Compare Butisol vs. Belsomra

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

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Butisol (butabarbital)

Prescription only

Belsomra (suvorexant)

Prescription only
Helps you fall asleep.

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

Helps you sleep.

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

Upsides
  • Butisol (butabarbital) works very quickly to help you fall asleep, within 45-60 minutes, and it lasts 6-8 hours.
  • 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.
Downsides
  • Your body can get used to needing Butisol (butabarbital) for sleeping.
  • Butisol (butabarbital) can interact with a lot of medicines, vitamins and supplements.
  • 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.
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Used for
Dosage forms
  • Pill
  • Pill
Price
Lowest price
$131.21
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Lowest price
$361.09
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Reviews
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Side effects
1possible side effects
  • Sleepiness
    3%
See more detailed 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
Risks and risk factors
  • 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
  • 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
Learn more about Butisol (butabarbital)
Learn more about Belsomra (suvorexant)