Doxepin and Irritability: What Users Say

• Ano...
• June 14, 2014

For Insomnia "I've suffered with insomnia for several years now. At times, sleeping only 1 hour before having to get up to go to work. My Dr. prescribed Silenor, but my insurance gave me Doxepin (25mg). The biggest mistake I made was taking it right before bed because it doesn't help you fall asleep, only helps you stay asleep. Once I fell asleep, I didn't wake up at all until the following morning. If you have children or anyone else to depend on you for care, I wouldn't recommend it. I was actually awakened by my boys, and I felt very drowsy, groggy, and irritable. So much so that I caught myself yelling at my kids. I wasn't able to function 100%. This would ONLY be good if you have nothing to do or no one to care for the next day."

• jbg...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 5, 2016

Doxepin for Insomnia "I was given a sample pack of 3 mg Silenor to help with my inability to stay asleep. I followed the instructions, and unfortunately, it did not seem to work for me. It made me very anxious and agitated during the night. I did sleep but kept waking up. In the morning, I was very groggy and unsteady on my feet. I felt like I had been drugged and had a minor headache all day. I do not think I will take it again, as it is obviously not the drug for me."

• met...
• September 17, 2016

For Anxiety "This drug was terrible. I would take it at night and fall right to sleep, and when I got up in the morning, I'm completely exhausted and dizzy. My balance is off and I feel like I'm in a daze. I was extremely irritable. The entire day I was depressed and in a very, very bad mood. Everything bothered me. My anxiety was terrible. Tremors in my hands and just feeling kind of loopy. Nightmares when sleeping. This drug did nothing of any benefit for me. I was taking it to help with my social anxiety and panic attacks."

• Anonymous
• December 23, 2010

Doxepin for Insomnia "I took Lunesta only for a few days because it gave me an unpleasant taste. It was really bad. Then I switched to Ambien. It was better than Lunesta, but there was a residual effect that the medicine made me irritable and anxious the next morning. My doctor gave me Silenor. It is better than Ambien CR. I do not feel anxious or irritable the next morning and I can sleep 8 hours. The only side effect, though very minor, is that it makes me a little sluggish. But overall, Silenor is better than Ambien CR."

• Mus...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 12, 2018

For Insomnia "Been taking doxepin 10 mg every night for two months. It helps me sleep, but that’s all I want to do now! It’s near impossible to get up in the morning, and I’m fatigued and irritable all day. I used to be very active, but now everything is a chore and I’ve put on weight. I would recommend this only if nothing else worked for you."

• Sle...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 13, 2016

For Insomnia "My doctor prescribed Doxepin 45 mg 'at bedtime' to help me move my sleep cycle back to a normal time - it had gradually slipped later and later until I wasn't getting sleepy until 4-6 a.m. My experience is that Doxepin is useless for this purpose (confirmed by my pharmacist) - it does not help me fall asleep at all, but it will keep me asleep for much longer, which unfortunately is just reinforcing my shifted sleep cycle. In addition, I've had lots of side effects, ranging from a mild headache to migraine halos, irritability, anxiety, and worst of all, a 20-point rise in the first blood glucose reading after waking. If your problem is staying asleep, this will probably help, but if your problem is falling asleep, it's pretty useless."

• Mou...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 11, 2016

For Insomnia "My doc prescribed 40 mg at bedtime to shift my sleep cycle. History of acute anxiety attacks w/ tachycardia and essential tremor. First dose I felt agitated, anxious, and my heart rate went up to 160. It did not help me fall asleep any earlier, next day blurred vision and 'migraine aura.' Things went downhill from there. My doctor said to continue it for at least 4 weeks and the side effects would go away. They did not - things continued to worsen. The tremor increased to where I could not use the computer, headaches got worse, anxiety increased, I became irritable and angry, and my blood sugar went through the roof. After 5 weeks I threw it away - blood sugar still high and tremor still worse after quitting a month ago."

• Mou...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 11, 2016

For Insomnia "My doc prescribed 40 mg at bedtime to shift my sleep cycle. History of acute anxiety attacks w/ tachycardia and essential tremor. First dose I felt agitated, anxious, and my heart rate went up to 160. It did not help me fall asleep any earlier, next day blurred vision and 'migraine aura.' Things went downhill from there. My doctor said to continue it for at least 4 weeks and the side effects would go away. They did not - things continued to worsen. The tremor increased to where I could not use the computer, headaches got worse, anxiety increased, I became irritable and angry, and my blood sugar went through the roof. After 5 weeks I threw it away - blood sugar still high and tremor still worse after quitting a month ago."

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

For Depression "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."

• Jax...
• November 14, 2015

For Insomnia "These were awful for me! At first, I felt like a zombie. I've lost all interest and motivation to do anything! I'm extremely irritable and have pretty well yelled at everyone I've talked to. I feel I don't have any control. The only thing I want to do is sleep for 48 hours straight. I'll take a week with no sleep over this, thanks!"

• Nee...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 4, 2016

Doxepin for Insomnia "I tried the 3 mg dose last night. I slept worse than when I take nothing. I felt so agitated and miserable. Tossed and turned all night. Will not take it again!"

• spe...
• February 11, 2014

For Anxiety "Yes, Doxepin mixed with Xanax is a nightmare. Too many adverse reactions... increased anxiety, severe agitation, and frustration. It's like nothing can go quick enough for you."

• not...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 28, 2016

Doxepin for Insomnia "Made me extremely agitated and nervous during the night, very disappointed and actually scared after taking it. Very expensive as well."