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Silenor (Doxepin HCL) Shopper Approved

Prescription Prescription Required FormationFormulation: Tablet

Silenor

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Prescription Prescription Required FormationFormulation: Tablet

Doxepin HCL

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Silenor contains the active ingredient doxepin hydrochloride. It is a prescription medication used to treat insomnia, especially when the main problem is difficulty staying asleep through the night.

Insomnia

Silenor is used for the treatment of insomnia characterized by problems with sleep maintenance.

This may include:

  • Waking up several times during the night
  • Having trouble falling back asleep after waking
  • Waking earlier than intended
  • Getting less total sleep because of repeated nighttime awakenings

Silenor is not mainly intended for people whose only problem is difficulty falling asleep at the beginning of the night. Its main benefit is helping people stay asleep longer and reduce nighttime awakenings.

What Is Sleep-Maintenance Insomnia?

Sleep-maintenance insomnia occurs when a person can fall asleep but has difficulty remaining asleep.

People with this type of insomnia may wake repeatedly during the night or wake very early in the morning and be unable to return to sleep.

Over time, poor sleep can affect:

  • Energy levels
  • Concentration
  • Memory
  • Mood
  • Work or school performance
  • Overall quality of life

By improving the ability to stay asleep, Silenor may help increase total sleep time and improve sleep quality.

How Silenor Works

Silenor belongs to a group of medications called tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs).

However, the doses used in Silenor for insomnia are much lower than the doses typically used when doxepin is prescribed to treat depression.

At these low doses, doxepin appears to work mainly by blocking histamine H1 receptors in the brain.

Histamine is one of the chemical messengers involved in keeping the brain awake and alert.

By reducing histamine activity, Silenor can decrease wakefulness during the night and help a person remain asleep for longer periods.

Why Silenor Is Different From Higher-Dose Doxepin

Doxepin can also be prescribed at higher doses for conditions such as depression or anxiety.

At higher doses, doxepin affects several neurotransmitter systems.

Silenor, however, is specifically formulated and dosed for insomnia. Its low-dose effect is focused mainly on the histamine system involved in wakefulness.

This means Silenor should not be considered interchangeable with higher-dose doxepin products unless a healthcare provider specifically directs the change.

What Silenor May Help Improve

When taken as prescribed, Silenor may help:

  • Reduce the number of times you wake during the night
  • Help you return to sleep more easily after waking
  • Reduce early-morning awakening
  • Increase total sleep time
  • Improve overall sleep continuity

The amount of improvement can vary from person to person.

When Silenor May Start Working

Some people may notice an improvement in sleep within the first few nights of treatment.

For others, it may take longer to determine how well the medication is working.

Your healthcare provider may evaluate your response based on how often you wake during the night, how long you stay awake, and how you feel during the day.

Role of Good Sleep Habits

Silenor works best when it is used along with healthy sleep habits.

Helpful habits may include:

  • Going to bed and waking up at similar times each day
  • Keeping the bedroom dark, quiet, and comfortable
  • Avoiding caffeine late in the day
  • Limiting alcohol near bedtime
  • Reducing screen use before bed
  • Avoiding long daytime naps

Medication can help manage insomnia, but sleep habits and other contributing factors are also important.

Important Limitation

Silenor treats symptoms of insomnia but does not necessarily correct the underlying cause of poor sleep.

If insomnia continues despite treatment, or if you have symptoms such as loud snoring, pauses in breathing, gasping during sleep, restless legs, or severe daytime sleepiness, speak with your healthcare provider.

These symptoms may suggest another sleep disorder, such as sleep apnea or restless legs syndrome, that may require a different treatment approach.

Silenor is taken by mouth once nightly, usually within 30 minutes before bedtime.

Take it on an empty stomach. Do not take Silenor within 3 hours of a meal, because food can delay how quickly the medication works.

Only take Silenor when you can get a full night of sleep, usually about 7 to 8 hours, before you need to be active again.

Recommended Dose for Adults

Starting dose: 3 mg once nightly.

Recommended dose: The dose may be increased to 6 mg once nightly if needed and tolerated.

Maximum dose: 6 mg per day.

Your healthcare provider will choose the dose based on your age, medical history, response to treatment, and risk of side effects.

Dose for Older Adults

For adults aged 65 years and older, the usual starting dose is 3 mg once nightly.

The dose may be increased to 6 mg if needed and tolerated.

Older adults may be more sensitive to drowsiness, dizziness, confusion, and falls, so a lower starting dose is usually preferred.

Liver Problems

People with liver impairment may have higher levels of doxepin in the body.

A lower starting dose, usually 3 mg once nightly, may be recommended.

Your healthcare provider may adjust the dose based on how well you tolerate the medication.

Kidney Problems

Kidney impairment does not usually require a specific Silenor dose adjustment.

However, your healthcare provider may still consider your overall health, age, other medications, and risk of side effects when choosing the dose.

Take Silenor Right Before Bed

Take Silenor only when you are ready to go to bed.

Because it can cause drowsiness, avoid driving, operating machinery, or doing other activities that require full alertness after taking your dose.

Do not take a second dose during the same night.

What to Do If You Miss a Dose

If you miss your usual bedtime dose, skip it if you no longer have enough time for a full night of sleep.

Do not take Silenor in the middle of the night or take extra medication to make up for the missed dose.

Take your next dose at your usual bedtime the following night.

Do Not Take More Than Prescribed

Do not increase your dose or take Silenor more often than prescribed.

Taking more than 6 mg in one day can increase the risk of side effects and will not necessarily improve your sleep.

Tell Your Healthcare Provider About Other Medications

Before taking Silenor, tell your healthcare provider about all medications and supplements you use, including:

  • Prescription medications
  • Over-the-counter medications
  • Sleep aids
  • Antihistamines
  • Vitamins
  • Herbal products

Some medications can increase drowsiness or change how Silenor is processed in the body.

Follow Your Healthcare Provider’s Instructions

Take Silenor exactly as prescribed.

If your insomnia does not improve within about 7 to 10 days, or if it becomes worse, contact your healthcare provider. Persistent sleep problems may have another cause that needs to be evaluated.

Common Side Effects of Silenor (Doxepin HCL):

  • Sleepiness
  • Tiredness

Serious Side Effects of Silenor (Doxepin HCL):

  • A light-headed feeling, like you might pass out
  • A seizure
  • Blisters or ulcers in your mouth
  • Red or swollen gums
  • Trouble swallowing
  • Chest pain
  • Confusion
  • Hallucinations
  • Depressed mood
  • Thoughts about hurting yourself
  • Eye pain or redness
  • Low red blood cells (anemia): pale skin, unusual tiredness, feeling light-headed or short of breath, cold hands and feet
  • Signs of infection—flu-like symptoms, swelling, skin redness, diarrhea, skin sores or white patches, trouble breathing, pain or burning when you urinate.
  • Uncontrolled muscle movements
  • Unusual thoughts or behavior

Silenor (Doxepin HCL) is available in the following forms and strengths:

Silenor: Tablet

  • 3 mg
  • 6 mg

Unusual Sleep-Related Behaviors

Silenor may cause complex sleep behaviors in some people.

These can include:

  • Sleepwalking
  • Sleep-driving
  • Preparing or eating food while not fully awake
  • Making phone calls while asleep
  • Having sex while not fully awake

People may have little or no memory of these activities afterward.

If you experience any unusual sleep-related behavior, stop taking Silenor and contact your healthcare provider promptly.

Drowsiness and Dizziness

Silenor can cause drowsiness, dizziness, and reduced alertness.

Do not drive, operate machinery, or perform other activities that require full concentration until you know how Silenor affects you.

Take Silenor only when you are able to get a full night of sleep.

Alcohol and Other Sedating Medications

Alcohol can increase the sedating effects of Silenor and may increase the risk of unusual sleep behaviors.

Other medications that cause drowsiness may also increase these effects.

Tell your healthcare provider if you use:

  • Sleep medications
  • Antihistamines
  • Anxiety medications
  • Opioids
  • Muscle relaxants
  • Other medications that cause drowsiness

Do not combine Silenor with alcohol or other sedating substances unless your healthcare provider tells you it is safe.

Depression and Suicidal Thoughts

Doxepin belongs to the tricyclic antidepressant class of medications.

Antidepressants may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts or behaviors in some children, adolescents, and young adults, especially when treatment begins or the dose changes.

Contact a healthcare provider promptly if you develop new or worsening depression, unusual changes in mood or behavior, or thoughts of self-harm.

Use in Older Adults

Older adults may be more sensitive to certain effects of Silenor, including:

  • Drowsiness
  • Dizziness
  • Confusion
  • Problems with balance
  • Falls

A lower starting dose is generally recommended for older adults.

Liver Problems

Silenor should be used carefully in people with liver impairment because the medication may remain in the body longer.

A lower starting dose may be recommended.

Tell your healthcare provider if you have liver disease before starting Silenor.

Kidney Problems

Kidney impairment does not usually require a specific dose adjustment for Silenor.

However, your healthcare provider may still consider your kidney function, age, other medical conditions, and medications when deciding whether Silenor is appropriate.

Drug Interactions

Silenor can interact with other medications.

Important interactions may occur with certain:

  • Antidepressants
  • Antihistamines
  • Anxiety medications
  • Sleep medications
  • Medications that affect how doxepin is broken down in the body

Tell your healthcare provider about all prescription medications, over-the-counter products, vitamins, supplements, and herbal products you use.

MAO Inhibitors

Do not take Silenor if you currently use a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) or have used one recently.

Combining these medications can cause serious reactions.

Examples of MAOIs include phenelzine, tranylcypromine, and isocarboxazid.

Glaucoma and Urinary Retention

Tell your healthcare provider if you have untreated narrow-angle glaucoma or severe problems with urinary retention.

Silenor may not be appropriate in these situations.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.

Your healthcare provider will consider the potential benefits and risks before recommending Silenor.

Allergic Reactions

Seek medical attention if you develop signs of a serious allergic reaction, such as:

  • Hives
  • Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
  • Difficulty breathing or swallowing

Follow Your Healthcare Provider’s Instructions

Take Silenor exactly as prescribed.

Tell your healthcare provider about all medications, supplements, and herbal products you use before starting treatment, and do not increase the dose on your own.

Can Silenor be taken with food?

Silenor should be taken on an empty stomach. Take it within about 30 minutes before bedtime, and avoid taking it within 3 hours of a meal. Food can delay how quickly Silenor works and may increase how much doxepin is absorbed. For best results, follow the timing instructions provided by your healthcare provider.

Can Silenor be taken during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. Silenor should only be used during pregnancy when the potential benefits outweigh the possible risks. Doxepin can pass into breast milk and may cause serious side effects in a nursing infant, including excessive sleepiness or breathing problems. Breastfeeding is generally not recommended while taking Silenor.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Silenor?

If you miss your usual bedtime dose, skip it if you no longer have enough time to get a full night of sleep. Do not take Silenor in the middle of the night or take two doses to make up for a missed dose. Take your next dose at your usual bedtime the following night.

How long does it take for Silenor to work?

Silenor may begin helping with sleep on the first night of treatment. Some people may notice fewer nighttime awakenings or longer sleep within the first few doses. If your insomnia does not improve within about 7 to 10 days, or if it gets worse, contact your healthcare provider. Ongoing sleep problems may have another cause that needs to be evaluated.

Does Silenor cause weight gain?

Weight gain is not considered one of the most common side effects of the low doses of doxepin used in Silenor. However, changes in weight can still occur in some people. If you notice unexplained or significant weight gain while taking Silenor, speak with your healthcare provider so other possible causes can be considered.

REVIEWS

Additional Information Book
Generic name:

Doxepin HCL

Formulation:

Tablet

Strength(s):

3mg, 6mg

Quantities Available:

30, 60, 90

Why customers love Online Pharmacies Canada

Our online Canadian Pharmacy is known for high standards of quality, safety, and efficiency when it comes to medications.

Our pharmacy offers lower prices on prescription drugs compared to traditional pharmacies.

How to Order

How much Silenor can I order at once from a Canadian pharmacy?

When ordering Silenor (doxepin HCL) from a Canadian pharmacy, you can typically purchase up to a 90-day supply at one time, which is common for prescription medications to ensure adequate management of chronic conditions without frequent refills.

Here’s what you need to know:

Dosage and Quantity: Silenor is commonly prescribed at a dosage of 3 mg or 6 mg, taken once daily about 30 minutes before bedtime. For a 90-day supply, you would order 90 tablets (90 days x 1 tablet per day).

Do you sell doxepin HCL?

No, we do not sell doxepin HCL on our website. However, you can still enjoy low prices on Silenor, which contains doxepin HCL as an active ingredient. To purchase Silenor, you will need a valid prescription from your healthcare provider. We require this prescription to dispense the medication. You can conveniently submit your prescription by mail, fax, or upload it through your online account.

Do you offer shipping of Silenor (doxepin HCL) to the United States?

Yes, we ship Silenor (doxepin HCL) to both the United States and Puerto Rico.

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Online Pharmacies Canada has provided information from third parties intended to increase awareness and does not contain all the information about Silenor (Doxepin HCL). Talk to your doctor or other qualified medical practitioners for medical attention or advice, or if you have any concerns about Silenor (Doxepin HCL).