Compare Ambien vs. doxepin
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.
Helps you sleep.
Ambien (zolpidem) aids in falling asleep and staying asleep, but it can be habit-forming and might be more likely than other sleep medicines to cause side effects.
●●●●●
3.7/ 5 average rating with 1375 reviewsforAmbien
Treats depression and anxiety.
doxepin can treat depression and anxiety, but it's not a first choice medication because of its many side effects.
Upsides
- Effective at helping people fall asleep faster and sleep longer.
- Extended release form is particularly good for staying asleep, and you can use it for longer than the immediate release form.
- Generic is available.
- doxepin has been consistently shown to improve symptoms of depression and anxiety.
- doxepin has been used to treat depression for over forty years.
Downsides
- Not typically used for long-term treatment because it can be habit-forming.
- Some people find that Ambien (zolpidem) becomes less effective over time.
- More likely to cause sleep-walking, sleep-driving, and sleep-eating.
- Might not be safe if you have problems with your liver, kidneys, lungs, or if you have a history of depression.
- doxepin can make you very sleepy. Try taking it at bedtime if you need to be alert during the day.
- You shouldn't drink alcohol with doxepin. It can worsen side effects like drowsiness.
- You have to take it daily, especially if you are feeling better, for the medicine to do its job.
- It can have more side effects than other antidepressants, like weight gain and increased appetite, decreased libido, and sleepiness.
- It's not unusual for people to try different antidepressants until they find one that works for them.
Used for
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Oral spray
- Sublingual pill
- Pill
- Liquid
Price
Lowest price
$19.03
Find instant savings near youLowest price
$10.25
Find instant savings near youWant to save even more money?
Sign up now for a 30-day trial and save up to 95% at CVS, Kroger, Albertsons, and other pharmacies.
Learn more
Reviews
1375 reviews so far
67%
saidit'sworth it
50%
saiditworked well
16%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Ambien (zolpidem)?
Leave a reviewNot enough review data.Leave a review
Side effects
18possible side effects
- Drowsiness8%
- Headache7%
- Dizziness5%
- Allergic reactions4%
- Sinus infection4%
- Dry mouth3%
- Back pain3%
- Lack of energy3%
- Drugged feeling3%
- Diarrhea3%
- Sore throat3%
- Flu-like symptoms2%
- Racing heart2%
- Lightheadedness2%
- Depression2%
- Abdominal pain2%
- Constipation2%
- Rash2%
The doxepin FDA package insert doesn’t have numbers about how common side effects are.
Risks and risk factors
- Dependence and withdrawal
- Continuous use of Ambien (zolpidem) for 2 weeks or more
- Driving impairment
- Alcohol
- Taking other medications that make you less alert
- Less than 8 hours of sleep.
- Abnormal thoughts
- Undiagnosed psychiatric conditions
- Performing activities while asleep
- Taking Ambien (zolpidem) with alcohol or drugs that cause drowsiness
- Risk of falls and injury
- Higher dose
- Liver problems
- Taking Ambien (zolpidem) with other nervous system depressants
- Long-term use
- Elderly (70 years or older)
- Suicidal thoughts or behavior
- Age 24 years or under
- Unmasking of bipolar disorder
- Bipolar disorder
- Serotonin syndrome
- Taking MAOIs (monoamine oxidase inhibitors)
- Heart problems
- History of heart disease
- Adults over 65
- Electrolyte imbalance
- Sleepiness
- Adults 65 years or older
- Taking other medicines that cause drowsiness (antihistamines, sleep medications, narcotic pain medications)
- Alcohol
- Dizziness and falls
- Age 65 years or older