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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Can Belsomra Be Taken Along With Ambien For Insomnia?

Can belsmora be taken while person also taking ambien. This is in regards of a neighbor who is an 81 yo female who lives indep. She has severe back pain d/t osteoporosis and osteoarthritis. In last few years has had back surgery and also bilateral hip replacements. She also takes hydrocodone for pain 1-2 tabs usually 1-2x a day. Her gait is poor, slow and shuffling; uses a rolling walker when out of her apt only. Has been taking ambien for a few years, and states that it works well. Recently given Rx for belsmora and she says it works well also. I am concerned that she will take both medications on a night that she doesn t sleep well or that she will alternate them depending on how she feels on any given night.
Tue, 13 Oct 2020
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hi,

Both Belsomra and Ambien are indicated to treat insomnia but they are chemically different with different mechanisms of action. Belsomra contains Suvorexant which works by interacting with orexin receptors while Ambien contains Zolpidem which exerts its effect on GABA A receptors.

Belsomra and Ambien shouldn't be taken together. Mixing them will not provide better treatment for insomnia can increase the chances of negative side effects. Both medications should not be prescribing at the same time due to the negative consequences it can have on health.

Using Ambien (Zolpidem) together with Belsomra (Suvorexant) may increase side effects like dizziness, drowsiness, impairment in thinking, confusion, loss of concentration, impairment in motor coordination, loss of mental alertness, impairment in judgment etc. During concomitant use of these medications patient must be monitored for potentially excessive or prolonged CNS and respiratory depression.

Take care. Hope I have answered your questions. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Zubayer Alam, General And Family Physician,

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Can Belsomra Be Taken Along With Ambien For Insomnia?

Hi, Both Belsomra and Ambien are indicated to treat insomnia but they are chemically different with different mechanisms of action. Belsomra contains Suvorexant which works by interacting with orexin receptors while Ambien contains Zolpidem which exerts its effect on GABA A receptors. Belsomra and Ambien shouldn t be taken together. Mixing them will not provide better treatment for insomnia can increase the chances of negative side effects. Both medications should not be prescribing at the same time due to the negative consequences it can have on health. Using Ambien (Zolpidem) together with Belsomra (Suvorexant) may increase side effects like dizziness, drowsiness, impairment in thinking, confusion, loss of concentration, impairment in motor coordination, loss of mental alertness, impairment in judgment etc. During concomitant use of these medications patient must be monitored for potentially excessive or prolonged CNS and respiratory depression. Take care. Hope I have answered your questions. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Zubayer Alam, General And Family Physician,