| Common Brands | Belsomra |
|---|---|
|
Drug Class |
Orexin Receptor Antagonist |
|
Controlled Substance Classification |
Schedule IV |
|
Generic Status |
Lower-cost generic available |
|
Availability |
Prescription only |
Belsomra is a brand name for a generic drug called suvorexant. Suvorexant is given to patients suffering from inability to fall asleep or staying asleep during the night. It comes in a class of orexin receptor antagonists.
Through blocking orexin receptors in the brain, Belsomra acts on the sites of the brain that regulate wakefulness and sleep. Belsomra impairs the orexin neurotransmitter that promotes wakefulness. Such function helps to initiate sleep and maintain it in patients with insomnia.
The medication is intended for people who have trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or both. Belsomra is used when sleep disturbances are chronic and significantly affect a person’s quality of life. It is a different mechanism of action from traditional sleep aids like benzodiazepines or non-benzodiazepine hypnotics (such as zolpidem), offering an alternative way to treat insomnia.
Belsomra is orally administered, in the form of a tablet. Always consult your health care provider regarding how and when to take Belsomra. Here are some general guidelines for its administration:
Administration: Take this medication with water. The capsule should preferably be taken on an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes after a meal because food decreases the drug’s bioavailability.
Timing: Take Belsomra right before bed. Make sure you have at least 7-8 hours of sleep time after taking the medication so you are not groggy in the morning.
Missed Dose: If you miss a dose, do not take an extra dose to make up for the missed one. Just skip the missed dose and take the next dose at your regular time.
Belsomra mechanism of action is primarily its action in blocking orexin receptors. Orexin is a neuropeptide which is produced in the brain, which plays a critical role in regulating wakefulness, arousal, and appetite. It stimulates the wakefulness and keeps alert by binding to two primary receptors, OX1R and OX2R. By blocking these receptors, Belsomra decreases wakefulness and enhances the onset and maintenance of sleep.
Suvorexant, the active ingredient in Belsomra, works by selectively targeting and inhibiting these orexin receptors. This results in a reduction in the alerting effects of orexin, allowing for the induction of sleep. This action is different from that of many traditional sleep medications, which often act by enhancing the activity of GABA, an inhibitory neurotransmitter, in the brain.
The innovative mechanism of Belsomra helps to treat sleeplessness without the same problems of addiction, tolerance, and withdrawal often associated with the use of benzodiazepine sleeping aids.
As with any prescribed medication, Belsomra will also cause side effects. Among these are the common side effects as follows:
Daytime Sleepiness: Since Belsomra would facilitate sleep, many patients develop day time drowsiness after its intake mainly if not sleeping for an average time of 7-8 hours.
Headache: There are others who get headaches due to Belsomra.
Dizziness: Dizziness or light headedness sets in usually while standing up instantly after having the drug.
Sleepwalking or Other Complex Sleep Behaviors: Sleepwalking, sleep driving, or other complex sleep behaviors are occasionally seen. These activities can be hazardous and should be reported to a healthcare provider immediately.
Memory Problems: In some cases, amnesia may occur, or the events that took place while a patient is on Belsomra might not be remembered.
Before taking Belsomra, inform your healthcare provider about any existing conditions or medications you are taking. Key precautions and warnings include:
Sleep-Related Behaviors: Belsomra has been associated with rare but serious cases of complex sleep behaviors such as sleepwalking, sleep-driving, and eating while asleep. If you experience any unusual sleep behaviors, contact your healthcare provider immediately.
Depression or Mental Illness: If you have a history of depression, suicidal ideation, or other mental illness, you should exercise caution when taking Belsomra. Some patients who are treated with central nervous system depressants have exhibited suicidal ideation and behavior.
Liver or Kidney Impairment: If you have liver or kidney disease, your healthcare provider will adjust your dosage of Belsomra to avoid complications.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Belsomra is contraindicated during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. The safety of Belsomra during breastfeeding is not known, so it should be avoided in nursing mothers unless otherwise prescribed by your healthcare provider.
CNS Depressants: Using Belsomra with other sedative medications like alcohol or benzodiazepines may enhance the sedative effects, leading to excessive drowsiness or difficulty concentrating.
Antidepressants: Combining Belsomra with certain antidepressants (such as SSRIs or SNRIs) can increase the risk of serotonin syndrome, which may cause symptoms like agitation, hallucinations, or increased heart rate.
Liver Enzyme Inhibitors: Belsomra may interact with drugs like ketoconazole, which can slow down the breakdown of Belsomra in the body, increasing the risk of side effects.
Anticonvulsants: Medications like carbamazepine may lower the effectiveness of Belsomra by speeding up its metabolism in the body, reducing its sleep-inducing effects.
The dosage of Belsomra is usually started at 10 mg administered once at night. In cases where the patient tolerates the drug, the dose may be increased to 20 mg. The drug should be taken immediately before bedtime and in the presence of at least 7-8 hours of sleep.
Important: Doses higher than 20 mg are not recommended. Always follow your health care provider’s advice and do not alter the dose without their recommendation.
Belsomra is a prescription drug only; thus, it cannot be bought over the pharmacy counter. A healthcare provider must evaluate a patient’s condition, medical history, and specific needs before prescribing Belsomra. The patient also requires regular follow-up appointments for assessing the effectiveness of the medication and potential side effects.
What is Belsomra?
Belsomra is a prescription medication used to help adults fall asleep and stay asleep for individuals with insomnia.
How does Belsomra work?
Belsomra contains the active ingredient suvorexant, which works by blocking the action of orexin, a neurotransmitter that promotes wakefulness, thus helping you sleep.
What is the recommended dosage for Belsomra?
The typical starting dose of Belsomra is 10 mg, taken within 30 minutes of going to bed, but your doctor may adjust it based on your needs.
What are the common side effects of Belsomra?
Common side effects may include drowsiness, headache, dizziness, and abnormal dreams.
Can I take Belsomra if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?
You should consult your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, as the effects on unborn babies and nursing infants are not well-established.
Is Belsomra a controlled substance?
Yes, Belsomra is classified as a Schedule IV controlled substance, which means it has a lower potential for abuse compared to other sleep medications.
How long does it take for Belsomra to start working?
Belsomra typically starts working within 30 minutes to an hour after ingestion.
Can Belsomra be taken with food?
Belsomra can be taken with or without food, but it’s essential to avoid taking it with high-fat meals, as this may increase the drug’s effects.
What should I do if I miss a dose of Belsomra?
If you miss a dose, skip it and take your next dose at the regular time. Do not take two doses at once.
Is it safe to drink alcohol while taking Belsomra?
Alcohol should be avoided while taking Belsomra, as it can increase the risk of side effects like drowsiness and dizziness.
Are there any serious side effects associated with Belsomra?
Serious side effects can include sleepwalking, performing activities while not fully awake, and worsening depression or suicidal thoughts in some individuals.
Can children take Belsomra?
Belsomra is not approved for use in children, and safety and effectiveness in pediatric populations have not been established.
How long can I take Belsomra?
Your doctor will determine the appropriate duration of usage based on your individual situation, but it’s generally recommended for short-term use.
Does Belsomra affect cognitive functions?
Belsomra can cause drowsiness and may affect your ability to perform tasks that require full alertness, especially the next day.
What should I inform my doctor about before taking Belsomra?
Inform your doctor about any other medications you are taking, any history of sleep disorders, and any medical conditions, particularly respiratory issues or a history of substance abuse.
Can I stop taking Belsomra suddenly?
It’s best to consult your doctor before stopping Belsomra, as they can advise you on how to discontinue use safely.
Does Belsomra cause dependence?
While Belsomra has a lower risk for dependence compared to some other sleeping medications, it can still lead to psychological dependence in some individuals.
Where can I find more information about Belsomra?
You can find more information through your healthcare provider, pharmacist, and reputable medical websites.
Is Belsomra covered by insurance?
Coverage for Belsomra may vary by insurance plan. It’s advisable to check with your insurance provider for details about coverage and costs.
What alternatives are there to Belsomra for treating insomnia?
Alternatives may include other prescription sleep medications, over-the-counter sleep aids, and non-pharmacological treatments like cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I).
Seborrheic dermatitis is a widespread chronic inflammatory skin disorder that primarily affects the head, scalp, and upper trunk, which are areas rich in sebaceous glands. Despite not being a fatal illness, the chronic nature of the disorder and its frequent flare-ups can greatly lower the person’s standard of life. The goal of this thorough investigation
For a considerable time, both scientists and medical experts have been fascinated by the connection between the gastrointestinal tract and the brain. The gut-brain axis is a concept that has emerged from emerging research that highlights the deep relationship between both of these seemingly different organs. We will explore the elements, functions, and consequences associated
Food intolerances are becoming more widely acknowledged as serious health issues impacting people all over the world. In contrast to food allergies, which are immune system-related, food intolerances usually refer to the body’s incapacity to properly digest specific substances or dietary ingredients. This thorough review explores several kinds of food intolerances, such as fructose malabsorption,
