Belsomra: Uses, Side effects and Precautions

Overview

About Belsomra

For many people, getting a good night’s sleep has become a luxury in today’s fast-paced society. Belsomra is a cutting-edge drug that gives people looking for a restful night’s sleep fresh hope.

It represented a crucial turning point in the field of sleep medicine and was created by the pharmaceutical corporation.

An in-depth discussion of Belsomra’s introduction, including an examination of its advantages, potential drawbacks, and influence on the lives of those who have sleep problems, is provided in this article.

Uses

Uses of Belsomra

The primary uses are as follows:

• It helps to fall asleep
• Improves sleep quality
• Reduces nighttime awakenings

It is mainly used to treat insomnia, a widespread sleep disorder marked by trouble sleeping or staying asleep. Adults who have difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep are given it.

Sleep-onset insufficiency

• People who have trouble falling asleep at the start of the night can be prescribed it. It makes it easier for them to enter a restful sleep state by speeding up the process of falling asleep.

Insomnia with sleep maintenance

• It is also helpful for those with insomnia, known as sleep maintenance, who frequently wake up at night.
• By promoting sleep continuity, Belsomra can help people sleep for more extended periods and experience lesser overnight awakenings.¹Uses| Researched based study from Merck.com

Improving sleep quality

• It improves the overall sleep quality and aids in falling and staying asleep.
• It supports the normal sleep-wake cycle and encourages a more vital and stimulating sleep experience by focusing on the brain’s alertness centers.

It is crucial to remember that it is only meant to be used temporarily and is usually only recommended for up to 30 days. A doctor may need to reevaluate long-term use to determine its efficacy and safety.¹Uses| Researched based study from Merck.com

Side effects

Belsomra side effects

Side effects related to Belsomra uses are as follow:

• Headache
• Drowsiness
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Sleep paralysis or hallucinations
• Unusual dreams

Like any medicine, Belsomra may have specific adverse effects on some people. Awareness of these is crucial, even though only some encounter them.

Headaches

• As a side effect, headaches are possible for some people. These are often brief and moderate.

Drowsiness

• It may make you tired the next day, making it difficult to perform activities like operating machinery or driving a car that calls for attention.
• Before participating in such activities, make sure you have enough time to get a good night’s sleep.¹Side effects| Researched based study from Merck.com

Dizziness

• The users may feel lightheaded when taking it. Activities that call for balance or coordination should be avoided.

Nausea

• It might make you feel sick occasionally. To lessen discomfort if this happens, taking the medication with food is advised.¹Side effects| Researched based study from Merck.com

Paralysis during sleep or hallucinations

• Rarely, people may develop sleep-related adverse effects, including hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not real) or sleep paralysis (temporarily being unable to move or talk when falling asleep or waking up). Talking to your doctor about any incidences of these adverse effects is essential.

Unusual dreams

• Some have stated that it alters their dreaming patterns, resulting in more odd or vivid dreams. These dream-related side effects are typically transient and safe.¹Side effects| Researched based study from Merck.com

Weight loss due to Belsomra

• Losing weight is not a frequent side effect of this medication. According to clinical research, weight changes are not recognized as a documented side effect.
• Different people may have various sensitivities to drugs or have severe weight loss. Speak with a medical expert if you are losing weight unexplainably.⁴Side effects| Researched based study from Fda.gov

It’s important to remember that this can differ from person to person in terms of severity and frequency. It is crucial to inform your doctor of any adverse effects so they can offer direction and advice on managing them.

Precautions

Precautions and warnings before consuming Belsomra

Given below are some of the contraindications of Belsomra:

Allergies

• If you are allergic or hypersensitive to suvorexant, the medicine’s active ingredient, or any other ingredient, let your doctor know immediately. Acute to mild allergic responses are possible.

Medical issues

• Talk about your medical history, including any existing conditions you might have. If you have a history of sleep apnea, lung issues, liver issues, or drug or alcohol misuse, it is crucial to tell them.
• In patients with particular medical problems, it can necessitate specific monitoring or dosage modifications.

Breastfeeding and becoming pregnant

• It is essential to discuss the potential risks and benefits of the medication with your doctor before use if you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or nursing.

Central nervous system depression

• It may result in CNS depression, impair balance, make you tired, and make you less mentally aware.
• Avoid doing things like driving or operating machinery that demands focus and attention.

Addiction and withdrawal

• It should only be used as long as necessary because continued use might lead to withdrawal symptoms like rebound sleeplessness.

Alcohol and other sedatives

• Alcohol and other depressants might intensify the effects of sedatives. It is best to stay away from alcohol and talk to your doctor before using any other medications or substances.³Precautions| Researched based study from Nlm.nih.gov

Is Belsomra addictive?

• It is not regarded as a drug with an addictive potential. Unlike other sleep treatments, it does not directly influence the brain’s gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors, which are associated with the risk of addiction to some substances.
• Even though it is not regarded as addictive, if used for a prolonged period or suddenly withdrawn after prolonged use, it might still result in dependence or withdrawal symptoms. For this reason, it is typically advised to gradually lower the dosage of Belsomra while under a doctor’s supervision.²Precautions| Researched based study from Nlm.nih.gov

Interactions

Medication interaction

Interaction with depressants for the central nervous system

Other CNS depressants medications, such as

• Benzodiazepines
• Opioids
• Antihistamines
• Antidepressants

can also be made more sedating by Belsomra. Combining these medications may cause respiratory depression, increased sleepiness, or reduced cognitive and motor performance.

CYP3A4 blockers

• It is mainly broken down in the liver by an enzyme called CYP3A4. Belsomra levels in the body can rise due to taking medicines that inhibit this enzyme, potentially increasing adverse effects.
• Grapefruit juice, Clarithromycin, Ketoconazole are a few examples of CYP3A4 inhibitors.¹Interactions| Researched based study from Merck.com

CYPS3A4 stimulants

• Contrarily, medications that increase CYP3A4 activity can lower the body’s levels of Belsomra, thereby decreasing the drug’s effectiveness.
• Rifampin, Carbamazepine, and St. John’s wort are a few examples.

Other sleep inducing medicines

• When combined with other sleep aids like Benzodiazepines or nonbenzodiazepine, sedative-hypnotics, the sedative effects and risk of adverse effects may be increased.¹Interactions| Researched based study from Merck.com

Takeaway

Takeaway

Belsomra is a prescription drug that is used to treat insomnia, to sum up. It functions by altering the chemicals in the brain that control sleep and is a member of the medication class known as orexin receptor antagonists.

Different people may respond differently to its safety and efficacy. It should be used as a component of a whole treatment program for insomnia, including behavioral therapies, lifestyle modifications, and sleep hygiene. Remember that this material is not all-inclusive and that you should speak with your doctor for specific advice.