Doxepin
Silenor (doxepin) is a prescription sleep medication specifically approved for the treatment of insomnia characterized by difficulty staying asleep. It is a low-dose formulation of a tricyclic antidepressant that works by blocking histamine receptors to promote sleep. Silenor is typically used in adults who have trouble with sleep maintenance.
Silenor is a prescription sleep aid used to treat insomnia by blocking histamine receptors to help patients stay asleep.
Key facts at a glance
- RxNorm
- 966788
- Generic
- Silenor
- Class
- brand-name
- Brands
- —
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- —
- Forms
- —
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Silenor is FDA-approved for the treatment of insomnia characterized by sleep maintenance difficulties (trouble staying asleep). It is prescribed for adults experiencing difficulty with sleep onset or sleep maintenance.
Silenor contains doxepin, which acts as a selective histamine H1 receptor antagonist. By blocking histamine activity in the brain, it helps initiate and maintain sleep. Unlike many other sleep aids, it does not work through GABA receptors.
Silenor should be taken within 30 minutes of bedtime and only when at least 4 hours of sleep time is available. Common side effects may include drowsiness, dry mouth, and headache. Patients should avoid alcohol and other CNS depressants while taking this medication. It is not a controlled substance but requires a prescription.
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 9, 2026. · Read our editorial policy