Medications · FAQ
What side effects can low-dose doxepin cause?
Short answer
Low-dose doxepin can cause drowsiness, nausea, and next-day sleepiness. Avoid driving until you know how it affects you. Get urgent help for trouble breathing or swelling of your face or throat. Report unusual sleep behaviors, major mood changes, or side effects that interfere with daily life.
Drowsiness and nausea are possible with low-dose doxepin. You may also feel less alert the next morning, especially if you did not allow enough time for sleep. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do risky tasks while sleepy or mentally slowed.
Tell your physician about side effects that persist or affect your daily activities. Dry mouth, constipation, blurred vision, and trouble urinating can also occur with doxepin, particularly at higher doses. Do not change your dose without guidance.
Rarely, sleep medicines can cause activities such as sleepwalking, eating, or driving while not fully awake. You may not remember these events. Stop taking doxepin and contact your physician right away if this happens. Seek emergency care for trouble breathing, severe swelling, or another serious reaction.
Report new or worsening depression, unusual behavior, or thoughts of self-harm promptly. Anyone in crisis can call or text 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Call 911 if there is immediate danger.
Sources
Written by the Verra clinical team · Medical review pending
General information, not medical advice. If you're in crisis, call or text 988.