How to Use Doxepin for Insomnia

Insomnia is generally defined as difficulty going to sleep and/or staying asleep. It is not usually considered a diagnosis or a disease in and of itself, but rather a symptom. Doxepin is an antidepressant used to treat anxiety and depression by inhibiting the re-uptake of serotonin and norepinephrine. In March 2010, it was approved by the FDA to treat insomnia.

Instructions

• 1

  See your doctor to obtain a prescription. Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medications, including MAO inhibitors, which can cause severe adverse reactions when combined with doxepin. Do not take doxepin if you have ever had glaucoma, difficulty urinating, an enlarged prostate - or if you are, or plan to become pregnant.

• 2

  Take the dose recommended by your doctor. The typical recommended dose starts at 20 mg and can be increased to as much as 50 mg, depending on your condition. Doxepin comes as a capsule or a liquid concentrate. You do not need to take it with food, but it should be taken around the same time every day. If you use the liquid concentrate, have your doctor or pharmacist show you how to use the dropper, and dilute the concentrate in non-carbonated beverages. Never take more doxepin than your doctor recommends, and tell your doctor before you stop taking it.

• 3

  Ensure that you have enough time to sleep off the effects of doxepin fully. You will need 12 to 15 hours to wake up after taking doxepin. Do not drive to work, go to school, or put yourself in potentially dangerous situations until you feel fully awake after using doxepin.

• 4

  Take any missed doses as soon as you remember, unless it is almost time for your next dose, in which case you should skip it. Never take a double dose.