What is Belsomra?
Belsomra is a sleeping medicine that helps regulate your wake and sleep cycles. Belsomra helps treat sleepiness (trouble getting to sleep or remaining in bed). Belsomra could also be prescribed for other purposes that are not mentioned in this guide.
Warnings
Don't take more Belsomra than your doctor has recommended. It is not recommended to take Belsomra if you suffer from the condition known as narcolepsy. You should take Belsomra 30 minutes prior to bedtime. Don't take this medication if you don't have 7 hours to rest before returning to activity. A few people who take this medicine have been involved in activities while they were not awake and then did not remember them. If this happens to you, contact your doctor immediately.
Before you take this drug
You shouldn't make use of Belsomra in the event that you are allergic to suvorexant or suffer from the condition known as narcolepsy.
To ensure that this medication is appropriate for you, tell your physician if you have any of the following:
- Depression, mental illness, or thoughts about suicide.
- Addiction to alcohol or drugs or addiction.
- Breathing difficulties; sleep apnea (breathing stops while sleeping).
- Liver disease.
- Sudden muscle weakness.
- An excessive amount of sleepiness in normal working hours.
- If you've been a victim of insomnia at odd times.
If you are breastfeeding or pregnant, speak with your doctor.
Belsomra is not a drug that is approved to be used by anyone younger than 18 years old.
How to take Belsomra?
Use Belsomra exactly as directed by your physician. Follow the instructions on your prescription label, and be sure to read all the medication instructions. Do not take this medication in greater quantities or for longer than what is prescribed. Inform your doctor if you notice an increase in your desire to take this medication. Belsomra could be a narcotic. The misuse of the drug can lead to addiction, overdose, or even death. Keep the medication in a safe place so that others aren't able to access it. The sale or distribution of this medication is against the law. Take Belsomra at least once a night, about 30 minutes prior to going to bed. Belsomra can be taken with or without food. Do not take the medication immediately after eating, or else the medicine could delay its effectiveness.
Belsomra can make you sleepy. Do not take this medication in the absence of 7 hours of rest before you can be active again. It is possible that you have difficulty talking or moving when you're asleep. It could take a longer time for you to awaken, speak, or move about when you get up. It could feel as if you've been dreaming for a few minutes after awakening. Contact your physician if your insomnia symptoms don't improve or worsen after taking Belsomra for seven to 10 nights in a row. Keep at room temperature, free of heat, moisture, and light. Make sure you keep track of your medication. It is important to be aware if someone is taking it incorrectly or without a prescription.
Details on dosage
Usual Adult Dose for Insomnia:
10 mg orally, once a morning before bedtime
Maximum dose: 20 mg once a day.
Comments: Take in the first 30 minutes after getting to bed, with at least 7 hours left prior to the scheduled time of getting up.
If 10 mg is tolerated well but is not working, the dosage can be increased.
The time it takes to take effect could be delayed when taken together with or immediately after a meal.
Use: sleepiness caused by sleep problems at the onset or during sleep maintenance.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Because Belsomra is only taken at night, if required, it is unlikely to skip the dose. Do not take this medication when you don't have seven hours of sleep before returning to activity.
What happens if I overdose?
Get medical attention in an emergency or contact the Poison Help line toll-free at 1-800-222-1222.
What should be avoided
For at least eight hours following the use of Belsomra, avoid driving or engaging in activities that require your attention. Your reactions may be impaired. Beware of drinking alcohol. Don't take Belsomra if you've had alcohol within the last few hours prior to getting ready to sleep.
Adverse effects of Belsomra
See a doctor immediately. If you show symptoms that you are experiencing an allergic reaction due to Belsomra, such as itching, breathing problems, or swelling of your lips, face, and throat,
Certain people taking this medication have engaged in activities while they were not awake and then later did not remember them. This may include walking or eating, driving, having sexual relations, or making calls on the phone. If this occurs to you, make sure to contact your doctor immediately.
Contact your doctor immediately. If you suffer from:
- Difficulties in speaking or moving at the time you first awaken.
- An uneasy feeling in your legs.
- Strange thoughts or behaviors.
- Anxiety, agitation, and depression.
- Memory problems.
- Confusion, hallucinations.
- You may be thinking about hurting yourself.
You are more likely to suffer from negative side effects if you are obese.
Common Belsomra adverse effects include:
- Strange dreams.
- Drowsiness throughout the day after the use of this medication.
This is not a comprehensive list of all the side effects. Others could happen. Contact your doctor for advice regarding medical effects. You can report any adverse reactions to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Interaction with other drugs
Utilizing Belsomra along with other medications that cause you to become drowsy could increase the severity of this effect. Consult your physician before taking opioids, sleeping pills, muscle relaxers, or medication to treat anxiety or seizures. There are times when it's not recommended to take certain medications together. Certain drugs may affect your blood levels and the other medications that you take, which can create side effects or render the medication less effective. Other medications can interfere with suvorexant. This includes medications that are prescribed and available over the counter, vitamins, and herbal products. Inform your physician about your current medications and any medications you begin or stop taking.
