If you suffer from insomnia, you may wonder how much Doxepin you can take to sleep. Doxepin is a medication commonly prescribed for sleep disorders. Its average dosage is 6 mg for adults with insomnia, once a day, and 3 mg daily for the elderly. As an antidepressant, the dosage usually ranges from 25 to 150 mg before bedtime.
These doses are an average of what is usually indicated by doctors, but do not override the recommendation of a professional because the side effects of Doxepin can be severe.
So be sure to educate yourself on how Doxepin works, its side effects, and also natural, side-effect-free, scientifically based alternatives for sleep.
What is doxepin?
Doxepin is a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI), which increases serotonin and norepinephrine levels in the brain.
Serotonin and norepinephrine are neurotransmitters essential in regulating mood, sleep, appetite, and behavior. With doxepin, their action is further enhanced by acting as a sleeping pill.
Doxepin is a medication used to treat depression, anxiety, chronic pain, and insomnia. While its use is widespread, many people have sought healthier options without side effects, such as supplements.
This drug is commonly found in oral capsules, oral solutions, and topical forms. It should only be taken with a doctor’s approval precisely because of the seriousness of its side effects and dependence.
What is doxepin used for?
Doxepin is a tricyclic antidepressant used for various purposes. Its use is most common in treating depression, anxiety, and other mental disorders.
It also relieves menopausal symptoms, such as night sweats and hot flashes. In addition, in its cream form, Doxepin is used to treat itching caused by skin diseases such as chronic lichen simplex and also atopic dermatitis.
Also called Silenor, this drug has studies proving that its effects on inducing sleep are minimal, underscoring the importance of knowing natural options.
How does doxepin work?
We know that Doxepin does not act as a sedative like other antidepressants. Instead, it controls the circadian rhythm, which is responsible for the internal regulation of the sleep-wake cycle.
The chemical responsible for this cycle is Histamine, which awakens our body by sending signals to wake up, keeping us alert during the day. When this substance is dysregulated, it can cause us to wake up at inappropriate times, such as in the early morning.
So, Doxepin works by binding to the H1 Histamine receptors in the brain and blocking them. With this, our circadian cycle goes back to normal, and the Histamine activity is stopped properly, without waking us up during the early morning hours, for example.
How much doxepin can you take for sleep?
The recommended dose of Doxepin for sleep is 10 mg to 30 mg per day. However, the dose may gradually increase until it reaches the amount effective for you, as recommended by your doctor.
It is essential to mention that this is an average dosage because the dosage of Doxepin for sleep varies by some factors, such as height, weight, body composition, and sensitivity of the body to certain substances
If you already take this drug, it is important to know that you should take it up to 30 minutes before going to bed, as this is its effective time. In addition, it is usually indicated to add the consumption of Doxepin to sleep hygiene practices to optimize the results.
Side effects of doxepin
The side effects of Doxepin are usually mild to moderate, but stay alert as your body can react in different ways. Check out the side effects of Doxepin:
- Sudden drop in blood pressure;
- Irregular or fast heartbeat;
- Faint;
- Severe dizziness or vertigo;
- Chest pain;
- Shortness of breath;
- Severe hives or rash;
- Swelling of the hands, feet, ankles or legs;
- Bleeding or unexplained bruising;
- Frequent or bloody vomiting;
- Severe or bloody diarrhea;
- Changes in blood sugar levels (hypoglycaemia);
- Changes in the levels of salts in the blood (hyponatremia);
- Convulsions.
Tell your doctor immediately if you notice any other minor side effects, including mood changes (irritability, anxiety, nervousness, depression), drowsiness, headache, mild dizziness, dry mouth, mild nausea or vomiting, mild diarrhea or constipation.
Your body may be showing the first signs of a greater response, so opt for natural options and stay free of side effects and dependence on heavy sleep medication. Know the supplements:
Natural supplements for sleep better
There are many natural supplement alternatives to sleep better without side effects. A good night’s sleep is crucial for physical and mental health, and there are ways to improve the quality of your sleep without using medication and in a personal way.
Natural supplements are nutrient extracts, so you consume capsules that have benefits optimized for your specific need! Plus, you can test these solutions in a quick 3-step test, check out the test and some of the best sleep supplements!
Melatonin
Melatonin supplementation is a natural product that helps regulate sleep. It is produced by the pineal and pituitary glands and controls the body’s circadian rhythm.
Melatonin is a hormone that plays a vital role in sleep regulation and, when ingested, helps induce sleep and improve sleep quality.
Studies prove its action in our circadian cycle, which is responsible for sending alerts to the body about the time to wake up and sleep. In addition, other studies indicate the effectiveness of supplementation in sleep induction and quality.
Omega 3
Omega-3 is an essential fatty acid for the proper functioning of the body. It is found in salmon, tuna, sardines, and herring. In addition to fish, it is also found in plant foods, such as chia, flaxseed, and soy, but it is still challenging to achieve the ideal amount of this substance through food alone.
In recent years, studies on the benefits of omega-3 supplementation have increased. And one of the areas that stood out the most is the relationship between omega-3 consumption and sleep.
One of the most important benefits of omega-3 is improving sleep quality. Some studies show that the supplement helps treat insomnia and increase sleep duration. Other studies also show that omega-3 can help reduce the latency to fall asleep.
The improvement in sleep can be explained by the effect of omega-3 on the production of neurotransmitters, which are chemicals responsible for brain functions. Some neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and dopamine, are essential for sleep regulation and are supported by omega 3.
Chamomile
Chamomile is a plant that can be found all over the world and is very popular among those looking for a natural sleep supplement. This is because Chamomile contains a substance called apigenin, a natural sedative.
In addition, Chamomile is also rich in antioxidants and has been used in traditional medicine to treat many different health conditions, even for skin treatments, for its calming effect.
Studies indicate that Chamomile controls stress, anxiety, sleep latency, sleep duration, and others! Concerning sleep, Chamomile contains chemical compounds that can help relax the body and mind, which can contribute to deeper, more restful sleep.
Conclusion
After reading this post, you probably know more about taking doxepin for sleep, its mechanism of action, and its side effects. In any case, it is always essential to consult a doctor so that he can guide you on the use of this medication because, as mentioned, it is dangerous.