ImportantThis page is general information, not a prescription. Don't start, stop, or change a medicine without talking to your provider or pharmacist.
Overview
Low-dose sleep tablets work mainly as an antihistamine.
What it's used for
- Trouble staying asleep (low dose)
- Depression and anxiety (higher doses)
- Itching from eczema (cream)
How to take it
- For sleep, take within 30 minutes of bedtime, not within 3 hours of a meal.
- Don't stop higher doses suddenly.
Your dose depends on your health and other medicines. Always follow your prescription label, and ask your pharmacist if anything is unclear.
Side effects
Common side effects
- Sleepiness
- Dry mouth
- Constipation
Call 911Thoughts of suicide or harming yourself. Call or text 988 any time.
Call 911Fainting or a fast, irregular heartbeat (higher doses)
Call your provider todaySleep-walking or other complex sleep behaviors
Call your provider todayTrouble peeing
Warnings
- Not for people with untreated glaucoma or severe urinary retention.
Other medicines, foods, and alcohol
- Never take within 14 days of an MAOI.
- Alcohol and sedating medicines add to drowsiness.
- Cimetidine raises its level.
Tell your provider and pharmacist about every medicine, vitamin, and supplement you take.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Talk with your provider.
Missed doses, overdose, and storage
If you miss a dose
Take it as soon as you remember, unless it's almost time for your next dose. Then skip the missed dose. Don't take two doses at once.
If someone takes too much
Call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 or get help online at poison.org. Call 911 if the person collapses, has a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be woken.
Storing it
Store at room temperature, away from heat and moisture (not in the bathroom), and out of reach of children and pets.
Conditions it's used for
Sources
- DailyMed: FDA drug label for Doxepin (U.S. National Library of Medicine)
- MedlinePlus: Drugs, herbs, and supplements
- FDA: Drugs@FDA
Last updated 2026-11-13.