What is BELSOMRA?
BELSOMRA is a prescription medicine for adults who have trouble falling or staying asleep (insomnia).
BELSOMRA is a prescription medicine for adults who have trouble falling or staying asleep (insomnia). It is not known if BELSOMRA is safe and effective in children under the age of 18 years.
In clinical studies BELSOMRA helped patients fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer compared to placebo.
BELSOMRA is a prescription medicine for adults who have trouble falling or staying asleep (insomnia).
BELSOMRA clinical study results
In clinical studies with BELSOMRA:
In clinical studies with BELSOMRA:
- People fell asleep faster and stayed asleep longer when using BELSOMRA compared to those taking placebo.
- There was no evidence of physical dependence after prolonged use of BELSOMRA. There were no reported withdrawal symptoms after discontinuation.
BELSOMRA is a federally controlled substance because it can be abused or cause dependence. Keep BELSOMRA in a safe place to prevent misuse and abuse. Selling or giving away BELSOMRA may harm others and is against the law. Tell your doctor if you have ever abused or have been dependent on alcohol, prescription medicines, or street drugs.
In an insomnia study in adults with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease:
- People slept longer throughout the night when using BELSOMRA compared to those taking placebo.
“We’re pleased that the prescribing information for BELSOMRA includes findings from Merck’s first dedicated study of an insomnia medication in patients with mild-to-moderate Alzheimer’s disease.”
—Dr. W. Joseph Herring
Talking to your doctor can be important to your treatment. Use this guide to help get the most out of your conversation.
BELSOMRA is thought to inhibit the action of orexin, one of the wake neurotransmitters that play a role in the wake-sleep cycle.
BELSOMRA is a prescription sleep aid that is thought to target and inhibit the action of orexin.
Orexin is a neurotransmitter that plays a role in the wake-sleep cycle. BELSOMRA is thought to work by blocking orexin from sending wake signals to other parts of the brain, which could be keeping you from sleeping.
If you’re having trouble sleeping, talk to your doctor about lifestyle changes or medicine.
Learn about the Savings Offer & Free Trial
* Not all patients are eligible. Certain restrictions apply. Please see Terms and Conditions .
Free Trial Offer for BELSOMRA†
† Not all patients are eligible. Certain restrictions apply. Please see Terms and Conditions .
* Not all patients are eligible. Certain restrictions apply. Please see Terms and Conditions .
† Not all patients are eligible. Certain restrictions apply. Please see Terms and Conditions .
BELSOMRA may cause decreased awareness and alertness. The morning after you take BELSOMRA, your ability to drive safely and think clearly may be decreased. You may also have sleepiness during the day.
- Do not take more BELSOMRA than prescribed.
- Do not take BELSOMRA unless you are able to stay in bed a full night (at least 7 hours) before you must be active again.
- Take BELSOMRA within 30 minutes of going to bed.
BELSOMRA may cause serious side effects, including:
- worsening depression or suicidal thoughts and actions. Call your doctor right away if you have any worsening depression or thoughts of suicide or dying.
- complex sleep behaviors, including sleep-walking, sleep-driving or other activities while not fully awake. Call your doctor right away if you experience a complex sleep behavior.
- temporary inability to move or talk (sleep paralysis) for up to several minutes while you are going to sleep or waking up.
- temporary weakness in your legs that can happen during the day or at night.
Do not take BELSOMRA if you fall asleep often at unexpected times (narcolepsy).
BELSOMRA is a controlled substance because it can be abused or cause dependence.
Before taking BELSOMRA, tell your doctor about all of your medical conditions, including if you:
- have a history of depression, mental illness, or suicidal thoughts
- have a history of drug or alcohol abuse or addiction
- have a history of a sudden onset of muscle weakness (cataplexy)
- have a history of falling asleep often at unexpected times (narcolepsy) or daytime sleepiness
- have lung or breathing problems
- have liver problems
- are pregnant or plan to become pregnant
- are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed
Medicines can interact with each other, sometimes causing serious side effects. Do not take BELSOMRA with other medicines that can make you sleepy unless your doctor tells you to.
Do not drink alcohol while taking BELSOMRA. It can increase your chances of getting serious side effects.
Do not drive, operate heavy machinery, do anything dangerous, or do other activities that require clear thinking after taking BELSOMRA.
You may still feel drowsy the next day after taking BELSOMRA. Do not drive or do other dangerous activities until you feel fully awake.
The most common side effect of BELSOMRA is sleepiness the next day after you take BELSOMRA.
How Should I Take BELSOMRA?
- Take BELSOMRA exactly as your doctor tells you to take it.
- Only take BELSOMRA 1 time each night, if needed, within 30 minutes of going to bed.
- Only take BELSOMRA when you can get a full night’s sleep (at least 7 hours).
- Do not take BELSOMRA if you drank alcohol that evening or before bed.
- BELSOMRA may be taken with or without a meal. However, BELSOMRA may take longer to work if you take it with or right after meals.
- Call your doctor if your insomnia (sleep problem) worsens or is not better within 7 to 10 days. This may mean that there is another condition causing your sleep problem.
- If you take too much BELSOMRA, call your doctor right away or get emergency treatment.
Please read the accompanying Medication Guide for BELSOMRA and discuss it with your doctor. The physician Prescribing Information also is available.
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
Having trouble paying for your Merck medicine? Merck may be able to help. Visit merckhelps.com.
