stop, or combine medicines without professional guidance.
Who should avoid this medicine?
People with untreated narrow-angle glaucoma or severe urinary retention should avoid this therapy. Do not use it with monoamine oxidase inhibitors or within 14 days of stopping an MAOI. Caution is advised in older adults, those with liver impairment, breathing disorders, or a history of urinary problems. Discuss your full medical history and all medicines with your prescriber.
What if I still wake up during the night?
Do not take an extra dose during the night. Instead, practice consistent sleep habits and review caffeine, alcohol, and late meals. If awakenings persist, keep a brief sleep diary and share it with your clinician. They may reassess timing, other medicines, or consider alternatives if this option is not a good fit for your pattern of insomnia.