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Daily Medication Pearl: Suvorexant (Belsomra)

Suvorexant (Belsomra) is indicated for the treatment of insomnia, characterized by difficulties with sleep onset and/or sleep maintenance.

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.

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  • 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

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