Lemborexant
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Drug Status
Government Approvals
US(FDA)
WHO Essential Medicine
NO
Known Teratogen
No
Pharmaceutical Class
Orexin Receptor Antagonist
Controlled Drug Substance
No
Lemborexant
Summary
Lemborexant is used to treat insomnia, which is difficulty falling or staying asleep. It helps improve sleep onset and maintenance, leading to better sleep quality.
Lemborexant works by blocking orexin receptors, which are involved in wakefulness. This helps you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer, making it effective for treating insomnia.
The usual starting dose for adults is 5 mg once daily, taken in the evening just before bedtime. Your doctor may increase the dose to 10 mg if needed. Always follow your doctor's specific dosing instructions.
Common side effects include drowsiness and dizziness, which occur in more than 10% of users. If you notice new symptoms, they might be temporary or unrelated to the medication.
Avoid alcohol while taking Lemborexant as it can increase drowsiness. Do not take it if you have narcolepsy, which is a sleep disorder causing excessive daytime sleepiness. Consult your doctor if you have liver problems.
Indications and Purpose
How does Lemborexant work?
Lemborexant works by blocking orexin receptors in the brain, which are involved in wakefulness. Think of it like turning off a light switch. By blocking these receptors, Lemborexant helps you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. This makes it effective for treating insomnia, which is difficulty falling or staying asleep.
Is Lemborexant effective?
Lemborexant is effective for treating insomnia, which is difficulty falling or staying asleep. Clinical studies show it helps improve sleep onset and maintenance. People using Lemborexant often experience better sleep quality and longer sleep duration. Always follow your doctor's instructions for the best results.
What is Lemborexant?
Lemborexant is a medication used to treat insomnia, which is difficulty falling or staying asleep. It belongs to a class of drugs called orexin receptor antagonists, which work by blocking the action of orexin, a chemical in the brain that promotes wakefulness. This helps you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer.
Directions for Use
For how long do I take Lemborexant?
Lemborexant is usually taken short-term for treating insomnia, which is difficulty falling or staying asleep. The duration of use depends on your response and any side effects. Always follow your doctor's instructions and discuss any concerns about how long you should take Lemborexant.
How do I dispose of Lemborexant?
Dispose of Lemborexant by taking it to a drug take-back program or collection site at a pharmacy or hospital. If unavailable, mix it with undesirable substances like used coffee grounds, seal in a plastic bag, and throw it away. This prevents harm to people and the environment.
How do I take Lemborexant?
Take Lemborexant once daily, in the evening, just before going to bed. Swallow the tablet whole; do not crush or chew it. You can take it with or without food. Avoid alcohol as it can increase drowsiness. If you miss a dose, skip it and take your next dose at the regular time. Do not take two doses at once. Always follow your doctor's specific instructions.
How long does it take for Lemborexant to start working?
Lemborexant starts working within 30 minutes to an hour after taking it. You should notice improvements in falling asleep and staying asleep on the first night. Full therapeutic effects may take a few days to become consistent. Individual factors like age and overall health can affect how quickly it works.
How should I store Lemborexant?
Store Lemborexant at room temperature, away from moisture and light. Keep it in a tightly closed container. Do not store it in humid places like bathrooms. Always keep it out of reach of children to prevent accidental ingestion. Check the expiration date regularly and dispose of any unused or expired medication properly.
What is the usual dose of Lemborexant?
The usual starting dose of Lemborexant for adults is 5 mg once daily, taken in the evening just before bedtime. Your doctor may increase the dose to 10 mg if needed. Always follow your doctor's specific dosing instructions. Special populations, such as the elderly, may require dose adjustments based on their health needs.
Warnings and Precautions
Can I take Lemborexant with other prescription drugs?
Lemborexant can interact with other medications that cause drowsiness, such as opioids or benzodiazepines, increasing the risk of sedation. It may also interact with certain antidepressants and antifungal medications, affecting its effectiveness. Always inform your doctor about all the medications you are taking to avoid potential interactions.
Can Lemborexant be taken safely while breastfeeding?
Lemborexant is not recommended while breastfeeding. There's limited information on whether it passes into breast milk. Potential risks to the baby are unknown. If you're breastfeeding and need treatment for insomnia, talk with your doctor about safer medication options that would allow you to nurse your baby safely.
Can Lemborexant be taken safely while pregnant?
Lemborexant is not recommended during pregnancy due to limited safety data. Animal studies suggest potential risks, but human data is lacking. If you're pregnant or planning to become pregnant, talk with your doctor about the safest way to manage your sleep issues. They can help create a pregnancy-specific treatment plan.
Does Lemborexant have adverse effects?
Adverse effects are unwanted reactions to a medication. Common adverse effects of Lemborexant include drowsiness and dizziness. Serious effects are rare but can include complex sleep behaviors like sleepwalking. If you experience any unusual or severe symptoms, contact your doctor immediately. Always report new or worsening symptoms to your healthcare provider.
Does Lemborexant have any safety warnings?
Lemborexant has important safety warnings. It can cause drowsiness and impair your ability to perform activities requiring alertness, like driving. Avoid alcohol as it can increase these effects. Not adhering to these warnings can lead to accidents or injuries. Always follow your doctor's advice and report any unusual symptoms.
Is it safe to drink alcohol while taking Lemborexant?
Avoid alcohol while taking Lemborexant. Alcohol can increase drowsiness and impair your ability to perform activities requiring alertness, like driving. It may also worsen side effects like dizziness. If you choose to drink occasionally, limit your intake and be cautious. Talk with your doctor about alcohol use while taking Lemborexant.
Is it safe to exercise while taking Lemborexant?
You can exercise while taking Lemborexant, but be cautious. This medication can cause drowsiness, which might affect your coordination and balance. Avoid strenuous activities or high-impact sports until you know how Lemborexant affects you. If you feel dizzy or unusually tired, stop exercising and rest. Consult your doctor if you have concerns.
Is it safe to stop Lemborexant?
Lemborexant is usually taken for short-term treatment of insomnia. Stopping it suddenly is generally safe, but you might experience a return of sleep problems. Always talk with your doctor before stopping Lemborexant. They can guide you on how to stop safely and discuss alternative treatments if needed.
Is Lemborexant addictive?
Lemborexant is not considered addictive or habit-forming. It doesn't cause dependency or withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking it. If you have concerns about medication dependence, talk with your doctor. They can provide reassurance and guidance on how to use the medication safely.
Is Lemborexant safe for the elderly?
Elderly individuals are more vulnerable to medication side effects due to age-related changes in the body. Lemborexant is generally safe for the elderly, but they may experience increased drowsiness or dizziness. Careful monitoring and dose adjustments may be necessary. Always consult your doctor for personalized advice.
What are the most common side effects of Lemborexant?
Side effects are unwanted reactions to a medication. Common side effects of Lemborexant include drowsiness and dizziness. These occur in more than 10% of users. If you notice new symptoms after starting Lemborexant, they might be temporary or unrelated to the medication. Talk with your doctor before stopping any medication.
Who should avoid taking Lemborexant?
Do not take Lemborexant if you have narcolepsy, which is a sleep disorder causing excessive daytime sleepiness. Avoid it if you're allergic to any of its ingredients. Use caution if you have liver problems, as it may require dose adjustments. Always consult your doctor about these concerns.
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