Silenor and Drowsiness: What Users Say

• Tod...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 15, 2013

For Insomnia "I have been taking Silenor every night for 5 months and love it. It doesn't knock me out or make me loopy like Ambien. Silenor just makes me a bit drowsy, but more importantly is that when I wake up in the middle of the night I fall right back to sleep - which is a lifesaver for me. Since it's non-addictive, this is great for just normal calm times in my life, which is 95% of the time. But when I'm stressing out over something and all panicky, then Silenor does practically nothing for me. I have to take Ambien or Ativan during that 1-2 week period I'm stressing."

• blh...
• May 25, 2017

For Insomnia "I was prescribed 3 mg tablets for insomnia. The first night, I took one about 45 minutes before bedtime and did not find it helped me sleep at all. However, I was extremely groggy the next morning and ended up back in bed shortly after lunch, sleeping for almost 2 hours. I tried it two more times, taking it earlier each time, but the effect was the same: it takes too long to work and leaves me groggy and unable to function the next day. I will not be taking it anymore."

• Tir...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 23, 2019

For Insomnia "Have had chronic premature waking for years. Silenor not covered by insurance. $500.00, outrageous for doxepin in a smaller dose. Had a compounding pharmacy make 5 mg caps. Insurance then paid part. I paid 10.00. Last night, 1st trial. Slept...wait for it...9 hours! Felt a little bit groggy, but now feel well and awake."

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

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."

• CJa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 24, 2019

For Insomnia "Doesn't do much to help you fall asleep, but helps you stay asleep if you wake up halfway through the night or if you wake up too early and can't sleep. I found that 6 mg added a good 1-2 hours to how long I slept, but 3 mg did not do much. I only take as needed (2-3 times per week). Only real side effect is sedation throughout the day if you get less than 7-8 hours of sleep or if your sleep is disrupted."

• RGa...
• October 11, 2020

For Insomnia "I was on Ambien for years. It worked great, but at the time I wanted to get off controlled medications. With Silenor, I actually had no problem falling asleep. Couldn't believe it worked. I've tried about every OTC sleep aid and one non-controlled sleep aid (Belsomra). OTCs did nothing, and the Belsomra I threw in the trash after the first night taking it. I only recommend it if you like feeling drugged and anxious all night. Also, it gave me extreme light sensitivity where I couldn't look at my nightlight. So, in all, Silenor was great to help me sleep."

• Rob...
• November 15, 2016

For Insomnia "I have had severe insomnia for about 3 years. My physician gave me 2 sample packs of 6 mg Silenor. I cut them in half to take 3 mg as needed. They worked wonderfully, and I finally got several good nights of sleep without the groggy feeling in the morning. After the samples were gone, I got my Rx filled and found out my insurance will not cover it. After having been awake for 36 hours straight, out of desperation, I paid an arm and a leg for the Silenor. The first tablet of the Rx worked, but that's it. I increased to taking 6 mg, and it still didn't work. Still no sleep. I have given up on Silenor and have gone back to a different insomnia Rx that works sometimes, but at least my insurance covers it, it only costs me $5."

• Anonymous
• December 29, 2010

For Insomnia "I took Silenor 6 mg and slept like a rock, but had a terrible time getting going the next morning. Although I drank coffee, I still felt groggy and in a light daze well past noon. Going to try cutting it in half to 3 mg and see if it works without the grogginess."

• Anonymous
• December 29, 2010

For Insomnia "I took Silenor 6 mg and slept like a rock, but had a terrible time getting going the next morning. Although I drank coffee, I still felt groggy and in a light daze well past noon. Going to try cutting it in half to 3 mg and see if it works without the grogginess."

• ann...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 8, 2014

For Insomnia "It was too sedative, and I always woke up tired the next day. It made my heart feel heavy, and it felt like it was beating slowly."

• Smi...
• October 12, 2010

For Insomnia "I have tried both Ambien and Lunesta and they messed me up the next day, felt real groggy. Heard about Silenor and got some prescribed, so far so good."