Daily Medication Pearl: Suvorexant (Belsomra)

Medication Pearl of the Day: Suvorexant (Belsomra)

Indication: Suvorexant (Belsomra) is an orexin receptor antagonist indicated for the treatment of insomnia, characterized by difficulties with sleep onset and/or sleep maintenance.

Sources:

• Dosing: Recommended dose is 10 mg, no more than once per night taken within 30 minutes of going to bed, with at least 7 hours remaining before the planned time of awakening.
• Dosage forms: Tablets 5 mg, 10 mg, 15 mg, 20 mg.
• Adverse events: Tablets 5 mg, 10 mg, 15 mg, 20 mg.
• Mechanism of action: The mechanism by which suvorexant exerts its therapeutic effect in insomnia is presumed to be through antagonism of orexin receptors. The orexin neuropeptide signaling system is a central promoter of wakefulness. Blocking the binding of wake-promoting neuropeptides orexin A and orexin B to receptors OX1R and OX2R is thought to suppress wake drive.
• Manufacturer: Merck

Sources:

• label (fda.gov)
• belsomra package insert - Google Search