Herbie Murray
Belsomra is a medication used to treat insomnia or trouble sleeping. It is a dual orexin receptor antagonist, blocking the effects of brain chemicals called orexins, which promote wakefulness. While Belsomra can help people fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer, there are safety concerns associated with its use. If users do not sleep a full night after taking Belsomra, they may experience drowsiness, impaired thinking, and decreased alertness and coordination the next day. This can lead to dangerous situations, such as driving accidents. Additionally, Belsomra may cause sleep paralysis, hallucinations, and in rare cases, it may worsen pre-existing breathing problems. It is crucial to consult a healthcare provider before taking Belsomra, follow the prescribed dosage, and ensure at least seven hours of sleep after ingestion.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Side effects | Sleepiness, drowsiness, strange dreams, hallucinations, sleep paralysis, leg weakness, allergic reaction, depression, suicidal thoughts or actions, cough, upper respiratory infection, psychological addiction |
| Usage | Taken 30 minutes before bedtime, with at least 7 hours of sleep remaining |
| Dosage | Starting dose: 10 mg. Maximum dose: 20 mg. |
| Effectiveness | May help fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer, but only by a few minutes on average |
| Precautions | Do not take if you have narcolepsy, liver problems, or breathing problems. Do not drive or operate machinery within 8 hours of taking Belsomra. |
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What You'll Learn
- You may experience sleep paralysis, hallucinations, and leg weakness
- You may feel drowsy and less alert the next day
- You may be at risk of psychological addiction
- You may experience breathing problems and upper respiratory infections
- You may engage in activities while not fully awake and have no memory of it
You may experience sleep paralysis, hallucinations, and leg weakness
Belsomra is a medication used to treat insomnia or trouble sleeping. It is a dual orexin receptor antagonist (DORA) that works on orexin receptors, which play a role in wakefulness and help regulate the sleep-wake cycle. It is meant to be taken only as needed and no more than prescribed.
As with any medication, there are potential side effects and risks associated with Belsomra. One of the known side effects is sleep paralysis, which can cause the inability to move or talk for several minutes when falling asleep or upon waking up. This may lead to feelings of being trapped inside one's body, unable to speak or move. In addition to sleep paralysis, Belsomra may also induce hallucinations, which can be intense or disturbing. These hallucinations can occur when falling asleep or upon awakening. Symptoms similar to mild cataplexy may also arise, including leg weakness that can last for a few seconds or minutes.
If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to contact your healthcare provider immediately. They will be able to advise you on the necessary steps to ensure your safety and well-being. It is crucial to follow the instructions provided by your healthcare provider when taking Belsomra or any other medication.
The decision to take Belsomra should be made in consultation with a healthcare professional, who can assess your individual needs and determine if the benefits outweigh the risks. It is important to remember that Belsomra may not be suitable for everyone, and there are alternative treatments available for insomnia.
To mitigate the potential side effects of Belsomra, it is recommended to take it as prescribed, within 30 minutes before bedtime, and only when you have at least seven hours to sleep. It is also important to store Belsomra at room temperature, away from moisture, heat, and light, and to keep track of your medication to prevent misuse or abuse.
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You may feel drowsy and less alert the next day
Belsomra is a medication used to treat insomnia, or trouble sleeping, in adults. It is recommended that you take it 30 minutes before bedtime and only when you have at least seven hours to sleep. The drug works on orexin receptors, which play a role in wakefulness, and helps regulate your sleep and wake cycle.
One of the most common side effects of Belsomra is sleepiness. This can cause you to feel drowsy or less alert the day after you take it. If you do not sleep a full night after taking a dose, you may experience this side effect. The risk of these effects is also higher if you take more than the prescribed amount, or if it is taken with alcohol or other medicines that can cause drowsiness.
If you feel drowsy or less alert the day after taking Belsomra, it is advised that you do not drive or engage in other activities that require alertness or coordination within eight hours of taking the medication or until you feel fully awake. This is because Belsomra can affect your alertness and coordination, and it may take you longer to wake up, speak, or move around when you wake up. You may also feel like you are still dreaming for several minutes after waking.
It is important to note that Belsomra should only be taken as prescribed by a healthcare provider. If you feel that Belsomra is not working for you after taking it for about seven to ten days, or if your sleep problems get worse, contact your healthcare provider.
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You may be at risk of psychological addiction
Belsomra (suvorexant) is a medication used to treat insomnia by regulating sleep cycles. It is a dual orexin receptor antagonist (DORA) that works by blocking the parts of the brain that promote wakefulness, helping you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. While Belsomra has a relatively low potential for addiction compared to other sleep medications, there is still a risk of developing a psychological dependence on the drug.
People who take Belsomra with other substances or in higher doses than prescribed have a greater chance of becoming addicted to the drug. This is because Belsomra affects your alertness and coordination, and taking it with other substances or in higher doses can increase these effects, leading to an increased risk of side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, and confusion. If you take more Belsomra than prescribed, you may also experience sleep paralysis, hallucinations, and symptoms similar to mild cataplexy, such as leg weakness.
Additionally, some people may develop a psychological reliance on Belsomra if they begin to rely on it as their sole method for achieving sleep. This is known as psychological dependence, where a person feels they cannot sleep without the medication. This is particularly common in people who have a history of substance abuse and addiction or are in recovery from addiction. Prolonged or excessive use of Belsomra can lead to physical dependence, resulting in withdrawal-like symptoms if the medication is stopped suddenly.
To minimize the risk of developing a psychological addiction to Belsomra, it is important to use it only as prescribed and under medical supervision. Belsomra should be taken within 30 minutes of bedtime, with at least seven hours available for sleep. It is also recommended to use Belsomra in conjunction with other strategies for managing insomnia, such as therapy or lifestyle changes. Regular monitoring by a healthcare provider can also help prevent potential misuse or dependence.
If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction or dependency on Belsomra, help is available. Treatment centers and recovery programs can provide support and evidence-based therapies to address substance misuse and dependency. It is important to have open and honest conversations with your healthcare provider about your Belsomra use and any concerns you may have regarding addiction or dependence.
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You may experience breathing problems and upper respiratory infections
Belsomra is a medication used to treat insomnia, or trouble sleeping. It is a controlled substance and may be habit-forming, so it is important to take it only as directed by a healthcare provider. One of the common side effects of Belsomra is sleepiness during the day, which can impact activities that require alertness or coordination, such as driving.
In addition to daytime sleepiness, Belsomra can cause more serious side effects, including breathing problems and upper respiratory infections. If you experience difficulty breathing or shortness of breath after taking Belsomra, it could be a sign of an allergic reaction, which requires emergency medical attention. Other symptoms of an allergic reaction include hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, and an intense or disturbing hallucination.
If you have pre-existing breathing problems, such as obstructive sleep apnea or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), it is important to inform your healthcare provider before taking Belsomra, as it may worsen these conditions. Additionally, Belsomra should not be taken if you do not have at least seven hours to sleep before being active again, as it can cause temporary difficulty with speaking or moving while falling asleep.
Upper respiratory tract infections are also listed as a potential side effect of taking Belsomra. If you experience these infections frequently or severely after taking Belsomra, consult your healthcare provider for advice and to explore alternative treatment options.
It is important to note that fighting sleep after taking Belsomra may increase the risk of experiencing its side effects. Therefore, it is crucial to take Belsomra only when you have at least seven hours to dedicate to sleep and rest.
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You may engage in activities while not fully awake and have no memory of it
Belsomra is a drug used to treat insomnia or trouble sleeping. It is a dual orexin receptor antagonist (DORA) that works on orexin receptors, which play a role in wakefulness, and helps regulate the sleep and wake cycle. It is a controlled substance with a low potential for drug abuse and a low risk of dependence. However, some patients with a history of abuse or addiction may still be at an increased risk of abuse.
One of the common side effects of Belsomra is that it may cause sleepiness during the day and affect alertness or coordination. It is advised not to drive or engage in activities that require alertness or coordination within eight hours of taking Belsomra or until you feel fully awake. This is because Belsomra may keep you from being able to drive safely or think clearly. The risk of these effects is higher if you take more than prescribed, do not sleep a full night after taking a dose, or if it is taken with alcohol or other medicines that can cause drowsiness.
In addition to drowsiness, Belsomra may cause sleep paralysis, which is the inability to move or talk for several minutes when falling asleep or waking up. Some people taking Belsomra have also engaged in activities while not fully awake and later had no memory of it. If this happens, it is advised to call your doctor right away. Belsomra may also cause hallucinations when falling asleep or waking up, which can be intense or disturbing. Symptoms similar to mild cataplexy can also occur, including leg weakness that lasts for a few seconds or minutes.
It is important to note that Belsomra should only be taken as prescribed by a healthcare provider. It should be taken within 30 minutes before bedtime, and one should ensure they have at least seven hours to sleep. Belsomra should not be taken if one has narcolepsy or severe liver problems. If you have breathing problems, such as obstructive sleep apnea or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, taking Belsomra could worsen your symptoms.
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Frequently asked questions
Belsomra is a medication used to treat insomnia, helping patients fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. If you fight sleep after taking Belsomra, you may experience sleep paralysis, hallucinations, and drowsiness the next day. It is important to take Belsomra only when you have at least seven hours dedicated to sleep and refrain from activities that require alertness or coordination within eight hours of taking the medication.
The most common side effect of Belsomra is sleepiness, which can persist into the next day. Other side effects include strange dreams, hallucinations, sleep paralysis, and difficulty speaking or moving while falling asleep. Belsomra may also cause or worsen depression and lead to suicidal thoughts or actions.
If you experience any concerning side effects after taking Belsomra, it is important to contact your healthcare provider right away. They may advise you to adjust your dosage or treatment plan or check for other factors contributing to your insomnia.
Belsomra is typically not recommended for nightly use. It is meant to be taken only as needed, and your doctor will likely advise you to take it intermittently to prevent psychological addiction. If you feel you are not sleeping better after taking Belsomra, discuss this with your doctor, as they may increase your dose or explore alternative treatments.
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