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Could My Lingering Fatigue, Grogginess, And Oversleeping Be A Side Effect Of Taking Doxepin 5 Months Ago?
When I wake up in the morning it s so painful to week up. Despite sleeping for over 10 hours,it feels like I ve slept for only 2 hours. I m extremely groggy,fatigued,eyes hurt and I want to go back to sleep. Naps do not feel refreshing at all and after waking up from a Nap I ve same symptoms. This problem started after I was prescribed doxepin 10mg for headaches, I only took it for two weeks because the oversedation wad so bad but the oversleeping is lingering till now. I took it about 5 months ago. I always go to bed early and at a particular time. I can t stay up past 11 and I HAVE to be asleep by 11. Sometimes this problem will dissappear for days then come back. Is the doxepin responsible for this or is something else wrong?
posted on
Tue, 22 Aug 2023
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Wed, 15 Oct 2025
Answered on
Fri, 31 Oct 2025
Last reviewed on
Hello,
Even at low doses (e.g., 10 mg), Doxepin has strong antihistamine and anticholinergic properties and hence causes excessive sedation. 5 months is a long time, so it’s worth considering other causes that could now be sustaining the fatigue.
You are advised to get TSH, T4 level tested. Also get vitamin B12, vitamin D, ferritin tested as they may contribute to fatigue. Your treatment will depend on the diagnosis done. Get CBC to check if you are suffering from anemia, get fasting glucose and electrolytes done to rule out common causes of fatigue.
Get clinically examined by a GP, as sleep study (polysomnography) needs to be done to detect sleep apnea, etc. Sleep apnea or upper airway resistance syndrome can cause unrefreshing sleep even after long hours. Avoid taking antihistamines, some antidepressants, or supplements (like magnesium or melatonin) as they can worsen sedation.
Doxepin strongly blocks histamine H1 receptors. After stopping, your body may take time to normalize histamine signaling. Be gentle and patient with yourself till your body normalizes. Keep your bedroom dark and cool so that you have quality sleep of not less than 8 hours. Moderate morning exercise and hydration can help reactivate your wake-promoting neurotransmitters.
However, if symptoms worsen you are advised to get clinically examined by a neurologist or sleep medicine specialist to rule out post-drug hypersomnia or central sleep disorders.
Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Nupur K., General & Family Physician
Even at low doses (e.g., 10 mg), Doxepin has strong antihistamine and anticholinergic properties and hence causes excessive sedation. 5 months is a long time, so it’s worth considering other causes that could now be sustaining the fatigue.
You are advised to get TSH, T4 level tested. Also get vitamin B12, vitamin D, ferritin tested as they may contribute to fatigue. Your treatment will depend on the diagnosis done. Get CBC to check if you are suffering from anemia, get fasting glucose and electrolytes done to rule out common causes of fatigue.
Get clinically examined by a GP, as sleep study (polysomnography) needs to be done to detect sleep apnea, etc. Sleep apnea or upper airway resistance syndrome can cause unrefreshing sleep even after long hours. Avoid taking antihistamines, some antidepressants, or supplements (like magnesium or melatonin) as they can worsen sedation.
Doxepin strongly blocks histamine H1 receptors. After stopping, your body may take time to normalize histamine signaling. Be gentle and patient with yourself till your body normalizes. Keep your bedroom dark and cool so that you have quality sleep of not less than 8 hours. Moderate morning exercise and hydration can help reactivate your wake-promoting neurotransmitters.
However, if symptoms worsen you are advised to get clinically examined by a neurologist or sleep medicine specialist to rule out post-drug hypersomnia or central sleep disorders.
Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Nupur K., General & Family Physician
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