As children, most of us hated bedtime because we wanted to watch TV or play with our toys for “just five more minutes”. The older we get and the more obligations we take on in life, the more precious sleep becomes. A sleepless night often means grogginess and lack of focus the next day, which are particularly bothersome when you have work to do.
Although nothing can replace healthy sleeping habits, a medication such as Belsomra can provide relief. It can help you fall asleep faster and prevent nighttime awakening, giving you the energy you need to succeed in your daily endeavors.
To get the best results from Belsomra, you should know how it can interact with your body and take it according to the doctor’s instructions. You can learn about safe use and the potential side effects of Belsomra in this guide.
Belsomra—How It Works
Approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2014, Belsomra was the first sleep medication from the dual orexin receptor antagonist (DORA) group.
Belsomra affects orexins, i.e., neuropeptides that cause wakefulness, preventing them from binding to their receptors. This makes you fall asleep quicker and stay asleep during the night.
You can find general information about Belsomra in the following table:
Belsomra should be taken 30 minutes before going to bed, but only if you know you can sleep for at least seven hours. This is necessary if you want your following day to be without any grogginess.
Source: cottonbro studio
What Are the Side Effects of Belsomra?
Belsomra was evaluated in several clinical trials, which involved nearly 2,000 participants. These trials demonstrated the drug’s efficacy in treating sleeplessness and also singled out the adverse reactions.
The following table presents the most commonly reported side effects in the first two trials and what percentage of the participants experienced them:
The most common side effect of Belsomra is drowsiness. Those who take Belsomra should know that this medicine can impair their ability to drive and perform other tasks that require mental alertness.
The dose affects the chances of Belsomra side effects. Patients taking standard and high doses experienced the same side effects as those who took lower doses, but their incidence was more frequent. The frequency of drowsiness was as follows:
- 2% with the 10 mg dose
- 5% with the 20 mg dose
- 12% with the 40 mg dose
- 11% with the 80 mg dose
Some Belsomra side effects were identified post-approval, so their frequency is unknown. Those include:
- Increased heart rate
- Hyperactivity
- Anxiety
- Chills
- Ears and nose congestion
- Sore throat
- Body ache
- Loss of appetite
- Memory problems
- Difficulty concentrating
Less Common Side Effects of Belsomra
In some cases, taking Belsomra may lead to adverse reactions such as:
- Sleep paralysis for up to several minutes during sleep-wake transitions
- Hallucinations when falling asleep or waking up
- Complex sleep behaviors, such as sleep-walking or sleep-driving
- Depression and suicidal thoughts
If the patient experiences complex sleep behaviors, the Belsomra treatment should be stopped immediately. Patients with ongoing mental health problems should be monitored closely and given the lowest number of tablets possible to avoid potential overdose. In case of suicidal ideations, the doctor should evaluate the patient immediately.
The patient should report mood or behavioral changes as well as any other side effects they may be experiencing to their doctor.
Side Effects of Belsomra in the Elderly
In the Belsomra pre-approval trials, no significant difference in the effectiveness or safety was observed in elderly versus non-elderly patients. Both groups experienced a similar array of side effects at recommended doses. Drowsiness is more likely to lead to falling and injury in older patients, though, so they must exercise caution.
Source: Mpho Mojapelo
What Factors Increase the Risk of Belsomra Side Effects?
Numerous factors can influence how Belsomra affects a particular patient, including:
- Age
- Body mass index (BMI)
- Medical conditions
- Ongoing pharmaceutical treatments
The studies revealed that female and obese patients tend to have higher exposure or concentration of Belsomra in their blood, which can increase the incidence of side effects. Eight percent of women experienced drowsiness as opposed to three percent of men.
Belsomra is intended for adults only. It also entails a Category C pregnancy risk. It’s unclear whether Belsomra is safe to use for pregnant and nursing women, so risks can’t be ruled out.
Medical Conditions
Taking Belsomra can lead to severe side effects in patients with the following conditions:
- Narcolepsy and cataplexy—Recent research indicates that these conditions are caused by a lack of orexins. Belsomra blocks the actions of orexins and can thus worsen narcolepsy and cataplexy, so patients with these conditions should avoid it
- Breathing issues—Belsomra slows down breathing and can cause respiratory issues. It’s not recommended for patients with conditions such as obstructive sleep apnea and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
- Severe liver issues—The effects of Belsomra haven't been studied in patients with severe liver impairment. Such patients are advised against using Belsomra
- Depression—Belsomra may cause suicidal thoughts. Doctors should be careful when prescribing Belsomra to patients with ongoing mental health problems and evaluate any behavior changes immediately
- Substance abuse—Belsomra is a controlled substance with the potential for dependence. Patients who have or have had substance abuse problems are at an increased risk of developing dependence on Belsomra and should be followed closely
Taking Belsomra can sometimes lead to an allergic reaction. In case of hives, swelling, and difficulty breathing, the patient should contact emergency services immediately.
Substance Interactions
Belsomra can interact with specific medications, causing adverse reactions. The doctor may advise against using Belsomra or prescribe a lower dose to patients who take:
- CYP3A inhibitors and inducers
- CNS depressants, such as other sleeping medications
- Heart medications, especially digoxin
- Blood pressure medications
- Anti-seizure medications
- HIV medications
- Infection medications
Over-the-counter drugs, supplements, foods, and drinks can also interact with Belsomra, especially the following products:
- Melatonin
- Alcohol
- Cannabis products
- Caffeinated foods and drinks
- Grapefruit
- St. John’s wort
- Valerian
The healthcare professional must be aware of all medications and supplements the patient takes before prescribing Belsomra. They should also let the patient know about the foods and drinks to avoid.
How To Prevent and Deal With the Side Effects of Belsomra
Each body metabolizes and responds to the drug differently. Still, you can take steps to minimize the risk of adverse reactions, including:
- Letting the doctor know about your medical history and the medications and supplements you’re taking beforehand
- Sleeping for at least seven hours after taking Belsomra
- Waking up fully before starting tasks that demand focus
- Avoiding driving and other high-risk tasks in the case of higher doses
- Never taking more or less Belsomra than prescribed
- Never combining Belsomra with alcohol, sedatives, and other substances that can interact with this medication
- Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, and sleep hygiene practices
It’s also important to monitor your reactions and have regular check-ups. You should report any side effects to the doctor, who may adjust the dose or give specific pointers to help you deal with the side effects if they’re not intense. Here’s what the doctor may suggest for the most common Belsomra side effects:
- Drowsiness—If the daytime drowsiness is intense and persistent, the doctor may reduce the dose
- Headache—Over-the-counter pain relievers can help with occasional headaches
- Dizziness—The doctor may recommend avoiding sudden movement, especially when standing up
- Respiratory problems—You should stay hydrated, use a humidifier, and take OTC cough-relieving products
What Does Proper Sleep Hygiene Entail?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests adopting the following sleeping habits:
- Consistency—Going to bed and waking up at the same time each day, including the weekends
- Setting—Ensuring that the bedroom is quiet, dark, and at an enjoyable temperature
- Electronic devices—Turning off or removing TVs, computers, smartphones, and other devices from the bedroom to prevent light pollution
- Food and drink—Avoiding big meals, alcohol, and caffeine before bed
- Exercise—Staying physically active during the day
While these tips can’t guarantee a good night’s sleep, they may help you fall asleep faster and enjoy high-quality sleep.
Source: Jamie Street
Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) can also help you get to the root cause of your sleeping problem. It allows you to identify the thoughts and behaviors that contribute to your sleeplessness and replace them with healthy habits. CBT-I may not be able to provide instant relief like medications can. Still, it:
- Doesn’t cause any physical side effects
- Leads to more lasting changes
- Prevents relapses in the future
Does Belsomra Cause Withdrawal After Discontinuation?
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) labels Belsomra as a Schedule IV controlled substance as it entails low potential for abuse and dependence.
In the clinical trials, Belsomra didn’t cause physical dependence after long-term use (up to a year) in any of the participants. It also didn’t bring about any withdrawal symptoms after the participants stopped taking it.
Some patients may form mental dependence on Belsomra. Such individuals may have difficulty falling asleep without the drug and experience anxiety or mood swings. The risk of Belsomra abuse is higher in:
- Prolonged use of Belsomra
- Patients with a history of substance abuse
- Concurrent use with alcohol and other psychoactive substances
Is It Safe To Take Belsomra Every Night?
Clinical studies didn’t highlight a significant difference between the side effects reported after the three-month treatment and the one-year treatment. In general, Belsomra is safe for everyday use.
That being said, in most cases, the doctor will recommend taking Belsomra only when necessary. You should always follow your doctor’s instructions.
Can You Overdose on Belsomra?
While it is possible to overdose, it’s very unlikely if you take the medicine as prescribed. Still, if it somehow happens, the first thing you should do is contact your doctor or a poison control center. In case of feeling difficulty breathing or other severe symptoms, seek medical help right away.
Source: Polina Kovaleva
How Long Does Belsomra Stay in Your System?
Half-life is the amount of time the body needs to eliminate half the dose of a substance. In Belsomra’s case, the mean half-life is 12 hours. The figure can vary based on factors such as age, diet, gender, and medical conditions. For instance, the half-life may be increased to 19 hours in patients with moderate liver impairment.
Substances typically require around four to five half-lives to leave the body. Belsomra should thus no longer be present in the system within three days of administration.
In some patients, the depressant effects may persist for several days after stopping Belsomra. If the patient needs to take medications that can interact with Belsomra, they should wait a few days after the end of the treatment.
Belsomra—A Guide to Safe Use
Before prescribing any medication, the doctor will examine the patient and ask them about their:
- Current health status
- Lifestyle
- Medical history
- Medications or supplements they’re on
This information is crucial for determining the right treatment and dosage. The goal is to prescribe the lowest effective dose. The usual starting dose is 10 mg a day, whereas the maximum is 20 mg a day.
Typically, the doctor will check in after the first few days of the treatment to see how you are reacting to Belsomra. They may increase the dose if the current one is well-tolerated but isn’t producing the desired results. If your insomnia stagnates or worsens after seven to ten days of treatment, it could be a sign of another underlying physical or mental condition. In that case, the doctor will likely request further evaluation.
Instead of Belsomra, healthcare professionals may prescribe:
- Other DORAs (Dayvigo, Quviviq)
- Z-drugs (Ambien, Sonata, Lunesta)
- Benzodiazepines (Ativan, Klonopin)
- Antidepressants (trazodone, Doxepin)
- Antihistamines (Benadryl, Unisom)
- Melatonin
To get the optimal treatment, you should visit a sleep medicine specialist. Unfortunately, that is easier said than done since sleep doctors comprise less than 1% of health care providers—but telemedicine solutions such as Kick make this process more streamlined. While you may have to wait weeks or months to get a traditional appointment with a sleep medicine specialist, Kick enables you to connect with one in a day.
Source: EKATERINA BOLOVTSOVA
Get Gentler Sleep Prescriptions From Kick
Kick is the first online performance medicine clinic that can transform your sleep once and for all.
All you have to do is complete a 15-minute questionnaire about your health status and medical history, and one of Kick’s sleep experts will create a custom treatment plan for you. They’ll prescribe two different medications to try for one week each. We’ll ship them in discreet packaging to your local pharmacy or straight to your door.
All the medications in our offer are fast-acting, allowing you to get the rest you need quickly. Our offer includes:
- Trazodone
- Hydroxyzine
- Cyclobenzaprine
- Gabapentin
- Ramelteon
- Doxepin (soon)
Based on your feedback, your doctor will fine-tune the treatment.
Kick’s sleep program is all-encompassing. Besides medications, you’ll receive CBT-I coaching and adopt useful skills that can serve you a lifetime. The doctor will also check in regularly to ensure the treatment continues to work as intended.
Kick—Sleep Well, Be Well
Crafted by a Stanford sleep expert, Kick’s sleep program is based on cutting-edge research and expertise. Its effectiveness is best reflected in the glowing Trustpilot reviews.
“Kick is an excellent online service for doctor assessments and prescriptions. The process is streamlined and easy to navigate, and I received my prescription within a few days. It's a highly efficient and reliable service. I highly recommend Kick for anyone in need of online medical assistance.”
If our sleep doctor determines Kick’s sleep program isn’t the right choice, you won’t have to pay for the consultation according to our “Doctor Guarantee” policy.
Don’t allow sleeplessness to steal your peace. Try Kick’s sleep program, and let us guide you to the restful slumber you deserve. Here’s how it works:
- Sign up and start your sleep visit
- Fill out the intake form so we can get to know you and your problem
- Provide the shipping and payment details
Within 24 hours, one of our doctors will reach out to you via text and let you know the next steps.
Featured image source: cottonbro studio
