A disorder called insomnia makes it difficult to fall or remain asleep, which lowers the quality of one’s sleep. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is typically used to treat it. Other sleeping aids, such as drugs, are necessary when the treatment doesn’t work.

Belsomra and Ambien are two typical medications used to treat insomnia. This article helps patients understand how these medications work and how their effects may aid in overcoming sleep disorders by examining their details, similarities, and differences.

Belsomra: What is it?

Suvorexant, the medication’s active component, is marketed under the name Belsomra. Merck manufactures it, and the FDA authorized it in 2014 for the treatment of insomnia. The medication is classified as an orexin receptor antagonist.

Describe Ambien.

Sanofi-Aventis is the manufacturer of the brand-name medication Ambien, which contains the active component Zolpidem. It belongs to a class of medications known as sedative-hypnotics and has FDA approval for the treatment of insomnia.

Belsomra vs. Ambien: Disparities

Belsomra and Ambien are both used to treat insomnia, although they differ greatly from one another. The primary ones are:

• Working Mechanism

  • As a sedative-hypnotic, Ambien slows down the brain and central nervous system (CNS) via activating GABA neurotransmitters. Your brain activity slows down, which makes it easier for you to fall asleep.

    Conversely, Belsomra is an antagonist of the orexin receptor. One of the many roles of orexin receptors is to encourage alertness. The medication enhances sleep by preventing orexin from doing its job.

• Forms That Are Generic
  • Similar to the original Ambien medication, generic versions are also available. Conversely, Belsomra does not have a generic version. Additionally, there is an extended-release type of Ambien that comes in tablet, oral spray, and sublingual pill form. Belsomra can only be purchased as tablets.
• Dosage

  • The two medications also have different typical dosages. Belsomra comes in pills with 5 mg, 10 mg, 15 mg, and 20 mg. Patients are often advised to take 10 mg of the medication orally once at night, half an hour before going to bed. One should then get at least seven hours of sleep. Belsomra has a maximum daily dose of 20 mg.

    In contrast, the extended-release form of Ambien has 6.25 mg and 12.5 mg pills, whereas the 5 mg and 10 mg tablets are available. The patient should receive at least seven to eight hours of sleep and take the medications just before bed. Men begin with either 5 mg or 10 mg, while women begin with 5 mg. Both have a daily maximum dose of 10 mg.

    The best person to decide on the appropriate dose is the patient’s doctor, who will take into account several criteria.

• Adverse Reactions
  • Belsomra and Ambien have various adverse effects. For instance, upper respiratory tract infections, coughing, drowsiness, and strange nightmares are some of the adverse effects of Belsomra. Some of Ambien’s adverse effects include loss of balance and coordination, constipation, a stuffy nose, lightheadedness, euphoria, nausea, and a sore throat. Nonetheless, certain adverse effects are shared by the two medications. These include headaches, dizziness, dry mouth, diarrhea, and daytime sleepiness.
• Price
  • The cost of the two medications varies as well. In general, the brand-name medicine versions of Ambien cost a little more than Belsomra. While the least expensive Belsomra still costs several hundred dollars, Ambien’s generic counterparts are more affordable, often reaching less than $20.

Is Belsomra Like Ambien?

There are certain parallels between the two medications because they both have certain uses. Here are a few of them:

• Status of Federal Control

Belsomra and Ambien are both classified as restricted drugs. Due to their potential for dependency and abuse, they are categorized as Schedule IV substances.

• Age of Approval

Only adults are permitted to take Belsomra and Ambien. The medications used to treat insomnia are not available to anyone under the age of 18.

• Symptoms of Withdrawal

Patients who quickly stop using Belsomra or Ambien are prone to having withdrawal symptoms. Both of these drugs include this risk; therefore, patients should heed their doctor’s advice about when and how to cease using them.

• Interactions between drugs

Ambien and Belsomra may interact negatively with some chemicals in a similar way. For instance, they will both interact with rifampin, azole antifungals, alcohol, and drugs used to treat seizures.

Ambien vs. Belsomra: Efficiency

Which of the two medications is superior, then? It appears that preference may depend on which medication is better for your situation. The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) states that there is no obvious difference in the efficacy of Ambien and Belsomra.

After taking into account the patient’s medical condition, past medical history, and any drugs they may be taking, the doctor determines which medication is the most effective. By following the CDC’s recommendations for extra non-medicinal behaviors, patients can further increase the efficacy of their prescription medications. These consist of:

• Keeping a regular bedtime and wake-up time all week long.
• Creating a comfortable sleeping environment in their bedroom. It should have a good sleeping temperature, be dark, and be soothing.
• Keeping technology out of the area that might be distracting. These consist of TV displays, PCs, tablets, and cellphones.
• Maintaining a consistent workout schedule.
• Steer clear of heavy meals just before bed, as well as alcohol and caffeine.

In conclusion

Both Ambien and Belsomra work just as well to cure insomnia. However, because they are prone to dependency, they are best utilized for short-term therapy. Additionally, depending on the person, their usage may result in a variety of adverse consequences that pose health hazards. The first line of treatment for patients should be behavioral and psychological, according to the AAFP. If this doesn’t work, they can be used in conjunction with short-term prescription usage, provided the doctor gives strict advice on dose and safe cessation.