Suvotol 10

Indications

Suvotol is recommended for addressing insomnia, characterized by difficulties in initiating or maintaining sleep.

Pharmacology

Suvorexant acts as a highly selective antagonist for orexin receptors OX1R and OX2R. Its therapeutic effect in managing insomnia is presumed to stem from its antagonistic action on orexin receptors. The orexin neuropeptide signaling system plays a pivotal role in promoting wakefulness. By blocking the binding of wake-promoting neuropeptides orexin A and orexin B to receptors OX1R and OX2R, Suvorexant is believed to mitigate the drive to stay awake.

Dosage & Administration

The recommended dosage is 10 mg, taken no later than 30 minutes before bedtime, with at least 7 hours left before the intended awakening time. If the initial 10 mg dose is well-tolerated but ineffective, the dosage may be increased, not exceeding 20 mg once daily. It’s advisable to utilize the lowest effective dose for each patient. The onset of action may be delayed if taken with or immediately after a meal.

Interactions

When Suvotol is co-administered with CNS-active drugs or alcohol, there may be an additive effect on psychomotor performance. However, Suvotol does not affect alcohol concentrations, and alcohol does not influence Suvotol concentrations. Additionally, strong and moderate CYP3A inhibitors may significantly increase Suvotol exposure, while strong CYP3A inducers can substantially decrease Suvotol exposure.

Contraindications

This medication should not be used in patients diagnosed with narcolepsy.

Side Effects

Common side effects may include daytime sleepiness, impaired cognitive function, unusual behavior, confusion, or sleepwalking.

Pregnancy & Lactation

Suvorexant falls under Pregnancy Category C. There haven’t been adequate and well-controlled studies conducted in pregnant women. Therefore, the use of Suvorexant during pregnancy should be weighed against the potential benefits and risks to the fetus.

Precautions & Warnings

Patients should be cautioned about the risk of daytime somnolence, which may impair alertness and motor coordination, particularly at higher doses. Those taking 20 mg doses should be advised against engaging in activities like driving the next day, which require full mental alertness. It’s essential to reassess if insomnia persists after 7 to 10 days of treatment to evaluate for any co-morbid diagnoses.

Therapeutic Class: Suvotol belongs to the category of miscellaneous sedatives & hypnotics.

Storage Conditions

Store Suvotol in a dry and cool place, away from light, and out of reach of children.