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Maprotiline vs. Silenor

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Maprotiline and doxepin (Silenor) are both medications used to treat depression and anxiety, but they belong to different classes. Doxepin is a tricyclic antidepressant. It's also FDA-approved to treat insomnia under the brand name Silenor. Maprotiline was a tetracyclic antidepressant, but is no longer available in the U.S. Doxepin is available in both brand-name and generic forms. Doxepin should not be taken with food, as it can delay the medication's effects and increase the risk of daytime sleepiness. Additionally, doxepin has specific contraindications, such as not being taken with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or by people with narrow-angle glaucoma.

Maprotiline

 

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Doxepin

(Silenor)

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Summary for Maprotiline

Prescription only

Maprotiline is an antidepressant used to treat depression and anxiety associated with depression. It's no longer available in the United States because it was discontinued.

Indications for Maprotiline

  • Depression
  • Anxiety from depression

Pros and Cons for Maprotiline

Pros

Cons

Summary for Silenor

Prescription only

Doxepin (Silenor) is a tricyclic antidepressant that's used to help adults who have insomnia (trouble sleeping) stay asleep. Doxepin (Silenor) is a tablet that you take by mouth 30 minutes before bedtime. As expected, the most common side effects are sleepiness and tiredness, so only take the medication when you're ready to fall asleep for the night. Unlike some other sleep medications, doxepin (Silenor) isn't considered a controlled substance. Doxepin (Silenor) is available as brand-name and generic versions.

Indications for Silenor

  • Insomnia (specifically trouble staying asleep)

Pros and Cons for Silenor

Pros

  • Taken once a day close to bedtime
  • Few side effects (other than sleepiness)
  • Non-addictive sleep medication

Cons

  • Shouldn't take with food (must take at least 3 hours before or after food)
  • Risk of doing activities while you're not fully awake and not remembering that you did them the next day
  • Not approved for people younger than 18 years of age

Common Side Effects for Silenor

  • Sleepiness or tiredness (up to 9%)

Warnings for Silenor

  • Check for other causes of insomnia
  • Behavior changes
  • Worsened depression and risk for suicidal thoughts and behavior
  • Sleepiness and tiredness

Prices with our coupons for Maprotiline vs. Silenor

Price Card Drug Icon
Maprotiline30 tablets / 50mg
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Price Card Drug Icon
Doxepin30 tablets / 3mg
$53.04$315.55
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