Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Is It Safe To Take Doxepin For Insomnia When I Could Have Hyperthyroidism?
Brief Answer:
it can be risky
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
doxepin may cause arrhythmias to patients with hyperthyroidism or to patients treated with thyroxine for hypothyroidism. I don't quite understand the meaning of "I may be hyperthyroid". Has your doctor diagnosed hyperthyroidism? Have you been tested with TSH and free T4 (at least)?
The potential for arrhythmias is there even without the thyroid hormones. When the thyroid hormones are present the risk is even higher although there is no clear contraindication for doxepin in thyroid disorders. Therefore caution is recommended. In such cases it's better if you let your doctor take treatment decisions for you. If I were your doctor and doxepin was absolutely necessary (it isn't!) then I would have started with a low dose (25mg) and escalate slowly to higher doses (if required).
I hope you find my comments helpful!
Kind Regards!
it can be risky
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
doxepin may cause arrhythmias to patients with hyperthyroidism or to patients treated with thyroxine for hypothyroidism. I don't quite understand the meaning of "I may be hyperthyroid". Has your doctor diagnosed hyperthyroidism? Have you been tested with TSH and free T4 (at least)?
The potential for arrhythmias is there even without the thyroid hormones. When the thyroid hormones are present the risk is even higher although there is no clear contraindication for doxepin in thyroid disorders. Therefore caution is recommended. In such cases it's better if you let your doctor take treatment decisions for you. If I were your doctor and doxepin was absolutely necessary (it isn't!) then I would have started with a low dose (25mg) and escalate slowly to higher doses (if required).
I hope you find my comments helpful!
Kind Regards!
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
I had blood tests today. The endocrinologist thinks I'm clinically hyperthyroid due to symptoms. I was already on zaleplon and that stopped working. Trazodone does not work for me. I feel I am running out of options. I do not sleep at all without help.
Brief Answer:
the thyroid has to be 'fixed' first
Detailed Answer:
Hyperthyroidism may have impaired your sleep too, so correcting the thyroid function may help with insomnia. Trazodone can be used but it should be titrated with caution. Other alternatives include benzodiazepines (for short term management), increased physical activity (to tire your body out) and melatonin. You can discuss with your doctor about these options.
Kind Regards!
the thyroid has to be 'fixed' first
Detailed Answer:
Hyperthyroidism may have impaired your sleep too, so correcting the thyroid function may help with insomnia. Trazodone can be used but it should be titrated with caution. Other alternatives include benzodiazepines (for short term management), increased physical activity (to tire your body out) and melatonin. You can discuss with your doctor about these options.
Kind Regards!
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
