Doxepin in children and adolescents with symptoms of insomnia: a single-center experience

Study Objectives: Pediatric insomnia is a widespread problem and especially difficult to manage in children with neurodevelopmental disorders. There are currently no US Food and Drug Administration-approved medications to use once first-line therapy fails. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of doxepin in pediatric patients. Methods: This is a retrospective single-center chart review of children and adolescents (2-17 years of age) whose sleep failed to improve with behavioral intervention and melatonin who were then trialed on doxepin. Treatment was initiated at a median starting dose of 2 mg and slowly escalated to a median maintenance dose of 10 mg. Improvement in sleep was recorded using a 4-point Likert scale reported by parents on follow-up visits. Results: A total of 29 patients were included in the analysis. Mean follow-up duration was 6.5 +/- 3.5 months. Of 29 patients, 4 (13.8%) patients discontinued doxepin because of lack of efficacy or side effects. Eight (27.6%) patients showed significant improvement of their insomnia, 8 (27.6%) showed moderate improvement, 10 (34.5%) showed mild improvement, and 3 (10.3%) showed minimal to no improvement on treatment with doxepin (P <.05) Only 2 patients (6.9%) experienced adverse effects in the form of behavioral side effects (aggression) and enuresis. Conclusions: Results of our studies suggest that low-dose doxepin is both effective and well tolerated in pediatric patients with insomnia.