THE EFFECTS OF DOXEPIN HCL ON SLEEP AND DEPRESSION

Abstract

The effects of doxepine hydrochloride (Adapin) on sleep and depression were evaluated in 9 depressed patients with documented sleep difficulties. All subjects were screened for depression on the Hamilton Psychiatric Rating Scale. Sleep disturbance was measured by all-night polysomnography. Doxepine in doses of 75 and 150 mg/day significantly improved sleep efficiency, as evidenced by decreased sleep latency and increased total sleep time. After 2 wk of treatment, REM [rapid eye movement] latency and percent REM time were dramatically changed. Maximal improvement in depression occurred after 2 wk of doxepine therapy and at the 150-mg dose.