Suvorexant

Generic name: Suvorexant
Brand names: Belsomra
Dosage form: oral tablet (10 mg; 15 mg; 20 mg; 5 mg)
Drug class: Miscellaneous anxiolytics , Antineoplastic Agents

Usage of Suvorexant

Suvorexant is a sleep medicine that is used to treat insomnia (trouble falling asleep or staying asleep).

Suvorexant may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Suvorexant side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Some people using suvorexant have engaged in activity while not fully awake and later had no memory of it. This may include walking, driving, eating, having sex, or making phone calls. If this happens to you, call your doctor right away.

Suvorexant may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

trouble moving or talking when you first wake up;

a weak feeling in your legs;

unusual thoughts or behavior;

anxiety, agitation, depression;

memory problems;

confusion, hallucinations; or

thoughts about hurting yourself.

You may be more likely to have side effects if you are overweight.

Common side effects of suvorexant may include:

strange dreams; or

drowsiness during the day after taking suvorexant.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before taking Suvorexant

You should not use suvorexant if you are allergic to it, or if you have narcolepsy.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

depression, mental illness, or thoughts about suicide;

drug or alcohol abuse or addiction;

breathing problems, sleep apnea (breathing stops during sleep);

liver disease;

sudden muscle weakness;

excessive sleepiness during normal waking hours; or

if you have ever fallen asleep at unexpected times.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Suvorexant is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.

Relate drugs

How to use Suvorexant

Usual Adult Dose for Insomnia:

10 mg orally once a day at bedtimeMaximum dose: 20 mg once a dayComments:-Take within 30 minutes of going to bed, with at least 7 hours remaining before the planned time of awakening.-If 10 mg is well-tolerated but not effective, the dose can be increased.-Time to effect may be delayed if taken with or soon after a meal.Use: Insomnia characterized by difficulties with sleep onset and/or sleep maintenance.

Warnings

Do not take more suvorexant than your doctor has prescribed.

Take suvorexant 30 minutes before bedtime. Never take this medicine if you do not have 7 hours to sleep before being active again.

Some people using this medicine have engaged in activity while not fully awake and later had no memory of it. If this happens to you, call your doctor right away.

What other drugs will affect Suvorexant

Using suvorexant with other drugs that make you drowsy can worsen this effect. Ask your doctor before using opioid medication, a sleeping pill, a muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety or seizures.

Sometimes it is not safe to use certain medications at the same time. Some drugs can affect your blood levels of other drugs you take, which may increase side effects or make the medications less effective.

Other drugs may affect suvorexant, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.

Disclaimer

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