Suvorexant
Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders
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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
Suvorexant
Summary
Suvorexant is used to treat insomnia, which is difficulty sleeping. It helps people fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. This medication is typically used when other sleep aids are not effective.
Suvorexant works by blocking orexin receptors, which are involved in wakefulness. This action helps reduce wakefulness, allowing you to fall asleep and stay asleep longer.
The usual starting dose of Suvorexant for adults is 10 mg, taken once daily in the evening, about 30 minutes before bedtime. The maximum recommended dose is 20 mg per day.
Common side effects of Suvorexant include drowsiness and dizziness. These effects occur in a small percentage of people taking the medication.
Suvorexant can cause drowsiness and impair your ability to drive. Avoid alcohol, as it can increase drowsiness. Do not take Suvorexant if you have narcolepsy, which is a sleep disorder causing excessive daytime sleepiness.
Indications and Purpose
How does Suvorexant work?
Suvorexant works by blocking orexin receptors in the brain, which are involved in wakefulness. Think of it like turning down the volume on a wakefulness signal, helping you fall asleep and stay asleep longer. This medication is effective for treating insomnia, which is difficulty sleeping. By reducing wakefulness, Suvorexant helps improve sleep onset and maintenance, allowing for a more restful night's sleep.
Is Suvorexant effective?
Suvorexant is effective for treating insomnia, which is difficulty sleeping. It works by blocking a brain chemical that promotes wakefulness, helping you fall asleep and stay asleep longer. Clinical studies show Suvorexant improves sleep onset and maintenance in people with insomnia. It is important to follow your doctor's instructions and use Suvorexant as part of a comprehensive sleep plan, including good sleep hygiene practices.
What is Suvorexant?
Suvorexant is a medication used to treat insomnia, which is difficulty sleeping. It belongs to a class of drugs called orexin receptor antagonists, which work by blocking a brain chemical that promotes wakefulness. This helps you fall asleep and stay asleep longer. Suvorexant is typically used when other sleep aids are not effective. It should be used as part of a comprehensive sleep plan, including good sleep hygiene practices.
Directions for Use
For how long do I take Suvorexant?
Suvorexant is usually used for short-term treatment of insomnia, which is difficulty sleeping. The duration of use depends on your response to the medication and your doctor's recommendations. It's important to follow your doctor's instructions and not use Suvorexant for longer than prescribed. If you have concerns about how long to take Suvorexant, discuss them with your healthcare provider.
How do I dispose of Suvorexant?
Dispose of unused Suvorexant by taking it to a drug take-back program or collection site at a pharmacy or hospital. If you can't find a take-back program, you can throw it in the trash at home. First, mix the medication with something undesirable like used coffee grounds, seal it in a plastic bag, and throw it away. This helps prevent harm to people and the environment.
How do I take Suvorexant?
Take Suvorexant as prescribed by your doctor, usually once a day in the evening, about 30 minutes before bedtime. It should not be taken with or soon after a meal, as this can delay its effect. Swallow the tablet whole; do not crush or chew it. If you miss a dose, skip it and take your next dose at the regular time. Do not take two doses at once. Avoid alcohol while taking Suvorexant, as it can increase drowsiness. Always follow your doctor's specific instructions regarding the use of this medication.
How long does it take for Suvorexant to start working?
Suvorexant usually starts working within 30 minutes to an hour after taking it. The full therapeutic effect may vary depending on individual factors like age, liver function, and overall health. It's important to take Suvorexant as prescribed and allow enough time for a full night's sleep. If you have concerns about how quickly Suvorexant works for you, discuss them with your doctor.
How should I store Suvorexant?
Store Suvorexant at room temperature, away from moisture and light. Keep it in a tightly closed container to protect it from damage. Do not store it in humid places like bathrooms, as moisture can affect its effectiveness. Always keep Suvorexant out of children's reach to prevent accidental ingestion. Check the expiration date regularly and properly dispose of any unused or expired medication.
What is the usual dose of Suvorexant?
The usual starting dose of Suvorexant for adults is 10 mg, taken once daily in the evening, about 30 minutes before bedtime. Your doctor may adjust your dose to 20 mg if needed, but the maximum recommended dose is 20 mg per day. Suvorexant is not recommended for children. Elderly patients or those with liver problems may require dose adjustments. Always follow your doctor's specific dosing instructions for your health needs.
Warnings and Precautions
Can I take Suvorexant with other prescription drugs?
Suvorexant can interact with other medications that cause drowsiness, such as opioids, benzodiazepines, and certain antidepressants. These interactions can increase the risk of excessive sedation and impair your ability to perform tasks requiring alertness. Always inform your doctor about all medications you are taking to avoid potential interactions. Your doctor can help adjust your treatment plan to ensure safety and effectiveness.
Can Suvorexant be taken safely while breastfeeding?
Suvorexant is not recommended while breastfeeding. We don't have much information about whether it passes into human breast milk. Animal studies suggest it might, raising concerns about potential effects on a baby's development. If you're taking Suvorexant and want to breastfeed, talk with your doctor about safer medication options that would allow you to nurse your baby safely.
Can Suvorexant be taken safely while pregnant?
Suvorexant is not recommended during pregnancy due to limited evidence on its safety. Animal studies suggest potential risks, but we lack sufficient information about its effects on pregnant women. If you're pregnant or planning to become pregnant, talk with your doctor about the safest way to manage your sleep. Your doctor can help create a pregnancy-specific treatment plan that protects both you and your baby.
Does Suvorexant have adverse effects?
Adverse effects are unwanted reactions to a medication. Common adverse effects of Suvorexant include drowsiness and dizziness. Serious side effects can include sleep paralysis, which is a temporary inability to move or speak, and complex sleep behaviors like sleepwalking. If you experience severe side effects, contact your doctor immediately. Always inform your doctor about any new or worsening symptoms while taking Suvorexant.
Does Suvorexant have any safety warnings?
Yes, Suvorexant has important safety warnings. It can cause drowsiness and impair your ability to drive or operate machinery. Avoid alcohol, as it can increase drowsiness. Suvorexant may cause sleep paralysis, which is a temporary inability to move or speak while falling asleep or waking up. It can also cause complex sleep behaviors, like sleepwalking. If you experience these, stop taking Suvorexant and contact your doctor. Not adhering to these warnings can lead to accidents or injuries.
Is it safe to drink alcohol while taking Suvorexant?
It's best to avoid alcohol while taking Suvorexant. Alcohol can increase drowsiness and impair your ability to drive or operate machinery. It may also worsen side effects like dizziness. If you choose to drink occasionally, limit your alcohol intake and be cautious. Talk with your doctor about alcohol use while taking Suvorexant to get personalized advice based on your specific health situation.
Is it safe to exercise while taking Suvorexant?
You can exercise while taking Suvorexant, but be cautious. This medication can cause drowsiness, which might affect your coordination and balance during physical activity. Avoid strenuous activities or high-impact sports until you know how Suvorexant affects you. If you feel dizzy or unusually tired, stop exercising and rest. Talk with your doctor if you have concerns about exercising while taking Suvorexant.
Is it safe to stop Suvorexant?
Suvorexant is usually used for short-term treatment of insomnia, which is difficulty sleeping. Stopping it suddenly may cause withdrawal symptoms like anxiety or difficulty sleeping. Always talk with your doctor before stopping Suvorexant. They may suggest gradually reducing your dose to minimize withdrawal symptoms. Your doctor will help you make any medication changes safely to protect your health.
Is Suvorexant addictive?
Suvorexant is not considered addictive, but it can cause dependence in some people. Dependence means you might feel the need to continue using the medication to sleep. Warning signs include needing higher doses to achieve the same effect or experiencing withdrawal symptoms when stopping. To prevent dependence, use Suvorexant only as prescribed by your doctor and discuss any concerns about its use with them.
Is Suvorexant safe for the elderly?
Elderly individuals are more vulnerable to the side effects of medications like Suvorexant, which can cause drowsiness and dizziness. These effects may increase the risk of falls and injuries. Suvorexant is generally safe for the elderly, but they may require lower doses. It's important for elderly patients to be closely monitored by their doctor while taking this medication.
What are the most common side effects of Suvorexant?
Side effects are unwanted reactions to a medication. Common side effects of Suvorexant include drowsiness and dizziness. These occur in a small percentage of people. If you experience new symptoms after starting Suvorexant, they might be temporary or unrelated to the medication. Talk with your doctor before stopping any medication. They can help determine if the side effects are related to Suvorexant or if there is another cause.
Who should avoid taking Suvorexant?
Do not take Suvorexant if you have narcolepsy, which is a sleep disorder causing excessive daytime sleepiness. This medication is not recommended for people with severe liver problems, as it may worsen liver function. Avoid Suvorexant if you are allergic to it or its ingredients. Always consult your doctor about any health conditions or medications you are taking before starting Suvorexant.
