Belsomra (suvorexant) and Ambien (zolpidem) are both medications taken to treat insomnia or difficulty sleeping.
These medications work differently, and one or the other may benefit certain people more or less.
A couple of key differences include how fast they work as well as their addiction or dependency risks.
Getty Images | Bloomberg / Contributor
Getty Images | Bloomberg / Contributor
Understanding Belsomra
Belsomra is an orexin receptor antagonist.
These receptors regulate sleep and wakefulness, stress responses, and appetite.
Belsomras only approved use is for adults withinsomniaor difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep.
It binds to the gamma-aminobutyric acid-A (GABA-A) receptor at the same site wherebenzodiazepine medicationsbind.
This causes the receptor to attract more of the GABA neurotransmitter, which results in less neuron firing.
The outward result is a sedative effect that helps induce and maintain sleep.
You may hear Ambien referred to as a Z-drug.
All of these have mechanisms of action that are similar to those of Ambien.
These medications can cause drowsiness or sedation and taking them together is more likely to cause side effects.
Frequent contributors to sleep difficulties include:
Who Should Avoid Belsomra and/or Ambien?
Despite its effectiveness, some individuals should refrain from taking both Belsomra and Ambien.
If your sleep problem is frequently waking up throughout the night, Belsomra may be worth trying first.
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U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Belsomra prescribing information.
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Wisden W, Yu X, Franks NP.GABA receptors and the pharmacology of sleep.Handb Exp Pharmacol.
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