Doxepin (Sinequan)

Primer

Doxepin (Trade name: Sinequan, Silenor) is a tricyclic antidepressant.

Dosing

  • Half-life: 3.5 hours

Indications

  • Insomnia (middle insomnia, doses of 3 to 6 mg qHS in Canada)[1]

Mechanism

  • Doxepin has prominent histaminergic effects, and NO anticholinergic effects, which makes it a relatively safe sleep aid
  • Best used for the short-term treatment of maintenance (middle) insomnia, not initial insomnia

References

1) Roth, T., Rogowski, R., Hull, S., Schwartz, H., Koshorek, G., Corser, B., ... & Lankford, A. (2007). Efficacy and safety of doxepin 1 mg, 3 mg, and 6 mg in adults with primary insomnia. Sleep, 30(11), 1555-1561.