Why is this medication prescribed?

Belsomra is a prescription medication primarily used to treat insomnia, a condition characterized by difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep. It belongs to a class of drugs called orexin receptor antagonists, which work by blocking the action of orexin, a neurotransmitter involved in regulating wakefulness.

How should this medicine be used?

Belsomra (suvorexant) is a prescription medication used to treat insomnia. Here’s a general guide on how it should be used:

• Follow Your Doctor’s Instructions: Always use Belsomra exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. They will determine the appropriate dosage and frequency based on your individual needs and medical condition.
• Take Belsomra Before Bedtime: Typically, Belsomra is taken orally once daily, just before bedtime. It should be taken with or without food, as directed by your doctor.
• Avoid Heavy Meals and Alcohol: Heavy meals and alcohol can affect how your body absorbs and processes Belsomra. Try to avoid consuming large meals or alcoholic beverages before taking the medication.
• Ensure Adequate Sleep Time: Belsomra can cause drowsiness and impair your ability to perform tasks that require alertness. Make sure you have at least 7-8 hours available for sleep after taking Belsomra to reduce the risk of drowsiness and related side effects.
• Do Not Crush or Chew: Swallow the tablet whole with water. Do not crush, chew, or break the tablet, as it can increase the risk of side effects or decrease the effectiveness of the medication.
• Avoid Suddenly Stopping: Do not suddenly stop taking Belsomra without consulting your doctor. Abruptly discontinuing the medication may lead to withdrawal symptoms. Your doctor may need to gradually reduce your dose to safely stop treatment.
• Monitor for Side Effects: Pay attention to any potential side effects while taking Belsomra. Common side effects may include daytime drowsiness, dizziness, headache, and dry mouth. If you experience any severe or persistent side effects, contact your doctor.
• Keep Regular Follow-Up Appointments: Your doctor may want to monitor your response to Belsomra and adjust your dosage if necessary. Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments to ensure optimal treatment outcomes.

Always consult your healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns about how to use Belsomra. They can provide personalized guidance based on your specific circumstances.

Other uses for this medicine

Belsomra (suvorexant) is primarily prescribed for the treatment of insomnia, and its use for other purposes is not recommended unless specifically directed by a healthcare provider. It’s essential to use Belsomra only as prescribed and to follow your doctor’s instructions carefully.

What special precautions should I follow?

As for special precautions when using Belsomra:

• Medical History: Inform your doctor about your complete medical history, especially if you have a history of certain conditions such as depression, substance abuse, sleep apnea, liver disease, or kidney disease. This information can help your doctor determine if Belsomra is safe and appropriate for you.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. The safety of Belsomra during pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been established, so your doctor will weigh the potential risks and benefits before prescribing it.
• Drowsiness and Impairment: Belsomra can cause drowsiness, dizziness, and impair your alertness and coordination. Avoid activities that require mental alertness, such as driving or operating heavy machinery, until you know how Belsomra affects you.
• Alcohol and Other Sedatives: Avoid consuming alcohol or taking other sedative medications while using Belsomra, as it can increase the risk of excessive drowsiness and respiratory depression.
• Withdrawal and Rebound Insomnia: Do not abruptly stop taking Belsomra without consulting your doctor. Sudden discontinuation may lead to withdrawal symptoms or rebound insomnia. Your doctor may need to gradually reduce your dose to safely discontinue treatment.
• Elderly Population: Older adults may be more sensitive to the effects of Belsomra, such as drowsiness and dizziness. Your doctor may prescribe a lower dose to minimize the risk of side effects.
• Interactions with Other Medications: Inform your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking, as well as any supplements. Belsomra may interact with certain medications, including opioids, antidepressants, and other central nervous system depressants.
• Allergic Reactions: If you have a known allergy to suvorexant or any other ingredients in Belsomra, inform your doctor before starting treatment. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience signs of an allergic reaction, such as rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or difficulty breathing.

Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice and guidance regarding the use of Belsomra and any specific precautions you should follow based on your individual health profile.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

There are generally no specific dietary restrictions associated with Belsomra. However, it’s advisable to avoid consuming heavy meals or large amounts of food close to bedtime, as this may affect the medication’s absorption and potentially exacerbate its side effects. Maintaining a balanced diet and healthy eating habits can contribute to overall well-being and may indirectly support better sleep quality.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

If you forget to take a dose of Belsomra, take it as soon as you remember, unless it is close to the time for your next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one, as this can increase the risk of adverse effects. If you have any concerns or questions about missed doses, consult your healthcare provider for guidance.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Belsomra (suvorexant) can cause various side effects, although not everyone experiences them. Common side effects of Belsomra may include:

• Daytime Drowsiness: Feeling drowsy or sleepy during the day is one of the most common side effects of Belsomra.
• Dizziness: Some individuals may experience dizziness, lightheadedness, or a sensation of spinning (vertigo) while taking Belsomra.
• Headache: Headaches are another common side effect reported by some people using Belsomra.
• Dry Mouth: Belsomra may cause dryness in the mouth, leading to a parched sensation or discomfort.
• Fatigue: Feeling tired or fatigued during the day is possible with Belsomra use.
• Abnormal Dreams: Some individuals may experience vivid or unusual dreams while taking Belsomra.
• Increased Appetite: Belsomra can sometimes lead to an increase in appetite, resulting in greater food intake.
• Nausea: Nausea, or a feeling of queasiness or discomfort in the stomach, may occur as a side effect of Belsomra.
• Sleepiness or Difficulty Waking Up: While Belsomra is intended to help with sleep, some individuals may experience lingering sleepiness or difficulty waking up in the morning after taking the medication.
• Muscle Weakness: Weakness or a feeling of reduced strength in the muscles can occur as a side effect of Belsomra.
• Sleep Paralysis: Rarely, Belsomra may lead to sleep paralysis, a temporary inability to move or speak while falling asleep or waking up.
• Memory or Concentration Problems: Some individuals may experience difficulty with memory or concentration while taking Belsomra.

It’s essential to discuss any side effects you experience with your healthcare provider. Additionally, if you experience severe or persistent side effects or any signs of an allergic reaction (such as rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or difficulty breathing), seek medical attention promptly. Your doctor may adjust your dosage or recommend alternative treatments based on your individual response to Belsomra.

What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication?

When it comes to storage and disposal of Belsomra:

Storage:

• Store Belsomra tablets at room temperature between 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C), away from moisture and light.
• Keep Belsomra out of reach of children and pets, as it can be harmful if ingested.

Disposal:

• Dispose of unused or expired Belsomra tablets properly according to local regulations or guidelines.
• Do not flush Belsomra down the toilet or pour it down the drain unless instructed to do so by your pharmacist or local waste disposal authority.
• Consult your pharmacist or healthcare provider for information on how to safely dispose of Belsomra.

In case of emergency/overdose

• If you suspect an overdose of Belsomra or experience severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing, loss of consciousness, or severe drowsiness, seek immediate medical attention or contact a poison control center.
• It’s important to provide healthcare professionals with as much information as possible, including the amount of Belsomra ingested, when it was taken, and any other medications or substances that were also consumed.

What other information should I know?

• Belsomra may cause drowsiness and impair your ability to perform tasks that require alertness, such as driving or operating machinery. Avoid such activities until you know how Belsomra affects you.
• Avoid alcohol and other sedatives while taking Belsomra, as they can increase the risk of side effects.
• Inform your healthcare provider about all medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking before starting Belsomra, as they may interact with it.
• Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions carefully and attend all scheduled appointments for monitoring and follow-up.

If you have any further questions or concerns about Belsomra, its storage, disposal, or what to do in case of emergency, consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist for personalized advice and guidance.