Suvorexant (Belsomra®): Basic Information

Suvorexant (Belsomra®) is an orexin receptor antagonist that is used as a hypnotic. Here is basic information about this medication.

FDA-approved indications

Treatment of insomnia that is characterized by difficulties with sleep onset and/or sleep maintenance.

Pharmacological effects

Suvorexant is an orexin receptor antagonist and is the first approved drug that works through this mechanism. Orexins in the brain are involved in regulating the sleep-wake cycle and wakefulness.

Dosage

Start with the lowest effective dose in adults.

Recommended: 10 mg, given within 30 minutes of going to bed, with at least 7 hours remaining till planned awakening.

Maximum: 20 mg (if needed and tolerated)

i: Effect may be delayed if taken with or within 30 minutes after food.

Potential side effects

Common: somnolence

Other: diarrhea, dry mouth, upper respiratory tract infections, abnormal dreams, cough.

Please see THIS PAGE for a handout listing both the common and less common side effects of this medication along with the percentages of patients who report them.

Dosage forms and strengths

Tablets: 5 mg, 10 mg, 15 mg, 20 mg

Important! Please refer to the full Prescribing Information (see the link below) before prescribing this medication.

Orexin receptor antagonists

What is the orexin system and why is it so important?

An overview of the dual orexin receptor antagonists (DORAs)

Daridorexant (Quviviq®): Basic Information

Lemborexant (Dayvigo®): Basic information

Treatments: Main menu

References

Suvorexant (Belsomra®) Prescribing Information

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