There are no specified limitations on the duration of suvorexant use. There is no evidence of withdrawal effects when discontinuing the medication. Patients taking suvorexant should be educated about possible next-day effects that might impair driving or other activities that require full mental alertness, especially if they are taking the 20-mg dosage.
Bottom Line
Suvorexant is FDA-approved for treating sleep onset and sleep maintenance insomnia. The drug is a dual orexin-receptor antagonist, which targets persistent CNS hyperarousal. In clinical trials, suvorexant improved the ability to fall asleep and remain asleep in patients with insomnia. It is generally safe and well tolerated. However, these studies evaluated dosages higher than those approved by the FDA.
Related Resources
• Jacobson LH, Callander GE, Hoyer D. Suvorexant for the treatment of insomnia. Expert Rev Clin Pharmacol. 2014; 7(6):711-730.
• Neubauer DN. New and emerging pharmacotherapeutic approaches for insomnia. Int Rev Psychiatry. 2014;26(2): 214-224.
Drug Brand Names
Doxepin • Silenor Suvorexant • Belsomra
Digoxin • Lanoxin Zaleplon • Sonata
Eszopiclone • Lunesta Zolpidem • Ambien,
Ramelteon • Rozerem Edluar, Intermezzo
Disclosure
Dr. Neubauer is a consultant to Ferring Pharmaceuticals and Vanda Pharmaceuticals.