{"id":9213,"date":"2023-02-20T09:36:05","date_gmt":"2023-02-20T17:36:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cms.helloklarity.com\/?p=9213"},"modified":"2024-02-08T09:27:55","modified_gmt":"2024-02-08T17:27:55","slug":"doxepin-vs-ambien","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cms.helloklarity.com\/post\/doxepin-vs-ambien\/","title":{"rendered":"Doxepin vs. Ambien: Which One Should I Take?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Living with insomnia can leave you exhausted, and with so many insomnia treatment options available, finding the right medication can be a challenging process. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this article, we will compare two commonly prescribed insomnia medications\u2014doxepin vs. Ambien. We will go over the major similarities and differences between these two medications so that you can be better informed when discussing treatment options with your healthcare provider. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you are experiencing disturbances to your sleep-wake cycle on a regular basis, you may benefit from insomnia treatment<\/a>, and Klarity can help. Schedule an appointment today and be seen by a licensed healthcare provider within 48 hours. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t
<\/th>Doxepin <\/th>Ambien<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Drug Class<\/strong><\/td>Tricyclic antidepressant
\r\n
\r\n<\/td>
Sedative-hypnotic<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Brand \/ Generic Status<\/strong><\/td>Generic (Brand name: Silenor)
\r\n
\r\n<\/td>
Brand name for zolpidem<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Form(s) of the Drug<\/strong><\/td>\u2022 Immediate-release capsules
\r\n\u2022 Immediate-release tablets
\r\n\u2022 Clear, blueberry-mint flavored liquid suspension
\r\n\u2022 Topical cream (for itching)
\r\n<\/td>
\u2022 Immediate-release tablet
\n\u2022 Extended-release tablet
\n\u2022 Nasal spray
\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Standard Dosage<\/strong><\/td>Immediate-release capsule:
\r\n\u2022 10mg
\r\n\u2022 25mg
\r\n\u2022 50mg
\r\n\u2022 75mg
\r\n\u2022 100mg
\r\n\u2022 150mg
\r\n
\r\nImmediate-release tablets:
\r\n\u2022 3mg
\r\n\u2022 6mg
\r\n
\r\nLiquid suspension:
\r\n\u2022 10mg per dose
\r\n
\r\nTopical cream:
\r\n\u2022 5% formula
\r\n<\/td>
Immediate-release tablet:
\n\u2022 5mg
\n\u2022 10mg
\n
\nExtended-release tablet:
\n\u2022 6.25mg
\n\u2022 12.5mg
\n
\nNasal spray:
\n\u2022 5mg per metered spray
\n
\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Typical Treatment Length<\/strong><\/td>Short-term use only
\n
\n<\/td>
Long-term use
\n
\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Conditions Treated<\/strong><\/td>FDA-approved uses:
\r\n\u2022 Major depressive disorder
\r\n\u2022 Anxiety disorder
\r\n\u2022 OCD
\r\n
\r\nOff-label uses:
\r\n\u2022 Itchiness due to atopic dermatitis, pruritus, or lichen simplex chronicus
\r\n\u2022 Topical neuropathic pain
\r\n<\/td>
FDA-approved uses:
\n\u2022 Insomnia
\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Cost<\/strong><\/td>Brand name (Silenor):
\r\n\u2022 $32 to $525 for a 30-day supply
\r\n
\r\nGeneric form (doxepin)
\r\n\u2022 $36 to $90 for a 30-day supply
\r\n\u2022 $8 for a 30-day supply with coupons\/discounts
\r\n<\/td>
Brand-name:
\n\u2022 $668 for a 30-day supply
\n
\nGeneric formula:
\n\u2022 $8.30 to $58 for a 30-day supply (with insurance)
\n\u2022 $21.64 per pill (without insurance)
\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Side-Effects<\/strong><\/td>Common side effects:
\r\n\u2022 Agitation, confusion
\r\n\u2022 Black, tarry stools, bleeding gums, blood in urine or stool
\r\n\u2022 Blurred vision
\r\n\u2022 A sensation of burning, itching, or \u201cpins and needles\u201d on the skin
\r\n\u2022 Chest pain or tightness, fast or irregular heartbeat
\r\n\u2022 Chills, cold sweats
\r\n\u2022 Urinary retention
\r\n\u2022 Dizziness upon standing, loss of consciousness
\r\n\u2022 Headache
\r\n\u2022 Hearing loss
\r\n\u2022 Muscle spasms, stiffness, twitching
\r\n\u2022 Seizures
\r\n<\/td>
Common side effects:
\n\u2022 Dizziness
\nLightheadedness
\n\u2022 Loss of coordination or balance
\n\u2022 Congestion
\n\u2022 Nausea
\n\u2022 Dry mouth
\n\u2022 Constipation
\n\u2022 Diarrhea
\n\u2022 Confusion
\n\u2022 Stomach ache
\n\u2022 Euphoria
\n\u2022 Muscle pain
\n\u2022 Visual changes
\n\u2022 Headaches
\n\u2022 Drowsiness
\n
\nSerious side effects:
\n\u2022 Memory loss
\n\u2022 Changes in behavior
\n\u2022 Depression
\n\u2022 Anxiety
\n\u2022 Aggression
\n\u2022 Suicidal ideation<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Warnings For Use<\/strong><\/td>Drug interactions:
\r\n\u2022 Thyroid supplements
\r\n\u2022 Anticholinergic drugs
\r\n\u2022 Some blood pressure medications: clonidine
\r\n\u2022 MAO inhibitors: isocarboxazid, linezolid, metaxalone, methylene blue
\r\n\u2022 SSRIs
\r\n\u2022 St. John's Wort
\r\n\u2022 Cimetidine
\r\n\u2022 Terbinafine
\r\n\u2022 Drugs to treat irregular heart rate
\r\n
\r\n<\/td>
Contraindicated conditions:
\n\u2022 Alcohol intoxication
\n\u2022 Depression
\n\u2022 Drug dependence
\n\u2022 Liver disease
\n\u2022 Glaucoma
\n\u2022 Renal dysfunction
\n\u2022 Liver disease
\n\u2022 Respiratory depression
\n
\nDrug interactions:
\n\u2022 Tramadol
\n\u2022 Ativan
\n\u2022 Clonazepam
\n\u2022 Cymbalta
\n\u2022 Flexeril
\n\u2022 Gabapentin
\n\u2022 Klonopin
\n\u2022 Lexapro
\n\u2022 Lisinopril
\n\u2022 Lyrica
\n\u2022 Trazodone
\n\u2022 Xanax
\n\u2022 Zoloft
\n
\n
\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n\n

What is Doxepin?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Doxepin, also known as Silenor, is a tricyclic antidepressant medication that is commonly used to treat anxiety and depression, but due to its sedating effects, it can also be used as an insomnia treatment medication as well. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tricyclics work by increasing the levels of important neurotransmitters, serotonin, and norepinephrine, within the brain. These neurotransmitters are essential for several important functions, including sleep, mood, appetite, and sex drive, to name a few. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Doxepin Forms and Doses<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Doxepin is available in capsules, tablets, an oral solution, and a topical cream. As with most psychiatric medication, the medication is started at a low dose of 75 mg and can be titrated up weekly but should not exceed 150 mg per day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Doxepin capsules are available in the dosages: <\/p>\n\n\n\n