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Silenor vs. Tofranil

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

Key takeaways

Doxepin (Silenor) and imipramine are both tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) used to treat different conditions. Doxepin is primarily used for insomnia, specifically to help you stay asleep, while imipramine is used for depression and can also help with bedwetting in children. Doxepin is available as a tablet taken once daily before bedtime, whereas imipramine comes in both tablet and capsule forms, with dosing that can be split throughout the day or taken as a single dose at bedtime. Both medications are available as a lower-cost generic. Doxepin's common side effects include sleepiness and tiredness, while imipramine can cause dry mouth, dizziness, and weight changes. Imipramine can be taken with or without food, while doxepin should be taken on an empty stomach, at least 3 hours before or after eating. Both medications can increase the risk of developing or worsening glaucoma. They may also increase the risk of heart problems.

Doxepin

(Silenor)

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Imipramine

 

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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

Summary for Tofranil

Prescription only

Imipramine is a medication that's used to treat depression. It can also temporarily help with bedwetting in children at night. Imipramine belongs to a class of medications called tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs). There are two different forms of the medication: imipramine hydrochloride and imipramine pamoate. They used to be available under the brand name Tofranil but are now only sold as generic versions. The dosage generally depends on why you need imipramine, how severe your symptoms are, and your age. It's generally not a first-choice option because it can cause a lot of side effects, like sleepiness, dizziness, dry mouth, and changes in weight.

Indications for Tofranil

  • Depression
  • Bedwetting in children (imipramine hydrochloride only)

Pros and Cons for Tofranil

Pros

  • Available as a lower-cost generic
  • Can take with or without food
  • Dose can be adjusted by your provider based on how well the medication is working for you
  • For bedwetting, only needs to be taken right before bedtime

Cons

  • Can cause a lot of side effects, including blurry vision, dry mouth, and eye pain
  • Can cause withdrawal symptoms if you stop taking it too suddenly after long-term use
  • Has a risk for suicidal thoughts and behavior
  • Not a good option for people with a history of heart problems

Common Side Effects for Tofranil

In adults (with depression)

  • Dry mouth
  • Blurry vision
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Constipation
  • Sleepiness
  • Dizziness
  • Confusion
  • Anxiety
  • Restlessness

In children (with bedwetting problems)

  • Nervousness
  • Sleep problems
  • Tiredness
  • Stomach upset

Warnings for Tofranil

  • Worsening depression, suicidal thoughts, and unusual behavior
  • Not for use alone in bipolar disorder
  • Risk of heart problems, heart attack, or stroke
  • Glaucoma
  • Higher risk of falls
  • Seizures

Prices with our coupons for Silenor vs. Tofranil

Price Card Drug Icon
Doxepin30 tablets / 3mg
$53.04$315.55
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Price Card Drug Icon
Imipramine Hydrochloride90 tablets / 50mg
$26.65$64.90
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