Belsomra
(suvorexant)
Helps you sleep.
Our bottom line
Belsomra (suvorexant) helps you fall asleep, but is only avaliable as a brand name so can be expensive.
- Drug class: Mental health
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: No lower cost generic available
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.
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What to expect from Belsomra, on one page
Download Fact SheetDownsides
- 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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What to expect from Belsomra, on one page
Download Fact SheetBelsomra (suvorexant) is a newer, non-benzodiazepine option that reduces wakefulness and help with sleep by inhibiting the orexin receptors in the brain.
- Drug class: Mental health
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: No lower cost generic available
Used for
Dosage forms
- Pill
Prices and coupons
Skip prices section. Skip to what to expect section.- Medicine ShoppeGet free coupon$346.24
- Kroger PharmacyGet free coupon$347.47
What to expect when you take Belsomra (suvorexant) for Insomnia
Skip what to expect section. Skip to side effects section.- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Effectiveness
- Full effects
- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Possible side effects
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Next-day sleepiness
- Dependence
Side effect rates for Belsomra (suvorexant)
- Headache7%7%6%6%
- Sleepiness7%7%3%3%
- Dizziness3%3%2%2%
- Diarrhea2%2%1%1%
- Dry mouth2%2%1%1%
- Cold and flu2%2%1%1%
- Abnormal dreams2%2%1%1%
- Cough2%2%1%1%
The placebo bar shows how common a side effect was for people taking a sugar pill instead of Belsomra.
People taking Belsomra felt side effect more
People taking Belsomra felt side effect less
Risks and Warnings for Belsomra (suvorexant)
Skip risks section. Skip to common concerns section.- Higher risk if:
- › Uncontrolled psychiatric conditions
- › Alcohol
- › Other medicines that make you sleepy or dizzy
Belsomra (suvorexant) can cause abnormal thinking or behavioral changes like anxiety, hallucinations, and sleep driving. Talk to your doctor right away if you notice any sudden or unusual changes to your behavior.
Common concerns from people taking Belsomra (suvorexant)
Final section. Do you want to return to drug navigation?- Not safe to take with alcohol or sleeping medications.
- If you have COPD or sleep apnea, talk to your doctor first about Belsomra (suvorexant) before starting it. Belsomra (suvorexant) can make it hard to breathe.
- Only take if you plan to sleep at least 7 hours.
- May be helpful if other sleep aids don't work.
- Not recommended if you do not plan to sleep for at least 7 hours.