Belsomra is a sleep medicine that helps regulate your sleep and wake cycle. Belsomra is used to treat insomnia (trouble falling asleep or staying asleep). Belsomra may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Do not exceed the amount of Belsomra prescribed by your doctor. If you have narcolepsy, you should not take Belsomra.

Take Belsomra 30 minutes before going to bed. Never take this medication if you do not have at least 7 hours of sleep before getting back to work.

Some people who used this medication engaged in activity while not fully awake and later had no recollection of it. If this happens to you, contact your doctor immediately.

If you are allergic to suvorexant or have narcolepsy, you should not take Belsomra.

To ensure that this medication is safe for you, inform your doctor if you have ever had:

• depression, mental illness, or thoughts about suicide;
• drug or alcohol abuse or addiction;
• breathing problems, sleep apnea (breathing stops during sleep);
• liver disease;
• sudden muscle weakness;
• excessive sleepiness during normal waking hours; or
• if you have ever fallen asleep at unexpected times.

Belsomra should be taken exactly as directed by your doctor. Read all medication guides and follow the directions on your prescription label. Never take this medication in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. Inform your doctor if you have an increased desire to use this medication.

Belsomra may become addictive. Misuse can lead to addiction, overdoes, and death. Keep the medication in a location where others cannot access it. It is illegal to sell or distribute this medication.

Belsomra should be taken only once per night, 30 minutes before bedtime. Belsomra can be taken with or without food. If you take the medicine soon after eating a meal, it may take longer to work.

Belsomra will put you to sleep. Never take this medication if you do not have at least 7 hours of sleep before getting back to work.

While falling asleep, you may have difficulty speaking or moving. When you wake up, it may take you longer to speak or move around. For several minutes after waking up, you may feel as if you are still dreaming.

If your insomnia symptoms do not improve or worsen after using Belsomra for 7 to 10 nights in a row, contact your doctor.

Store away from moisture, heat, and light at room temperature. Keep a record of your medications. You should be aware if someone is abusing it or using it without a prescription.

Usual Adult Dose for Insomnia:

10 mg orally once a day at bedtime

Maximum dose: 20 mg once a day

Comments:

• Take within 30 minutes of going to bed, with at least 7 hours remaining before the planned time of awakening.
• If 10 mg is well-tolerated but not effective, the dose can be increased.
• Time to effect may be delayed if taken with or soon after a meal.

Use: Insomnia characterized by difficulties with sleep onset and/or sleep maintenance.

You are unlikely to miss a dose of Belsomra because it is only taken at bedtime if necessary. Never take this medication if you do not have at least 7 hours of sleep before getting back to work.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Do not drive or do anything that requires alertness for at least 8 hours after taking Belsomra. Your reactions could be hampered.

Avoid consuming alcohol. If you have consumed alcohol within a few hours of going to bed, do not take Belsomra.

If you have hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat as a result of an allergic reaction to Belsomra, seek emergency medical attention.

Some people who used this medication engaged in activity while not fully awake and later had no recollection of it. This could include going for a walk, driving, eating, having sex, or making phone calls. If this happens to you, contact your doctor immediately.

If you have any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor right away:

• trouble moving or talking when you first wake up;
• a weak feeling in your legs;
• unusual thoughts or behavior;
• anxiety, agitation, depression;
• memory problems;
• confusion, hallucinations; or
• thoughts about hurting yourself.

If you are overweight, you are more likely to experience side effects. The following are common Belsomra side effects:

• strange dreams; or
• drowsiness during the day after taking this medicine.

When combined with other drowsy drugs, Belsomra can exacerbate this effect. Before taking an opioid, sleeping pill, muscle relaxer, or medication for anxiety or seizures, consult your doctor.

It is not always safe to take multiple medications at the same time. Some drugs can affect the blood levels of other medications you are taking, potentially increasing side effects or making the medications less effective.

Suvorexant may interact with other medications, including prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Inform your doctor about all of your current medications as well as any new or discontinued medications.