Doxepin
See references
Category
Compound type
Phase / Status
FDA approved for depression and anxiety
Standard Dose
As directed
Half-life
Plasma elimination
Route(s)
Oral, Injectable or Topical
Research Stage
Regulatory approval granted; post-market monitoring ongoing.
Overview
Doxepin is prescribed by clinicians, and the same drug is used in different dosing ranges depending on the goal (for example, mood symptoms vs sleep maintenance). It works in part by blocking histamine receptors, which can help with staying asleep. Like other antidepressants, it can affect multiple neurotransmitter systems, so side effects and drug interactions matter.
Plain-language summary
Doxepin is prescribed by clinicians, and the same drug is used in different dosing ranges depending on the goal (for example, mood symptoms vs sleep maintenance). It works in part by blocking histamine receptors, which can help with staying asleep. Like other antidepressants, it can affect multiple neurotransmitter systems, so side effects and drug interactions matter.
Administration Routes
- Oral
- Injectable
- Topical
Also known as
Mechanisms
TCA with antihistamine activity (H1/H2 blockade) and broader monoamine effects
Detailed mechanism
Doxepin blocks histamine receptors (including H1/H2), which contributes to sedative effects at lower doses used for sleep maintenance. At antidepressant doses, it also influences monoamine signaling (commonly described as serotonin and norepinephrine-related effects), which contributes to mood-related benefits.
Safety
Side effects
- Sleepiness or sedation
- Dry mouth
- Dizziness
- Possible appetite/weight changes
- May worsen certain heart rhythm problems or raise fall risk in vulnerable people
Reported benefits
- Sleep aid
- Anxiety reduction
- Depression treatment
Safety profile
Consult medical professional before use
Clinical trials
See research status
Structure
Verified structure
Doxepin
Exact 2D structure can be rendered from a PubChem-backed canonical SMILES string.
- Chemical Formula
- C19H21NO
- Molecular Weight
- 279.4 g/mol
- CAS Number
- 1668-19-5
- InChIKey
- ODQWQRRAPPTVAG-UHFFFAOYSA-N
Stack Context
No stack data available.
References
- 1View source
Efficacy and safety of doxepin 1 mg, 3 mg, and 6 mg in adults with chronic primary insomnia (Sleep)
2007
- 2View source
Efficacy and safety of doxepin 1 and 3 mg in a 12-week sleep laboratory and outpatient trial of elderly subjects with chronic primary insomnia (Sleep)
2010
- 3View source
Silenor (doxepin 3 mg and 6 mg) FDA-approved prescribing information for insomnia - NDA 022036 (FDA AccessData)
2010
This profile summarizes research literature for education only. It is not medical advice, and it does not diagnose, treat, or recommend a dose. Consult a qualified professional before changing a protocol.