Medications · FAQ
What is low-dose doxepin used for?
Short answer
Low-dose doxepin is used for insomnia that makes it hard to stay asleep. FDA-approved low-dose doxepin tablets are available for this use in adults. Results vary. A licensed physician in your state reviews your health history and decides whether this treatment is appropriate for you.
Low-dose doxepin is a prescription option for adults who have trouble staying asleep. This can mean waking during the night or waking too early and being unable to return to sleep. It is not mainly intended for trouble falling asleep at the start of the night.
FDA-approved low-dose doxepin tablets are available for sleep-maintenance insomnia. Doxepin also comes in higher-dose forms used for other conditions, such as depression. These forms and doses are not interchangeable without a physician's guidance.
If you receive a compounded version, it is prepared by a licensed pharmacy for one patient and is not FDA-approved. Ask your physician or pharmacist which type you are being prescribed.
A licensed physician in your state decides whether doxepin is appropriate based on your symptoms, medical history, and other medicines. It may help you stay asleep longer. Results vary. Good sleep habits and cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia, called CBT-I, remain important parts of care.
Sources
Written by the Verra clinical team · Medical review pending
General information, not medical advice. If you're in crisis, call or text 988.