From the Guidelines
Suvorexant is sold under the trade name Belsomra. It is a dual orexin receptor antagonist approved by the FDA for the treatment of insomnia characterized by difficulties with sleep onset and/or sleep maintenance. According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine clinical practice guideline 1, suvorexant is suggested as a treatment for sleep maintenance insomnia in adults, with recommended doses of 10,15, and 20 mg. Belsomra works by blocking the binding of wake-promoting neuropeptides orexin A and orexin B to their receptors, which helps promote sleep. It is available in tablet form in strengths of 5 mg, 10 mg, 15 mg, and 20 mg, with the recommended dose typically starting at 10 mg once daily, taken within 30 minutes of going to bed and with at least 7 hours remaining before the planned time of awakening. Patients should be aware that Belsomra can cause next-day drowsiness and should use caution when driving or operating machinery the day after taking it. It is classified as a Schedule IV controlled substance due to its potential for dependence.
Some key points to consider when prescribing Belsomra include:
- Starting with a dose of 10 mg once daily and adjusting as needed
- Taking the medication within 30 minutes of going to bed and with at least 7 hours remaining before the planned time of awakening
- Being aware of the potential for next-day drowsiness and taking precautions when driving or operating machinery
- Monitoring for signs of dependence and adjusting the treatment plan as needed.
From the FDA Drug Label
BELSOMRA tablets contain suvorexant, an orexin receptor antagonist. BELSOMRA® (bell-SOM-rah)suvorexantTablets C-IV The trade name of suvorexant is BELSOMRA 2.