Silenor

The active ingredient in Silenor is doxepin hydrochloride. Doxepin belongs to a class of medications known as tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs). It is unknown how exactly doxepin can improve insomnia and sleep maintenance. It is thought that it may be because it blocks histamine receptors in the brain.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-Approved Product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide before using Silenor. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Silenor:

• Silenor should be used exactly as prescribed.
• It is typically taken within 30 minutes of your bedtime. Do not take within 3 hours of a meal. Taking with food can make you sleepy the following day.
• Do not take Silenor and drink alcohol. Doing so could lead to excessive drowsiness or sedation.
• Silenor may cause certain bothersome side effects in some patients, even though they are uncommon. These include dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation, eye pain, and weight gain. If you experience any of these and are unable to tolerate them, follow up with your prescriber.
• If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember if it is still close to your bedtime and you have trouble falling asleep. If it is the next day, continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not double your dose to make up for the missed dose.

The most common side effects of Silenor include:

• Sleepiness
• Nausea
• Upper respiratory tract infections, such as sore throat, colds, and the flu

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Silenor. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

• New onset of or worsening of depression and suicidal thoughts
• Sleep walking or any other activities you cannot remember doing while you were not fully awake, such as taking phone calls, sleep-driving, and more.
• Signs of an allergic reaction, such as hives, skin rash, difficulty breathing, and swelling of the face, lips, eyes, or tongue

These are not all of the possible side effects of Silenor. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting Silenor, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including if you have:

• A history of mental illness, depression, or suicidal thoughts
• Severe sleep apnea
• Kidney problems
• Liver problems
• A history of substance use disorders
• Glaucoma
• Trouble urinating
• Are pregnant or planning to become pregnant
• Are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed

Do not use Silenor if you have:

• Are also using MAOIs or have recently stopped using
• Untreated narrow-angle glaucoma
• Severe urinary retention
• An allergy to doxepin or any of the other ingredients in Silenor

Silenor begins to work right after the first dose. However, you may not notice a difference in your sleep until after a few days of use. If you continue to experience sleep problems despite use, follow up with your prescriber.

When Silenor is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking to avoid any negative drug interactions, including:

• Cimetidine
• SSRIs such as sertraline
• Alcohol
• CNS depressants
• Antihistamines such as diphenhydramine
• Tolazamide
• Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) such as phenelzine, tranylcypromine, methylene blue, and selegiline

Silenor is available as 3 mg and 6 mg tablets. It should be noted that Silenor tablets are not scored.

Silenor should be stored at room temperature, away from light and moisture, and out of reach of children.

Silenor is manufactured by the pharmaceutical company Currax Pharmaceuticals.

Yes, there is a generic available for the brand-name Silenor.

Consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing medications while taking Silenor.

Silenor should not be used in the third trimester due to the potential for harm to the unborn child. Talk to your doctor if you are already pregnant or if you have any plans to become pregnant. They will know or recommend what is best for you.

Silenor can pass into the breast milk and may harm your baby. Talk to your doctor if you are already breastfeeding or if you have any plans to breastfeed. They will know or recommend what is best for you.