From the Research
If you have a lemborexant allergy, you should avoid taking this medication and inform your healthcare provider immediately. Lemborexant (brand name Dayvigo) is a sleep medication used to treat insomnia. The symptoms of an allergy to lemborexant may include rash, itching, swelling (especially of face, tongue, throat), severe dizziness, or trouble breathing, as is common with many allergic reactions 1, 2, 3, 4, 5.
Alternative Treatments
Alternative insomnia treatments include other medications like zolpidem (Ambien), eszopiclone (Lunesta), or suvorexant (Belsomra), though these should only be used if you're not allergic to the same class of drugs. Non-medication approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I), sleep hygiene improvements, and relaxation techniques can be effective alternatives without allergy risks.
Mechanism of Action and Allergic Reactions
Lemborexant works by blocking orexin receptors in the brain that regulate wakefulness, and allergic reactions occur when your immune system mistakenly identifies the drug as harmful, triggering an inflammatory response. According to the most recent study, the lack of residual morning effects of lemborexant treatment for insomnia is a significant advantage 5.
Safety and Efficacy
The safety and efficacy of lemborexant have been evaluated in several clinical trials, including a phase 3 randomized clinical trial that showed significant benefits in sleep onset and sleep maintenance with minimal residual effects on morning alertness or next-day function 3. Somnolence was the most common adverse event reported with lemborexant treatment, but it was typically mild to moderate in severity and rarely caused discontinuation of the study drug 1, 5.
Clinical Implications
In clinical practice, it is essential to weigh the benefits and risks of lemborexant treatment for insomnia, considering the potential for allergic reactions and other adverse events. The most recent and highest-quality study suggests that lemborexant is a safe and effective treatment option for insomnia, with a favorable benefit-risk ratio 5. However, patients should be closely monitored for signs of allergic reactions or other adverse events, and alternative treatments should be considered if necessary.