Grapefruit Juice, Antibiotics, and More: 8 Belsomra Interactions
Learn about common interactions with Belsomra, including medication, food, and alcohol.
Belsomra
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.
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:
Drug facts
| Common Brands | Belsomra |
|---|---|
| Drug Class | Orexin receptor antagonist |
| Controlled Substance Classification | Schedule IV |
| Generic Status | No lower-cost generic available |
| Availability | Prescription only |
More on Belsomra (suvorexant) essentials
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.
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 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.
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).
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.
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.
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%)
Less Common Side Effects
- Dizziness
- Diarrhea
- Dry mouth
- Upper respiratory tract infection
- Cough
- Strange dreams
Belsomra (suvorexant) 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:
M
H
D
W
M
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.
More on Belsomra (suvorexant) side effects
The following Belsomra (suvorexant) 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
Get your GoodRx coupon
$597.06
GoodRx discount
$462.80
Pros and cons of Belsomra (suvorexant)
Pros
- Might be another option if other sleep aids don't work
- Works within an hour to help most people fall asleep
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 for Belsomra (suvorexant)
- 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.
- Don't take Belsomra (suvorexant) with other medications that can make you drowsy, including other sleep aids. This can make drowsiness even worse.
- 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.
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Belsomra (suvorexant) dosage
The average cost for 30 tablets of 10mg of Belsomra (suvorexant) is $462.80 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 22.49% off the average retail price of $597.06. 
Tablet
Tablet| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5mg | 30 tablets | $463.24 | $15.44 |
| 10mg | 30 tablets | $462.80 | $15.43 |
| 15mg | 30 tablets | $462.89 | $15.43 |
| 20mg | 30 tablets | $464.03 | $15.47 |
Typical dosage 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.
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How much does Belsomra (suvorexant) cost?
To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.
Belsomra (brand)
$462.80
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.
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.
News about Belsomra (suvorexant)
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