Belsomra - Managing Potential Adverse Reactions

Belsomra's Potential Adverse Reactions and Mitigation Strategies

In the realm of medications designed to aid sleep, Belsomra stands out as a dual orexin receptor antagonist. This drug, known chemically as suvorexant, is a brand-name oral tablet prescribed for insomnia in adults.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) closely monitors and reviews the side effects of Belsomra, ensuring the safety of its users. However, it's important to note that the risk of side effects tends to increase at higher doses of the drug.

Common side effects reported with Belsomra include headache, dry mouth, diarrhea, upper respiratory infection, cough, unusual dreams, dizziness, next-day drowsiness, and mild allergic reactions. Some users may also experience somnolence (excessive sleepiness) and fatigue.

Moreover, Belsomra is classified as a Schedule IV controlled substance, indicating a potential for drug misuse or dependence, especially for those with a history of substance use disorder.

Unusual sleep behaviors such as parasomnia (unusual behaviors during sleep) may occur with Belsomra, although these behaviors were not seen in Belsomra's clinical trials. These behaviors have been reported with other medications prescribed to treat insomnia and can include sleepwalking, sleep driving, sleep sex, cooking and eating, making phone calls, and other activities that can be dangerous if performed while not fully awake and alert.

Next-day drowsiness is the most common side effect reported in Belsomra's clinical trials. To decrease the risk of next-day drowsiness, it's recommended to only take Belsomra when you have time to sleep for at least the next 7 hours.

Belsomra can also cause an allergic reaction in some people, with symptoms including skin rash, itching, flushing, swelling under the skin, swelling of the mouth, tongue, or throat. For mild symptoms of an allergic reaction, it's advised to call your doctor right away.

Long-term effects of Belsomra on the body can include persistent daytime tiredness, mild to moderate depression, memory impairment, and potential weight gain. Some users report feeling very tired throughout the day even after waking and loss of interest or energy. These effects have been noted especially after extended use, such as 6 months to 1 year.

Due to these potential issues, experts often recommend Belsomra primarily for short-term treatment of insomnia, with caution for longer use because of accumulating side effects like depression and cognitive impairments.

It's unknown whether Belsomra is safe to take during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. If you're pregnant or planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, it's crucial to discuss these matters with your doctor before taking Belsomra.

Interactions with other medications, alcohol, or substances like grapefruit juice can increase the risk of severe drowsiness and other side effects, which might affect long-term tolerance and safety.

If you develop a side effect while taking Belsomra and want to tell the FDA about it, you can visit MedWatch. If you or your household members notice unusual behaviors, it's essential to tell your doctor right away.

In summary, while Belsomra can improve sleep, long-term use may lead to persistent daytime sedation, mood changes (depression), and cognitive effects. Patients should be monitored regularly and discuss risks with their healthcare provider.