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Compare Silenor vs. Dalmane

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

Key takeaways

Doxepin (Silenor) and flurazepam are both prescription medications used to treat insomnia, but they belong to different medication classes. Doxepin is a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) that helps you stay asleep by blocking histamine receptors in the brain, while flurazepam is a benzodiazepine that calms the nervous system to help you fall asleep and stay asleep. Doxepin is available in both brand-name and generic forms and is usually taken as a 6 mg tablet 30 minutes before bedtime. Flurazepam, available only as a generic, is taken at a typical starting dose of 15 mg or 30 mg at bedtime. Unlike doxepin, flurazepam is a controlled substance due to its potential for addiction and misuse. Common side effects of doxepin include sleepiness and tiredness, while flurazepam can cause headaches, upset stomach, and more serious effects like extreme sleepiness and slowed breathing. Both medications should not be mixed with alcohol, but flurazepam has a higher risk of dangerous interactions, especially when combined with opioids.

  • Doxepin (Silenor)
    Flurazepam
  • Doxepin (Silenor)
    Flurazepam

  • Summary of Silenor vs. Dalmane

    Summary for Tricyclic antidepressant
    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.

    Summary for Benzodiazepine
    Prescription only

    Flurazepam is used to treat sleeping problems (insomnia). It's a controlled substance because it has a risk for becoming habit-forming. The brand name Dalmane has been discontinued, but it's still available as generic versions. Side effects of the medication include headache and upset stomach.

  • Indications of Silenor vs. Dalmane

    Indications for
    •Insomnia (specifically trouble staying asleep)
    Indications for
    •Insomnia (trouble sleeping)

  • Pros and Cons of Silenor vs. Dalmane

    Pros and Const for Tricyclic antidepressant
    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
    Pros and Const for Benzodiazepine
    Pros
    •Helps you fall asleep and stay asleep throughout the night
    •Available as a lower-cost generic medication
    •Available in two strengths
    Cons
    •Higher risk of side effects for females and older adults
    •Can be habit-forming
    •Can cause sleepwalking, sleep-driving, and other activities while sleeping

  • Common Side Effects of Silenor vs. Dalmane

    Common Side Effects for
    •Sleepiness or tiredness (up to 9%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Headache
    •Heartburn
    •Upset stomach
    •Nausea
    •Vomiting
    •Diarrhea
    •Constipation
    •Stomach pain
    •Nervousness
    •Talkativeness
    •Irritability
    •Weakness
    •Body aches, joint pain

  • Warnings of Silenor vs. Dalmane

    Common Side Effects for
    •Check for other causes of insomnia
    •Behavior changes
    •Worsened depression and risk for suicidal thoughts and behavior
    •Sleepiness and tiredness
    Common Side Effects for
    •Extreme sleepiness, slowed breathing, coma, and death
    •Potential for addiction, misuse, dependence, and withdrawal
    •Less mental alertness and hangover effect
    •Allergic reaction
    •Behavior changes

  • Prices with our coupons for Silenor vs. Dalmane

    Learn more about Doxepin
    Learn more about Flurazepam

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