Belsomra (Suvorexant)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Belsomra Used For?
Belsomra is a sleep medication that helps people with insomnia fall asleep and stay asleep throughout the night.
Primary Uses
Belsomra is used to treat insomnia, which includes problems falling asleep and/or staying asleep.
How It Works
Belsomra works by temporarily blocking wakefulness signals in your brain, allowing natural sleep to occur. It belongs to a class of medications called Orexin Receptor Antagonists.
Good to know: Belsomra is not approved for use in children or adolescents under 18 years of age.
How to Take Belsomra
Take Belsomra exactly as prescribed by your doctor. The medication can be taken with or without food.
Dosage Instructions
For adults under 65 years: Take one 20 mg tablet. For adults 65 years and older: Take one 15 mg tablet. Take only once per night within 30 minutes of going to bed. Only take when you can get at least 7 hours of sleep before you need to be active again. Swallow the tablet whole with a full glass of water.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If you miss a dose, do not take Belsomra unless you have the opportunity to get a full night of sleep (at least 7 hours) before you must be active again. Continue with your usual dose the following night at bedtime.
Important: Do not exceed the recommended doses. Higher doses worked similarly but caused more side effects.
Available Tablet Strengths
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- Sleepiness
- Tiredness
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Upper respiratory tract infection
- Diarrhea
- Dry mouth
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Unusual dreams including nightmares
- Feeling abnormal
- Anxiety
- Memory loss
- Temporary weakness in legs
- Cough
- Awareness of heartbeat or fast/irregular heartbeat
- Itching
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Abnormal thoughts and behavior (more outgoing or aggressive behavior, confusion, agitation, hallucinations)
- Worsening of depression and suicidal thoughts or actions
- Temporary inability to move or talk (sleep paralysis) while going to sleep or waking up
Important Warnings
There are several important warnings and precautions to be aware of before taking Belsomra.
Who Should Not Take Belsomra
Do not take Belsomra if you: fall asleep often at unexpected times (narcolepsy), are allergic to suvorexant or any ingredients in the medication, or if the packaging is damaged or expired.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have: history of sudden muscle weakness (cataplexy), history of narcolepsy or daytime sleepiness, history of depression, mental illness, or suicidal thoughts, history of drug or alcohol abuse or addiction, liver disease, lung disease or breathing problems, or allergies to other medicines, foods, preservatives or dyes.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
It is not known if Belsomra can harm your unborn baby. Your doctor will discuss the risks and benefits with you. Talk to your doctor if you are breastfeeding or intend to breastfeed.
Sleep Walking Risk: After taking Belsomra, you may get up and do activities while not fully awake (sleep-walking, eating, talking, or driving) without remembering it the next morning. This risk is higher if you drink alcohol or take other sleep medicines.
Drug Interactions
Some medicines can interfere with Belsomra and affect how it works. Always tell your doctor about all medications you’re taking.
Important: Do not take Belsomra with other medicines that can make you sleepy. Your doctor will determine if you can safely take Belsomra with your other medications.
- Clarithromycin
- Erythromycin
- Fluconazole
- Itraconazole
- Diltiazem
- Verapamil
- Certain HIV medicines
- Other medicines that cause sleepiness
Alcohol & Driving
Belsomra can affect your alertness and coordination, so special precautions are needed with alcohol and driving.
Alcohol
Do not take Belsomra if you drank alcohol that evening or before bed. Alcohol can increase your chances of getting serious side effects with Belsomra.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Be careful driving, operating machinery, or doing other activities that require complete alertness until you know how Belsomra affects you. Belsomra may cause drowsiness in some people the day after taking it.
Storage
Keep tablets in the blister pack until it’s time to take them. Store in a cool, dry place away from moisture, heat, or sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom, near a sink, in the car, or on window sills. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose Information
If you think you have taken too much Belsomra, seek urgent medical attention immediately. Phone the Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26), contact your doctor, or go to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital, even if there are no signs of discomfort.
Frequently Asked Questions
Take Belsomra within 30 minutes of going to bed when you’re ready to sleep. The medication works by blocking wakefulness signals to help you fall asleep.
Yes, Belsomra may be taken with or without food. Swallow the tablet whole with a full glass of water.
Belsomra may be abused or misused, especially if you have a history of drug or alcohol abuse or addiction. Discuss this risk with your doctor.
Your doctor will periodically reassess your need to continue treatment with Belsomra. Always speak to your doctor before deciding to stop taking the medication.
No, do not take Belsomra if you drank alcohol that evening or before bed. Alcohol can increase your chances of getting serious side effects.
Yes, but elderly adults (65 years or older) should take a lower dose of 15mg instead of 20mg. The safety and effectiveness is similar in older and younger patients at the recommended doses.
If you miss a dose, do not take Belsomra unless you have the opportunity to get a full night of sleep (at least 7 hours) before you must be active again. Continue with your usual dose the following night.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.