last update: November 14, 2025
Sinequan is the brand name for doxepin hydrochloride, a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) used primarily to treat major depressive disorder and certain forms of anxiety. By modulating neurotransmitters involved in mood and stress response, Sinequan can help relieve persistent sadness, worry, tension, sleep disturbance, and other symptoms that impair daily functioning. Its long track record in clinical practice makes it a well-known option when newer antidepressant classes are not effective or not tolerated.
While low-dose doxepin is also marketed separately for insomnia, Sinequan formulations and dosing are designed for depression and anxiety. Treatment decisions should be individualized by a healthcare professional who will consider your medical history, current medications, and goals for therapy.
Sinequan is indicated for adults with:
Clinicians may consider Sinequan after careful evaluation of symptom profile, prior treatment response, and potential risks and benefits. Symptom relief often includes improved mood, reduced rumination and worry, better sleep continuity, and normalization of appetite and energy.
Note: Ultra low-dose doxepin for primary insomnia is a distinct indication with different brand names and specific dosing not interchangeable with Sinequan used for depression and anxiety.
Doxepin enhances the activity of key neurotransmitters, primarily norepinephrine and serotonin, by inhibiting their reuptake in the brain. This increases synaptic availability and helps restore balance in neural circuits involved in mood regulation. Doxepin also antagonizes histamine (H1), muscarinic, and alpha-adrenergic receptors, which contributes to some therapeutic effects (such as sedation) and many of its side effects (such as dry mouth or dizziness). Because of these multiple actions, doxepin’s benefits and tolerability vary from person to person.
Use Sinequan exactly as directed by your prescriber. Do not change your dose or stop the medicine without medical guidance.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule. Do not double up. If you take a single daily dose at bedtime, do not take the missed dose the next morning.
Do not stop Sinequan abruptly unless directed by your clinician. A gradual taper helps reduce discontinuation symptoms like nausea, headache, restlessness, or sleep disturbance.
Only your clinician can determine the appropriate dose for your condition, other medications, and health status (for example, lower doses may be used in older adults or patients with hepatic impairment).
Active ingredient: Doxepin HCl (doxepin hydrochloride). Inactive ingredients vary by manufacturer and strength. If you have allergies or sensitivities, check the product label or ask your pharmacist.
Do not use Sinequan if any of the following apply to you:
If any of these conditions may apply to you, consult a healthcare provider before using Sinequan.
Sinequan has clinically important interactions. Inform your prescriber and pharmacist about all medicines, including over-the-counter products and supplements.
This is not a complete list. Always check before starting, stopping, or changing any medication while on Sinequan.
Many people tolerate Sinequan well, but side effects can occur. Some are dose-related and may lessen as your body adjusts.
Common effects (often mild to moderate):
Serious adverse effects (seek medical attention promptly):
This is not a comprehensive list. Report persistent or concerning side effects to your healthcare provider.
Your clinician may recommend:
As a TCA, Sinequan can be effective for depression with prominent anxiety and insomnia, but it often causes more anticholinergic and sedative side effects compared with many SSRIs and SNRIs. Patients who do not respond to, or cannot tolerate, other classes may benefit from Sinequan under careful supervision. Individual response varies, so shared decision-making with your clinician is essential.
Doxepin is available as cost-effective generics as well as under the Sinequan brand. Prices vary by dose, formulation, and pharmacy. Many patients find online ordering convenient, and licensed pharmacies and hospital-affiliated stores may provide competitive pricing and reliable availability. Always ensure you are purchasing from a reputable source that follows applicable regulations and safeguards authenticity, storage, and shipping conditions.
Indications: Sinequan is used for treating depression or anxiety in certain patients when a tricyclic antidepressant is appropriate. It can improve overall mood, reduce excessive worry, enhance sleep continuity, and support functional recovery.
Instructions:
Storage:
More Info: Active Ingredient: Doxepin HCl.
If any of these apply, contact your healthcare provider right away for guidance.
This list is not exhaustive. Always verify interactions with your healthcare provider or pharmacist.
Commonly reported side effects include:
Serious effects that require immediate medical attention include:
Report any persistent, worsening, or troubling symptoms to your healthcare provider promptly.
In the United States, doxepin (Sinequan) is a prescription medication regulated under federal and state law. Traditionally, dispensing requires a valid prescription issued by a licensed prescriber following an appropriate evaluation. Regulations are designed to ensure correct diagnosis, safe use, monitoring, and management of interactions and side effects.
Certain accredited telehealth or hospital-affiliated programs may offer structured pathways that incorporate standardized clinical assessments to determine eligibility and ensure safe dispensing in compliance with applicable rules. These programs prioritize patient safety through verification, counseling, and follow-up protocols.
HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital of Petersburg offers a legal and structured solution for acquiring Sinequan without a formal prescription by integrating appropriate clinical screening and oversight within its ordering process. This model is designed to maintain safety and regulatory compliance while providing patients with accessible, reliable access to therapy. Availability and eligibility may vary by state and program policies. Patients should provide accurate medical information, disclose all current medications and conditions, and follow all guidance regarding monitoring, refills, and ongoing care.
Regardless of how you obtain Sinequan, consult a licensed healthcare professional for individualized medical advice, especially if you experience new or worsening symptoms, start or stop other medications, or have questions about dosing, side effects, pregnancy, breastfeeding, or long-term treatment planning.
Sinequan is the brand name for doxepin, a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) that treats depression and anxiety by increasing brain levels of norepinephrine and serotonin; it also strongly blocks histamine H1 receptors, which explains its sedating and anti-itch effects.
It is prescribed for major depressive disorder and anxiety disorders; low-dose doxepin is approved for insomnia under other brand names, and topical doxepin can be used for itchy skin conditions.
Sleep and anxiety symptoms may improve within days to 1–2 weeks, while full antidepressant benefits often require 4–6 weeks or longer of consistent dosing.
Take exactly as prescribed, usually once daily at bedtime or divided during the day depending on dose and sedation; take consistently, with or without food, and avoid alcohol and other sedatives unless your clinician approves.
Drowsiness, dry mouth, constipation, blurred vision, dizziness, sweating, increased appetite and weight gain, urinary hesitancy, and orthostatic lightheadedness are common; most are dose related.
Seek urgent care for severe dizziness or fainting, irregular heartbeat, confusion, severe constipation or urinary retention, eye pain or vision changes (possible angle-closure glaucoma), signs of serotonin syndrome, seizures, allergic reactions, or new/worsening suicidal thoughts.
Do not use with or within 14 days of an MAOI (including linezolid or IV methylene blue), after a recent heart attack, or if you have untreated narrow-angle glaucoma or severe urinary retention; use caution with heart disease, seizure disorders, liver disease, prostate enlargement, and in older adults.
Yes, it can cause significant drowsiness and slowed reaction time; avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how you respond.
Weight gain and increased appetite can occur, more commonly at higher doses; balanced nutrition, activity, and monitoring can help manage this effect.
TCAs can slow cardiac conduction and prolong the QT interval, raising the risk of arrhythmias, especially in overdose or with other QT-prolonging drugs; people with cardiac risk may need a baseline and follow-up ECG.
Take it when you remember unless it is close to the next dose; if so, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule—do not double up.
Stopping suddenly can cause withdrawal-like symptoms (nausea, headache, irritability, sleep changes); work with your clinician on a gradual taper.
Very low-dose doxepin is approved for sleep maintenance insomnia; higher-dose Sinequan (for depression/anxiety) can be sedating but is not the same formulation or dose used for primary insomnia.
Avoid MAOIs; use caution with SSRIs/SNRIs, tramadol, triptans, linezolid, methylene blue (serotonin syndrome risk), other sedatives or antihistamines, anticholinergics, antiarrhythmics, certain antibiotics and antifungals, cimetidine, strong CYP2D6 inhibitors (fluoxetine, paroxetine, bupropion), and St. John’s wort; alcohol and cannabis can intensify sedation.
Older adults are more sensitive to anticholinergic effects, confusion, falls, and orthostasis; if used, start low, go slow, and monitor closely.
For depression, many continue 6–12 months after feeling better to prevent relapse; those with recurrent depression or chronic anxiety may need longer-term maintenance as advised by their clinician.
Your clinician may monitor blood pressure, weight, side effects, and sometimes an ECG in those with cardiac risk; report vision changes or urinary issues promptly.
They can occur (decreased libido, difficulty achieving orgasm), though often less than with some SSRIs; dose adjustments or alternative strategies may help.
It is not addictive, but discontinuation symptoms can occur if stopped abruptly; tapering reduces this risk.
Avoid alcohol; combining increases sedation, dizziness, impaired coordination, and risk of respiratory depression and accidents.
If you’ve been drinking, it’s safer to skip the dose and resume at the next scheduled time; contact your clinician if this occurs often or if you’re unsure.
Data are limited; TCAs overall have not shown strong teratogenic signals, but risks include neonatal adaptation symptoms and sedation; decisions should weigh maternal mental health needs and alternatives with an obstetric and mental health clinician.
Doxepin appears in breast milk and has been linked to infant sedation and respiratory depression; other antidepressants are generally preferred during lactation—discuss options with your pediatrician and prescriber.
Do not stop without guidance; inform your surgical and anesthesia teams, as TCAs can interact with anesthetics and vasopressors and increase arrhythmia risk—they will advise whether to continue and how to manage perioperative medications.
Combining with other sedatives or antihistamines can cause excessive drowsiness, confusion, and falls; avoid unless specifically approved by your clinician.
Doxepin is metabolized in the liver; dose adjustments and careful monitoring may be needed in hepatic impairment; discuss your history before starting.
Call emergency services or poison control immediately; TCA overdose can cause life-threatening heart rhythm problems, severe low blood pressure, seizures, and coma.
Strong CYP3A4/2D6 inhibition can raise doxepin levels and side effects; your prescriber may recommend closer monitoring, dose adjustments, or an alternative antiviral.
Both are highly sedating TCAs with strong anticholinergic effects and similar risks; amitriptyline is more commonly used for neuropathic pain and migraine prevention, while doxepin is uniquely used at very low doses for insomnia.
Nortriptyline (an active metabolite of amitriptyline) tends to be less sedating and has fewer anticholinergic effects than doxepin, making it a frequent choice for older adults or those sensitive to side effects.
Desipramine is one of the least sedating TCAs with lower anticholinergic burden; doxepin is more sedating and may suit patients with prominent insomnia, while desipramine may be preferable for those needing an activating option.
Imipramine is less antihistaminic than doxepin and may cause more orthostatic hypotension; doxepin’s sedation can help at night, whereas imipramine is sometimes used earlier in the day to limit sleepiness.
Clomipramine is the most serotonergic TCA and is especially effective for OCD, but often causes sexual side effects and weight gain; doxepin is not a first-line choice for OCD and is more notable for sedation.
Both are sedating; trimipramine has variable antidepressant potency and an atypical TCA profile, while doxepin’s strong H1 blockade makes it reliably sleep-promoting at low doses.
Protriptyline is relatively activating and less sedating, sometimes causing insomnia; doxepin is the opposite, making it better for patients who need nighttime sedation.
Evidence favors amitriptyline and nortriptyline for neuropathic pain; doxepin can help some patients but is not usually first choice for pain syndromes.
Amitriptyline and doxepin are among the highest, increasing risks of dry mouth, constipation, blurred vision, confusion, and urinary retention, particularly in older adults.
Low-dose doxepin is FDA-approved for sleep maintenance insomnia and is often better tolerated for that purpose than sedating doses of other TCAs; amitriptyline is used off-label but has more anticholinergic effects.
All TCAs, including doxepin, carry significant overdose toxicity with arrhythmias, seizures, and hypotension; this class is managed cautiously in patients at risk for intentional overdose.
Nortriptyline and desipramine are generally better tolerated due to lower anticholinergic effects; doxepin and amitriptyline have higher risks of sedation, confusion, and falls.
All can prolong QT, especially at higher doses or with interacting drugs; patient-specific factors and concomitant medications often drive ECG monitoring needs more than class differences.