What is Belsomra: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated Jan. 12, 2021  •  Published Dec. 30, 2020

Belsomra overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Belsomra

Generic Names:

  • Belsomra

Uses:

  • Treats insomnia.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Sleep Aid

Forms:

  • Tablet

How it’s taken:

  • By mouth

What form(s) does Belsomra come in

  • Tablet

What are common Belsomra doses?

  • Box 30 Tablets

  • Tablet 20MG

Common Belsomra prescriptions

  • Belsomra
    10 tablets box

  • Belsomra
    30 tablets box

How to take Belsomra

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

  • You should not take this medicine if you are not able to sleep or rest for at least 7 hours before you need to be active again.

  • This medicine works better if you do not take it with food or right after a meal.

  • This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.

  • Missed dose: This medicine is not taken on a regular schedule. Use it only when you cannot sleep.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Do not remove the tablets from the blister pack until you are ready to use them.

  • Missed dose: This medicine is not taken on a regular schedule. Use it only when you cannot sleep.

  • You should not take this medicine if you are not able to sleep or rest for at least 7 hours before you need to be active again.

  • This medicine works better if you do not take it with food or right after a meal.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Do not remove the tablets from the blister pack until you are ready to use them.

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

  • This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.

Belsomra contraindications

  • This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you have narcolepsy.

Belsomra warnings

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have liver disease, breathing or lung problems (such as COPD, sleep apnea), or muscle problems or weakness. Tell your doctor if you have a history of alcohol or drug addiction, depression, or mental illness.

  • This medicine may cause the following problems:Unusual changes in mood or behaviorSleep paralysis (while you are going to sleep or waking up)

  • This medicine may make you drowsy the next morning. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.

  • This medicine may cause you to do things while you are still asleep, such as driving or eating. You may not remember doing these things the next morning. Tell your doctor right away if you learn that this has happened.

  • Call your doctor if you still have trouble sleeping after you take this medicine for 7 to 10 days.

  • This medicine can be habit-forming. Do not use more than your prescribed dose. Call your doctor if you think your medicine is not working.

Belsomra interactions

  • Some foods and medicines can affect how suvorexant works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:Aprepitant, boceprevir, carbamazepine, ciprofloxacin, clarithromycin, conivaptan, digoxin, diltiazem, erythromycin, fluconazole, imatinib, nefazodone, phenytoin, rifampin, telaprevir, telithromycin, verapamilMedicine to treat HIV (such as amprenavir, atazanavir, fosamprenavir, indinavir, nelfinavir, ritonavir, saquinavir) or medicine to treat a fungal infection (such as itraconazole, ketoconazole, posaconazole)

  • Tell your doctor if you use anything else that makes you sleepy. Some examples are allergy medicine, narcotic pain medicine, and alcohol.

  • Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while you are using this medicine.

  • This medicine may cause you to do things while you are still asleep, such as driving or eating. You may not remember doing these things the next morning. Tell your doctor right away if you learn that this has happened.

  • Call your doctor if you still have trouble sleeping after you take this medicine for 7 to 10 days.

  • This medicine can be habit-forming. Do not use more than your prescribed dose. Call your doctor if you think your medicine is not working.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Belsomra side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Severe confusion, drowsiness, muscle weakness

  • Anxiety, depression, nervousness, unusual behavior, or thoughts of hurting yourself

  • Memory loss

  • Temporary inability to move or talk while you are going to sleep or waking up

  • Seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Daytime drowsiness