Comprehensive medication guide to {drug} including estimated pricing, availability information, side effects, and how to find it in stock at your local pharmacy.
Belsomra (Suvorexant) is a prescription sleep medication approved by the FDA for the treatment of insomnia in adults. It helps with both falling asleep and staying asleep throughout the night. Unlike older sleep medications that sedate you by enhancing GABA activity, Belsomra works by blocking your brain's wake signals, allowing sleep to occur more naturally.
Belsomra is manufactured by Merck and has been available since 2014. It belongs to a newer class of sleep medications called dual orexin receptor antagonists (DORAs), which are considered to have a more favorable safety profile than traditional sedative-hypnotics.
Belsomra works by blocking orexin receptors (OX1R and OX2R) in the brain. Orexins are neuropeptides that promote wakefulness — they're essentially your brain's "stay awake" signals. By blocking these receptors, Belsomra suppresses the wake drive, allowing your body's natural sleep processes to take over.
This mechanism is fundamentally different from benzodiazepines and Z-drugs (like Ambien), which work by enhancing the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA. Because Belsomra targets the wake system rather than forcing sedation, it tends to produce more natural-feeling sleep with a lower risk of dependence.
Belsomra should be taken within 30 minutes of bedtime on an empty stomach, with at least 7 hours remaining before you need to wake up. High-fat meals can delay its onset of action.
Belsomra has a findability score of 72 out of 100, meaning it's moderately easy to find but not always stocked at every pharmacy. Because Belsomra is a brand-only medication manufactured exclusively by Merck, some pharmacies — especially smaller independents — may not keep it on their shelves due to its high cost and lower demand compared to generic sleep aids like Zolpidem. You're most likely to find it at major chain pharmacies and mail-order services. If your local pharmacy doesn't have it, they can usually order it within 1–2 business days.
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Belsomra is commonly prescribed by several types of healthcare providers:
Belsomra is also available through telehealth providers, making it convenient to get a prescription without an in-person visit.
Yes, Belsomra is classified as a Schedule IV controlled substance by the DEA. This means it has a recognized medical use but carries some potential for abuse and dependence, though the risk is considered lower than Schedule II or III substances. As a controlled substance, Belsomra prescriptions may have limits on refills and require a new prescription from your doctor periodically.
Compared to older sleep medications, Belsomra is generally considered to have a lower abuse potential due to its unique mechanism of action. However, you should still take it exactly as prescribed and avoid combining it with alcohol or other CNS depressants.
More serious but less common side effects include complex sleep behaviors (such as sleepwalking or sleep-driving), sleep paralysis, hallucinations, and worsening depression or suicidal thoughts. The FDA has issued warnings about complex sleep behaviors for all orexin receptor antagonists. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of these serious side effects.
If you're having trouble affording Belsomra, your doctor may suggest trying a generic alternative like Zolpidem or Eszopiclone first, as many insurance plans require step therapy before covering Belsomra.
Always tell your doctor about all medications and supplements you take before starting Belsomra. Avoid alcohol and grapefruit juice while taking this medication.
Belsomra is an effective and well-tolerated sleep medication, but its brand-only status means it comes with a hefty price tag of $450–$550 per month without insurance. If you have commercial insurance, Merck's savings card can reduce your copay to as little as $0 — check activatethecard.com/8193 to enroll. Uninsured or underinsured patients may qualify for free medication through the Merck Patient Assistance Program.
If you're having trouble finding Belsomra in stock at your local pharmacy, try larger chain pharmacies or mail-order services, which are more likely to carry brand-only medications. You can also use Medfinder to quickly locate pharmacies near you that have Belsomra available. No generic version of Belsomra is expected until at least 2029, so exploring savings programs and assistance options is especially worthwhile.
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