What is the brand name for Doxepin?
The brand name for Doxepin is Silenor.
PTCB TOP 200 · #166
Doxepin
Silenor
Doxepin is the generic name for the brand-name drug Silenor. It is a tricyclic antidepressant (tca) used to treat insomnia (sleep maintenance). On the PTCE Top 200 drug list, Doxepin ranks #166 and is one of the most frequently tested cns/psych medications — commonly quizzed on its brand–generic pair, drug class, and key side effects.
| Generic name | Doxepin |
|---|---|
| Brand name(s) | Silenor |
| Drug class | Tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) |
| Class group | CNS/Psych |
| Common use | insomnia (sleep maintenance) |
| DEA schedule | Unscheduled |
| Availability | Prescription only (Rx) |
What is Doxepin used for?
Treatment of insomnia characterized by difficulty with sleep maintenance (low-dose doxepin products).
What drug class is Doxepin?
Doxepin is a Tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) in the CNS/Psych group. Knowing the class is the fastest way to predict its uses, side effects, and the brand↔generic pairs the PTCE tests.
Common side effects of Doxepin
- arrow_rightDrowsiness/somnolence
- arrow_rightSedation
- arrow_rightDry mouth
- arrow_rightDizziness
- arrow_rightNausea
- arrow_rightUpper respiratory infection symptoms
Major interactions
- arrow_rightMAO inhibitors (contraindicated)
- arrow_rightCNS depressants (alcohol, opioids, benzodiazepines, sedating antihistamines) increase sedation/impairment
- arrow_rightCimetidine and other CYP inhibitors can increase doxepin levels
- arrow_rightOther serotonergic drugs (SSRIs/SNRIs, triptans, linezolid) may increase serotonin syndrome risk
- arrow_rightDrugs with anticholinergic effects may increase anticholinergic adverse effects
Is Doxepin a controlled substance?
No. Doxepin is not a federally controlled substance (it is unscheduled by the DEA).
How to remember Doxepin (PTCE mnemonic)
SIL-enor SILences night-waking — low-dose DOXEpin (3-6mg) = pure H1 blocker for sleep maintenance. At higher doses = TCA with anticholinergic SEs; take 30 min before bed, no food.
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PTCE exam tip
Doxepin at 3–6 mg (Silenor) is purely a sleep drug — the same molecule at ten times the dose is a tricyclic antidepressant. Dose-defines-indication is the trick.
Doxepin FAQ
What is Doxepin used for?
Doxepin is used to treat insomnia (sleep maintenance). Treatment of insomnia characterized by difficulty with sleep maintenance (low-dose doxepin products).
What drug class is Doxepin?
Doxepin is a Tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) (CNS/Psych group).
Is Doxepin a controlled substance?
No. Doxepin is not a federally controlled substance (it is unscheduled by the DEA).
Study guides that cover Doxepin
Free, in-depth guides to the patterns behind this drug — no app needed.
Drug suffix cheat sheetthe suffix that gives away this drug's class
How to memorize the Top 200 drugsa method for locking in brand↔generic pairs
How hard is the PTCE?what the pass rate really means
Failed the PTCB? The comeback planwhat to do if the first attempt failsSee all PTCE study guides or browse the full Top 200 drug list.
Drill Doxepin the way the PTCE asks it
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Written and reviewed by the RxReflex Content Team. Educational use only — not medical advice. Verify clinical specifics with your pharmacist or a current label source such as DailyMed. RxReflex is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB).