Compare Belsomra vs. Butisol

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.

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Belsomra (suvorexant)

Prescription only

Butisol (butabarbital)

Prescription only
Helps you sleep.

Belsomra (suvorexant) helps you fall asleep, but is only avaliable as a brand name so can be expensive.

Helps you fall asleep.

Butisol (butabarbital) is not very good for sleeping problems because it can be addictive.

Upsides
  • May be helpful if other sleep aids don't work.
  • Works quickly, especially on an empty stomach.
  • Might be a good option for the elderly.
  • Butisol (butabarbital) works very quickly to help you fall asleep, within 45-60 minutes, and it lasts 6-8 hours.
Downsides
  • Not usually used for long-term treatment since it can be habit-forming.
  • Belsomra (suvorexant) is likely expensive since it's only available as a brand name, but coupon savings program could be available.
  • Not recommended if you do not plan to sleep for at least 7 hours.
  • Belsomra (suvorexant) may cause sleep paralysis.
  • Your body can get used to needing Butisol (butabarbital) for sleeping.
  • Butisol (butabarbital) can interact with a lot of medicines, vitamins and supplements.
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Used for
Dosage forms
  • Pill
  • Pill
Price
Lowest price
$409.80
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Lowest price
$132.53
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Reviews
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Side effects
8possible side effects
  • Headache
    7%
  • Sleepiness
    7%
  • Dizziness
    3%
  • Diarrhea
    2%
  • Dry mouth
    2%
  • Cold and flu
    2%
  • Abnormal dreams
    2%
  • Cough
    2%
See more detailed side effects
1possible side effects
  • Sleepiness
    3%
See more detailed side effects
Risks and risk factors
  • Changes in thoughts
    • Uncontrolled psychiatric conditions
    • Alcohol
    • Other medicines that make you sleepy or dizzy
  • Hangover effect
    • Alcohol
    • Taking other medicines that make you less alert
    • Less than 7 hours of sleep after taking Belsomra (suvorexant)
  • Dependence and withdrawal
    • Continuous use for 2 weeks or more
  • Depression
    • Risk increases with dose
    • Past history of depression
  • Difficulty breathing
    • Sleep apnea
    • COPD
  • Sleep paralysis
See more detailed risks and warnings
  • Addiction and tolerance
  • Behavior changes
  • Feeling awake
    • Having acute or chronic pain
    • age 65 or older
  • Breathing problems
    • Drinking alcohol
    • Taking narcotics, tranquilizers or antihistamines
See more detailed risks and warnings
Learn more about Belsomra (suvorexant)
Learn more about Butisol (butabarbital)