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Belsomra Coupon - Belsomra 10mg tablet

Belsomra

suvorexant
Used for Insomnia
Used for Insomnia

Belsomra (suvorexant) is used to treat insomnia in adults. It's helpful for those who have a hard time falling asleep or staying asleep. This sleep medication belongs to the drug class called orexin receptor antagonists. You take a dosage within 30 minutes of bedtime as needed for sleep. It's common to feel drowsy the next day as a side effect. Belsomra (suvorexant) is a controlled substance because of the risk of misuse and becoming habit-forming. It's available as a brand-name medication only.

Last reviewed on May 2, 2025
Belsomra (suvorexant) is a controlled substance, which means that it's more likely to be misused or cause dependence. There are federal and state laws that limit the amount of medication that can be prescribed or dispensed within a certain period of time.
basics-icon

What is Belsomra (suvorexant)?

What is Belsomra (suvorexant) used for?

  • Insomnia (trouble falling asleep or staying asleep)

How Belsomra (suvorexant) works

Belsomra (suvorexant) is an orexin receptor antagonist. It works by blocking the action of orexin. Orexin is a chemical in the brain that plays a role in the sleep cycle and helps with wakefulness. By blocking orexin, Belsomra (suvorexant) can help people sleep.

When does Belsomra (suvorexant) start working?
Time passed since treatment started:
MINUTES
HOURS
DAYS
WEEKS
MONTHS
Initial effect
Full effect

Drug Facts

Common BrandsBelsomra
Drug ClassOrexin receptor antagonist
Controlled Substance ClassificationSchedule IV
Generic StatusNo lower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only

More on Belsomra (suvorexant) essentials

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What are the risks and warnings for Belsomra (suvorexant)?

Belsomra (suvorexant) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

risk-warning

Feeling drowsy and having trouble focusing the next day

  • Risk factors: Older adults | Getting fewer than 7 hours of sleep | Drinking alcohol | Taking other medications that make you less alert | Taking a higher-than-recommended dose of Belsomra (suvorexant)

    Belsomra (suvorexant) can make you feel drowsy. It can also make it harder to focus, think clearly, and react quickly. These effects can last into the morning or daytime after taking the medication. Sometimes, they can last for up to several days after you stop taking it.

    The risk is higher if you don't get a full 7 hours of sleep after taking Belsomra (suvorexant). The risk is also higher if you take Belsomra (suvorexant) with other medications that make you tired. People over 65 might have a greater risk of falling because of drowsiness.

    Belsomra (suvorexant) can affect your ability to drive. It might raise your risk of falling asleep at the wheel. Don't drive, use heavy machines, or do anything that you need to be alert for until you know how the medication affects you.

    risk-warning

    Risk of worsening of depression and suicidal thoughts

    • Risk factors: History of depression | Higher dose of Belsomra (suvorexant)

      In studies, some people who took Belsomra (suvorexant) had suicidal thoughts or thoughts of hurting themselves. People with depression might also have worse mental health. Tell your prescriber if you or your loved ones notice signs of worsened depression while taking this medication. Call 911 right away if you have any thoughts of hurting yourself.

      risk-warning

      Doing things while asleep

      Sometimes after taking Belsomra (suvorexant), people can do things in their sleep or when they're not fully awake. It can be dangerous and might happen any time you take the medication. They include sleepwalking, cooking and eating, talking on the phone, having sex, or even driving a car. Most people don't remember doing these things. So if someone close to you says you've done something like this in your sleep, talk to your prescriber. You'll need to stop taking Belsomra (suvorexant).

      risk-warning

      Sleep paralysis, hallucinations, and weakness in the legs

      • Risk factors: Taking a higher dose of Belsomra (suvorexant)

        Sometimes, Belsomra (suvorexant) can cause sleep paralysis. This when you can't move or talk for a few minutes right before falling asleep or waking up. Some people might also have hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren't real). They can be very vivid or disturbing. In addition, some people might have sudden leg weakness, which can happen during the day or at night. The weakness usually lasts from seconds to a few minutes. Talk to your prescriber right away if any of these effects happen to you.

        risk-warning

        Caution use in people with breathing problems

        • Risk factors: Sleep apnea | Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

          If you have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), obstructive sleep apnea, or other breathing problems, talk to your prescriber before starting Belsomra (suvorexant). It's not known how the medication could affect your breathing. Your prescriber can weigh the risks and benefits to see if the medication is safe for you to take.

          basics-icon

          What are the side effects of Belsomra (suvorexant)?

          The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

          Common Side Effects

          • Drowsiness (7%)
          • Headache (7%)

          Other Side Effects

          Serious Side Effects

          Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
          • Sleep paralysis: trouble moving or talking right before falling asleep or waking up
          • Abnormal sleep behaviors: getting out of bed and doing things while not fully awake (e.g., sleepwalking, eating, having a conversation)
          • Worsened depression
          • Suicidal thoughts: thoughts of hurting yourself
          When do Belsomra (suvorexant) possible side effects begin and end?
          Time passed since treatment started:
          MINUTES
          HOURS
          DAYS
          WEEKS
          MONTHS
          Drowsiness
          Strange dreams
          Risk of doing things while not fully awake
          Seek immediate medical care if you experience this side effect.
          If a line continues to the right, you'll likely keep experiencing this side effect once it starts.

          Source: Prescribing information

          The following side effects have also been reported

          Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

          • Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
          • CNS depression—slow or shallow breathing, shortness of breath, feeling faint, dizziness, confusion, trouble staying awake
          • Mood and behavior changes—anxiety, nervousness, confusion, hallucinations, irritability, hostility, thoughts of suicide or self-harm, worsening mood, feelings of depression
          • Sudden and temporary muscle weakness
          • Unable to move or speak for several minutes upon waking or going to sleep
          • Unusual sleep behaviors or activities you do not remember, such as driving, eating, or sexual activity

          Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

          • Drowsiness the day after use
          • Vivid dreams or nightmares
          pros-and-cons

          Pros and cons of Belsomra (suvorexant)

          thumbs-up

          Pros

          Might be another option if other sleep aids don't work

          Works within an hour to help most people fall asleep

          thumbs-down

          Cons

          Must have at least 7 hours of planned sleep before taking

          Not recommended for long-term use

          Not for people with narcolepsy

          pharmacist-tips

          Pharmacist tips for Belsomra (suvorexant)

          pharmacist
          • Take Belsomra (suvorexant) 30 minutes before bedtime as needed for sleep. Only take the medication if you plan to sleep for at least 7 hours. If you sleep for fewer than 7 hours, you're more likely to feel sleepy the morning after.

            • Belsomra (suvorexant) generally starts to work within 30 minutes to an hour. It could take longer to work if you take the medication with a meal or right after a meal.

              • Take only one dose of Belsomra (suvorexant) each night when needed. Taking it more than once during the night can raise your risk of side effects, like feeling sleepy the next day.

                • You might feel drowsy and sleepy the next day after taking Belsomra (suvorexant). Be careful and avoid doing activities that need your full attention. Don't drive or use heavy machinery until you know how this medication affects you. Tell your prescriber if you feel sleepy the next day because they might lower your dose.

                  • Don't mix Belsomra (suvorexant) with alcohol. It's also a good idea not to take the medication if you've had alcohol before bed. This can raise the risk of dangerous side effects, like extreme sleepiness, slowed breathing, and falls.

                    • Let your prescriber and pharmacist know about all the medications, supplements, and vitamins you take. They can make sure your medications are safe to take together. Taking certain medications with Belsomra (suvorexant) can make them work less well or raise your risk of side effects.

                      • You should only take Belsomra (suvorexant) for a short time to treat insomnia. If you still have trouble sleeping after 7 to 10 days, talk to your prescriber or sleep specialist. They can suggest other ways to help you sleep, like tips for good sleep hygiene. They can also check if another health issue is causing your sleep problems.

                        More on Belsomra (suvorexant) tips

                        faqs

                        Frequently asked questions about Belsomra (suvorexant)

                        Is Belsomra (suvorexant) a controlled substance?
                        Yes, Belsomra (suvorexant) is a schedule IV controlled substance. This means it has some risk of misuse and dependence. So far, studies haven't shown that people can develop physical dependence while taking the medication or withdrawal symptoms after stopping. But it's important to be aware of the risk. Federal and state laws limit how controlled substances like Belsomra (suvorexant) are prescribed. Talk to your prescriber to learn more about these risks and restrictions.
                        Can I take 30 mg of Belsomra (suvorexant)?
                        No. Don't take more than 20 mg of Belsomra (suvorexant) per night. This is the highest dose you should take. Taking more than 20 mg can make side effects worse. You might feel even sleepier, have more trouble concentrating, and have coordination problems the next day. If you take more than your prescribed dose by accident, call your prescriber right away.
                        Is Belsomra (suvorexant) addictive?
                        It's not clear if Belsomra (suvorexant) is addictive or habit-forming. The medication does has some risk of dependence. This is one reason why it's a controlled substance. But studies haven't found that people have had physical dependence or withdrawal symptoms from it. Still, it's important to know that Belsomra (suvorexant) might have this risk. Talk to your prescriber if you're worried about this.
                        Can Belsomra (suvorexant) be cut in half?
                        No. Don't cut Belsomra (suvorexant) tablets. They're film-coated and they also don't have a score line (a line for cutting). Because of this, it's not recommended to cut them. You might get uneven halves and then possible take the wrong dose if you cut them. Belsomra (suvorexant) comes in four different dosage strengths. So if your dose changes, your prescriber will probably give you a different strength of the pill.
                        How long does it take Belsomra (suvorexant) to work?
                        Belsomra (suvorexant) starts to work within 30 minutes to an hour. You should take it half an hour before bed because it can help you feel sleepy during that time. Keep in mind that if you take the medication with food or right after eating, it might take a little longer to start working.
                        Is Belsomra the same as Ambien?
                        No. Belsomra (suvorexant) and zolpidem (Ambien) are both sleep medications that aren't benzodiazepines. They work in different ways to help people fall asleep and stay asleep. Ambien comes in more dosage forms than Belsomra. This can make it easier to match people's preferences. Both medications are controlled substances that have a risk of misuse. Ambien can cause physical dependence and withdrawal, especially at higher doses or with long-term use. But this hasn't been reported with Belsomra. Talk to your prescriber or sleep specialist to compare the two.
                        Does Belsomra (suvorexant) cause weight gain?
                        Weight gain isn't a common side effect of Belsomra (suvorexant). If you notice weight changes while taking this medication, speak with your prescriber. They can help figure out the cause and suggest ways to manage your weight.
                        Is there a generic for Belsomra (suvorexant) available?
                        No, there isn't a generic version of Belsomra (suvorexant) available yet. Right now, it only comes as a brand-name medication.
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                        dosage

                        Belsomra (suvorexant) dosage forms

                        The average cost for 30 tablets of 10mg of Belsomra (suvorexant) is $472.45 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 16.26% off the average retail price of $564.16.
                        tablet
                        Tablet
                        DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                        5mg30 tablets$457.39$15.25
                        10mg30 tablets$472.45$15.75
                        15mg30 tablets$472.72$15.76
                        20mg30 tablets$472.26$15.74

                        Typical dosing for Belsomra (suvorexant)

                        The recommended dose is 10 mg by mouth within 30 minutes of bedtime. Make sure to have at least 7 hours in bed before you need to wake up.

                        If you're still having trouble sleeping, your prescriber might raise your dose. The maximum dose is 20 mg by mouth at bedtime.

                        More on Belsomra (suvorexant) dosage forms

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                        contraindications-icon

                        Belsomra (suvorexant) contraindications

                        Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Belsomra (suvorexant) will not be safe for you to take.
                        alternatives

                        What are alternatives to Belsomra (suvorexant)?

                        There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Belsomra (suvorexant). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
                        Belsomra (suvorexant)
                        Used for:
                        • Insomnia (trouble falling asleep or staying asleep)

                        $457.39 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
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                        images

                        Belsomra (suvorexant) images

                        Green Round 33 - Belsomra 10mg Tablet
                        This medicine is Green, Round Tablet Imprinted With "33".Green Round 33 - Belsomra 10mg Tablet
                        Green Round 33 - Belsomra 10mg Tablet
                        This medicine is Green, Round Tablet Imprinted With "33".Green Round 33 - Belsomra 10mg Tablet

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                        References

                        Best studies we found

                        Han, A. H., et al. (2023). Suvorexant, a novel dual orexin receptor antagonist, for the management of insomnia. Health Psychology Research.

                        Krystal, A. D., et al. (2013). Understanding the sleep-wake cycle: Sleep, insomnia, and the orexin system. Journal of Clinical Psychiatry.

                        Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC. (2025). Belsomra® (suvorexant) tablets, for oral use, C-IV [package insert].

                        View All References (1)

                        Rhyne, D. N., et al. (2015). Suvorexant in insomnia: Efficacy, safety and place in therapy. Therapeutic Advances in Drug Safety.

                        GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.
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