Doxepin for Depression User Reviews

• Adr...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• April 9, 2016

"Has many years of problems with depression, anxiety, derealization, etc. Eventually learned these all related to Complex Multiple Trauma. But that is another story. Doxepin pretty much the ONLY antidepressant that has ever helped me. Totally a life saver over and over for me. It is HIGHLY calming as well as anti-depressing. That is because simultaneous to increasing serotonin and norepinephrine, is a beta-adrenergic blocker (hence anti-fear, etc.) BUT here is the real amazing thing about Doxepin - it is VERY anti-inflammatory. Neuroinflammation (brain inflammation) is a big issue in mental health problems. Doxepin - out of ALL drugs, addresses this best of all. Search PubMed. Doxepin has saved my life many times over several decades."

• Anonymous
• May 23, 2017

"I was diagnosed with major depression at 42. I also suffered from crippling anxiety and chronic insomnia. I was prescribed Doxepin after trying other antidepressants which had shocking side effects and made my symptoms worse. Doxepin pulled me out of the abyss and gave me my life back. It literally saved my life and I thank God every day for this amazing drug. I have been taking it for 23 years and have had no side effects from prolonged use of this medication."

• fay...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• October 13, 2013

"I've been taking Doxepin, Xanax, and Zoloft for over 20 years for depression, anxiety, panic attacks, and insomnia. All three medicines work, but only one has lasted: Doxepin. The other two I had no choice but to stop taking. I ended up with serious breathing problems. Zoloft, several years after taking, subsided and then got worse years later, and Xanax after about a decade or so. Doxepin has done very well with all my conditions throughout the years with no serious problems. IT WORKS."

• Ins...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 27, 2013

"I've been diagnosed with chronic insomnia and general anxiety for 9 years. I also suffer from depression, but refuse to be medicated directly for it (specifically SSRI's) after dealing with Paxil and the horrible withdrawal I experienced 8 years ago. So recently, I was prescribed 30mg Doxepin in addition to my Zolpidem (Ambien) for my insomnia. My insomnia has slightly improved, but more pronounced has been the reduction in both occurrence and severity of my anxiety (within the first week) and depression (after about 3-4 weeks). It's been about 6 weeks since I started the doxepin and haven't noticed any negative side effects besides some dry mouth/eyes, which is far outweighed by the benefits I've received."

• fay...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• September 20, 2015

Doxepin "It works tremendously well on insomnia and really does help in maintaining normalcy in everyday life. Sleeping a lot at first, which in my case was a good thing. It's not the best for uplifting depression and doesn't help in taking away anxiety or panic attacks. The side effects for me were being easily bothered & hostile/angry. Will pass if you continue taking as directed, but each time you stop and then start again, the experience starts over. But keep in mind, side effects vary and it's different for each of us. What works for one might not work for another. I've been taking Sinequan/Doxepin for over two decades."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 12, 2012

"I started taking Doxepin for depression and insomnia. It seems to work well for both. I have not experienced any side effects so far. I had been taking Zoloft for depression and felt like a robot, no feelings at all. I take 2, 10mg at night about an hour before I'm ready to go to sleep. If I don't go to sleep, I take 1 more. So far I'm happy with the medicine as it works for depression and insomnia."

• Anonymous
• April 28, 2014

"I have been taking doxepin at 25 mg for about a month for depression, chronic pain, and anxiety. All was somewhat fine, with no side effects. To get the medicine working better, my doctor raised my dose to 50 mg about 2 weeks ago. I am very happy so far."

• Sar...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 16, 2016

"My sister took doxepin, and it had a horrible reaction... anxiety, changed her personality, sleeplessness... she told her doctor, so he increased the dose... she hadn't slept in 3 days, so she took Xanax to sleep... she died that night... 6/26/2016... she was 28 years old."

• Gra...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• October 14, 2018

"Have been taking Doxepin for 25 years - am now just taking 10 mg at night. Doxepin saved my life. It made me feel so good and able to live a normal life again. I am very afraid to stop taking it completely even though they say when you are older you should stop. Is that true?"

• Wor...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 15, 2016

"I was given Silenor 3 mg at the start to help me stay asleep and also to help with my anxiety and very mild depression. The doxepin in this medication is an antidepressant. My first try of it, I felt drunk when I woke up at 3 a.m., and I passed right back to sleep. I noticed within a week I felt a bit happier, and my anxiety has lessened. I feel happier as well. So the doctor is keeping me on them for a while. It has been almost a year taking Silenor. There was a slight weight gain over that period of time, 10 lbs over the whole 10 months. I didn't take an entire week of the pills a few months back, and boy did I notice. They say non-addictive, but I felt sad and depressed. Right back where I was before taking them."

• pho...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 8, 2022

"I'm 41. I've suffered from anxiety, depression, insomnia, ADHD, and poor mood my entire life. I started taking doxepin 10 mg per night 4 weeks ago. My experience has been immensely positive so far. I had repeatedly been prescribed SSRIs and SNRIs over 20 years, and they were all awful for me. My current psychiatrist prescribed me 10 mg of doxepin nightly and continued my Adderall prescription. The first night, I slept soundly for the first time I can remember. The next day, I was tired but also relaxed. I took a 4-hour nap, and when I woke up, I felt refreshed, in a good mood, not anxious, and motivated. It has been that way each day. It was unusual to feel what I imagine normal does. I occasionally have anxious spells if I go too long without eating. Overall, it's been extremely good for me."

• SuZ...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 2, 2021

"I have struggled with endogenous depression (and anxiety) since the age of 19, and I am now 57. Doxepin has repeatedly given me my life back. It zaps anxiety/panic first and then depression. During my most recent bout (made worse from a concussion), I tried numerous newer meds: SSRIs, SNRIs, Mirtazapine, Wellbutrin, thinking “newer must be better.” All came with “special” side effects (some worse than the older tricyclics) and just did not help much. Finally, I asked my doctor for Doxepin and am kicking myself for not going back to it sooner. Do not be afraid of trying older tricyclics if you are not getting relief. I had good experiences with other TCAs, but Doxepin has been the best. Take the GeneSight test if you can. (SSRIs were on my less response list - not surprised.) Doxepin side effects were initial drowsiness, which decreases as you adjust, and dry mouth. Used to increase my appetite, but not so much this time. Start low and titrate up. I plan to stay on it for life."

• Lef...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 20, 2019

"One year ago, I had L2L3L4 screwed together. I was told there is no reason why I should not get out of bed and do 200 sit-ups a day. Well, after adding that to my regular workout for two and a half years, one morning I got done working out and had to go right into the ER and get operated on and off work for 6 months. I was so depressed, my abs were so much to me. They put me on everything, nothing worked. I was so depressed. After it was all said and done, the doctor said all I could do was planks and running for my core. I thought I would try Silenor. After going over all the meds I had, I can do regular things, but that's it for abs. YES!! Silenor works! I get up in the morning and feel like a million bucks! Hope this works for all."

• NBa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 9, 2019

"I started doxepin after being addicted to sleeping pills and painkillers and almost overdosing. I had insomnia, depression, anxiety, and chronic pain. It definitely saved my life when I needed it to, but I gained 15 pounds, am easily irritated/angry, and don't feel like myself anymore. I couldn't get a refill for 2 weeks, and I understand why you're not supposed to stop taking it suddenly because I couldn't get out of bed and wouldn't speak to anyone for 2 whole weeks. It put me in a dark hole. But I think I'll stay on it so that kind of thing doesn't happen again."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 31, 2023

"I suffer from depression, anxiety, insomnia, and struggle getting out of bed. I also experience social anxiety and have no appetite. I am constantly worried. My doctor started me on doxepin four days ago after losing my partner of 15 years suddenly. Since starting the medication, I have felt a significant improvement. Getting out of bed is no longer a hassle and I can see a brighter future ahead. I haven't experienced any side effects so far. I feel more at peace and things that used to be difficult are now easier. I can think clearly, feel calmer, and daily tasks are manageable. I also have a better appetite now. Overall, I am feeling positive and even went outside for a walk, which is a big deal for me. I am amazed at the positive changes in just four days and believe this medication will continue to benefit me."

• Goo...
• June 5, 2017

"I was prescribed doxepin by my doctor and was not given any informed consent regarding side effects or interactions. I am shocked that I had so many side effects almost instantly, very dangerous medication, and I am sorry that I ever followed my doctor's advice. I would be very careful with this medication and any medication that you put into your body. I wonder if the CEO of the company that invented this would let their children take it?!"

• sta...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 26, 2018

"I was prescribed Doxepin for my PTSD-I have social phobias, panic disorder, anxiety, agoraphobia, and depressive disorder. First off, weight gain out the yazoo! I am very thin naturally, I'm 5'7" and 115 lbs. I gained 15 lbs, and it very much so showed! I had to pick up working out 5 days a week to stay at 130 lbs and not put on more. Since my symptoms are severe, I had to be at a higher dosage. I stopped at 160 mg. When I went to the E.R. from being impacted by the constipation this medication caused (and I was taking flaxseed, probiotics, and Colace regularly while on it). Also, it didn't start kicking in for my panic disorder until about 125 mg, and then it turned my panic to minimal and turned generalized anxiety on full-blown (which I never had before...). Helped for depression on lower dosages but didn't help for that at all after I went past 90 mg on it. However, it did absolute wonders for my depression at a lower dosage. Lots of baggage overall, as most of these old-time drugs have."

• Fub...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 6, 2018

"Well, my doctor had no skill, judgment but had experience causing injury to patients. He prescribed this out of the blue, and foolishly I tried it, felt sick, and wanted to stop taking it, but my controlling fiancée demanded I keep taking it! I know where the depression came from... I needed to get away from her, not taking old school meds. Some people might get relief from their symptoms with this since we are all different. This didn't work... quite a few side effects, and the sleep didn't feel natural, at least for myself, and didn't take it long enough to treat the depression. I can see how people sleep on this, you can fall asleep standing up the next day and for most of the day!"

• man...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 3, 2017

"This stuff is garbage. Woke up hyper and with shortness of breath. I thought this med was supposed to make me sleep??? Just a horrible med!!! All these side effects listed too, be careful!! I'm better off with my anxiety and sleeplessness."

• Dot...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 6, 2022

"I only took half, and on day 4, started to have my right whole leg really hot, with numbness, and then left forearm and wrist and hand pain. I can't touch the skin, it is so sore, and started to move to right arm/hand. Stopped on day 7. It is day 8, and these side effects have not gone away yet."

• Gon...
• January 14, 2016

"My doctor was unbelievably careless and combined this with another dangerous drug. I nearly died as a result and have contemplated dying well over 100,000 times since. Any positive review of this drug should be viewed with high skepticism. This is a very dangerous drug that the manufacturers should stop making, the sooner, the better!"

• mit...
• June 5, 2008

Doxepin "Worked really well. I suffer from chronic insomnia as well and found it worked well on the depression and the insomnia."

• kou...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 5, 2015

Doxepin "After about a week, it helped with anxiety, it is prescribed actually to me for insomnia, and I'm on 150 mg. Works well. I have tried about everything else."

• Ina...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 22, 2016

"Took care of my depression, insomnia, and IBS."

• Nic...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• September 10, 2020

"Doxepin is a fabulous thing. It's been discontinued, and I fear for my overall health. This took the edge off my fibromyalgia pain, insomnia, and depression."