Doxepin: Uses, Side Effects, and What You Need to Know

When you hear doxepin, a tricyclic antidepressant originally developed for depression but now widely used for sleep and anxiety. Also known as Sinequan, it works by balancing chemicals in the brain like serotonin and norepinephrine, helping ease mood and improve sleep quality. Unlike newer antidepressants, doxepin has been around for decades, and while it’s not usually the first choice today, it still helps people who haven’t found relief with other options.

Doxepin is often prescribed for three main reasons: treating depression, managing anxiety, and helping with insomnia—especially when trouble staying asleep is the biggest issue. At low doses (like 3 mg or 6 mg), it’s approved specifically for sleep problems without the strong mood-altering effects of higher doses. That’s why some doctors give it to people who don’t need an antidepressant but just can’t stay asleep. It’s not a sleeping pill like zolpidem; it works by calming brain activity over time, making it less likely to cause dependence.

But it’s not without trade-offs. Common side effects include dry mouth, drowsiness, dizziness, and weight gain. Some people feel foggy in the morning, especially if they don’t get enough sleep or take it too late. It can also interact with other meds, like alcohol, opioids, or certain heart drugs. People with glaucoma, heart conditions, or a history of seizures should use it carefully—or avoid it. That’s why it’s not something you should start on your own. Always talk to your doctor about whether it’s right for you, especially if you’ve tried other treatments without success.

Many of the posts here focus on medications that affect daily life—like how lisinopril-HCTZ, a blood pressure combo drug can cause dizziness, or how antidepressant withdrawal, the uncomfortable symptoms that follow stopping certain meds can mimic anxiety. Doxepin fits right in: it’s one of those older drugs that works well for some, but comes with a list of things to watch for. You’ll find posts here that compare it to other sleep aids, explain how to taper off safely, and even discuss how it stacks up against newer options like trazodone or mirtazapine.

If you’re considering doxepin—or already taking it—this collection gives you real-world insights. You’ll see how people manage side effects, what works when it stops helping, and how it connects to broader issues like medication access, generic alternatives, and long-term use. No fluff. Just what you need to know to make smarter choices about your health.