Some important information about suvorexant
Suvorexant, typically sold under the brand name Belsomra, is a medication that could be prescribed for managing insomnia. If your doctor has prescribed it, you may want to learn a bit more about it. At Chemist2U, we provide some information about suvorexant, detailing its mechanism, usage, side effects, and more.
Read along and learn more about suvorexant.
In this article
1. How does suvorexant work?
Suvorexant functions is an orexin receptor antagonist, a type of medication that plays a specialised role in managing sleep.[1]
Orexin is a natural substance in your brain that regulates wakefulness and arousal. Suvorexant works by blocking the action of orexin.[2] By targeting these orexin receptors, this medication reduces the brain’s tendency to stay awake, making it easier for you to stay asleep. This mechanism is particularly helpful for those who struggle with insomnia or need help achieving a restful night’s sleep.
2. How do you take suvorexant?
Your prescribed suvorexant dosage will depend on your unique situation. Generally, the recommended starting dose for suvorexant is 10 mg, taken no more than once per night, ideally within thirty minutes of going to bed.[3]
If you find that the 10 mg dose is well-tolerated but not sufficiently effective, your doctor might consider increasing the dosage. However, the maximum recommended dose is 20 mg, taken only once per night.
It’s important to ensure you have at least seven hours remaining for sleep before your planned awakening, as it causes drowsiness or difficulty staying alert if you get up too soon after taking the medication.[4]
3. Who can take suvorexant?
Suvorexant is primarily designed for adult and elderly use, offering sleep quality improvement for those experiencing insomnia or sleep disturbances.[5]
However, it’s important to know that this prescription sleep aid might not be suitable for everyone.
For instance, if you have narcolepsy, it’s not recommended.[6] Additionally, there are certain physical and psychiatric health conditions that might interact with suvorexant, so it’s crucial to discuss your full medical history with your doctor.[7]
4. Side effects of Suvorexant
When considering suvorexant for sleep assistance, you should be aware of its potential side effects. Commonly, patients may experience drowsiness, dry mouth or headaches.[8] Typically, these side effects are mild in nature. However, individual reactions to medication can vary, so it’s important to closely monitor how your body responds after taking suvorexant, and you should not drive or operate heavy equipment for at least nine hours after a dose
In addition to these common side effects, some people might experience more unusual or severe reactions. If you notice any side effects that are concerning or if your symptoms persist or worsen, it’s essential to consult with your doctor promptly.
They can assess your situation and provide guidance, which may include adjusting your dosage or considering alternative treatments. Your safety and well-being while taking sleep aid medications are of utmost importance.
5. Suvorexant and other medications
When considering suvorexant for sleep issues, it’s important to understand how it interacts with other medications, as they could change the way it works or increase the chances of side effects.
Before you start taking sleep aids, such as suvorexant or lemborexant (e.g. Dayvigo), it’s crucial to discuss them with your doctor first. Let them know about all the medications you’re taking, including any prescription medication, over-the-counter medicines, and even herbal supplements. This will help your doctor ensure that the treatment will be a safe option for you.
6. Medicines you should not use with suvorexant
When taking suvorexant, it’s essential to be mindful of its interaction with other substances. As a central nervous system depressant, suvorexant can react with various medications and substances, potentially affecting its efficacy and safety. Particularly, combining suvorexant with alcohol or other central nervous system depressants can increase the risk of certain behaviours or side effects.[9]
Additionally, it’s advised not to use suvorexant alongside strong CYP3A inhibitors. These include a range of medications like ketoconazole, itraconazole, posaconazole, clarithromycin, nefazodone, various HIV protease inhibitors like ritonavir, saquinavir, nelfinavir, indinavir, hepatitis C virus protease inhibitors such as boceprevir and telaprevir, telithromycin, and conivaptan.[10]
7. How to order suvorexant through Chemist2U
At Chemist2U, we streamline the process of managing your prescriptions, including insomnia treatments. Simply download our app or use this website to get started.
You can upload your eScript with total ease. You can also add over-the-counter medications and general pharmacy goods, just as if you were in a physical pharmacy. Each order is meticulously prepared by a trusted pharmacist from your local community before being delivered by a dedicated courier.
Same-day delivery is available. Just place your order before the cutoff time (typically 2:00 p.m., but may vary in some locations), and you will receive your medications and goods the same day.
Chemist2U can also send you handy reminders when it’s time to reorder or seek a new script from your doctor, helping to ensure you always have your important medication when you need it.
Trust Chemist2U to take the hassle out of your medication. Order home delivery at Chemist2U today!
References
[1] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S108707921630096X
[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5450021/
[3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4772996/
[4] https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/2042098615595359
[5] https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1586/17512433.2014.966813
[6] https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.2147/DDDT.S73224
[7] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4321430/
[8] https://journals.healio.com/doi/abs/10.3928/02793695-20140924-01
[9] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4321430/pdf/hpj-50-059.pdf
