For many people, overcoming insomnia is a significant challenge, but at SleepScriptMD.com, Dr. David Danish and Dr. Peter Kelly are dedicated to delivering expert care tailored to each individual’s needs. With over 30 years of combined experience in treating insomnia, we frequently incorporate low-dose doxepin into our treatment regimens. This medication has demonstrated remarkable efficacy in improving sleep quality without posing cardiac risks. Staying updated with the latest research is integral to our practice, ensuring that we provide the safest and most effective treatments available.
A recent study titled “A Placebo- and Active-Controlled Assessment of 6- and 50-mg Oral Doxepin on Cardiac Repolarization in Healthy Volunteers: A Thorough QT Evaluation” sheds light on the cardiac safety of doxepin, particularly at the low doses used for insomnia. This blog will explore the findings of this study and explain why low-dose doxepin is a safe choice for managing sleep disturbances.
Study Methodology Overview
The study aimed to assess the effects of doxepin on cardiac repolarization by analyzing its impact on QTc intervals. Participants included healthy adult volunteers who were randomly assigned to receive either doxepin or a placebo over a seven-day period. The primary objective was to observe any changes in QTc intervals, a critical measure of heart electrical activity, to evaluate potential risks associated with doxepin.
Findings on Cardiac Safety
The study’s results were encouraging, showing that neither the 6 mg nor the 50 mg doses of doxepin led to an increase in QTc intervals among participants. The upper bounds of the confidence intervals for these doses did not exceed 10 milliseconds at any time point, indicating no significant effect on cardiac repolarization. This suggests that low-dose doxepin, especially at doses used for insomnia (3 mg to 6 mg), is unlikely to pose cardiac risks.
Implications for Insomnia Treatment
These findings are particularly reassuring for patients seeking effective solutions for insomnia without the worry of cardiac side effects. The study supports the use of low-dose doxepin as a safe option for enhancing sleep maintenance, aligning with our commitment at SleepScriptMD.com to provide evidence-based treatments that prioritize patient safety and well-being.
Innovative Insomnia Solutions at SleepScriptMD.com
At SleepScriptMD.com, we offer both synchronous and AI-assisted asynchronous treatment options for insomnia, utilizing a range of safe, non-addictive medications and supplements. Our services also include access to at-home sleep tests and specialized sleep coaches trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-i). If you’re looking for comprehensive support in managing insomnia, visit our website to explore how we can help you achieve better sleep.
Sources
- Mansbach RS, Ludington E, Rogowski R, Kittrelle JP, Jochelson P. A placebo- and active-controlled assessment of 6- and 50-mg oral doxepin on cardiac repolarization in healthy volunteers: a thorough QT evaluation. https://www.clinicaltherapeutics.com/article/S0149-2918(11)00393-6/abstract
- Silenor® Prescribing Information https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2020/022036s006lbl.pdf
