lemborexant
What is the most important information I should know about lemborexant?
Take lemborexant right before you get into bed. Never take this medicine if you do not have 7 hours to sleep before being active again.
Your reactions may be impaired the morning after you take lemborexant. Do not drive or do anything that requires you to be alert. Drowsiness can cause falls, accidents, or severe injuries.
What is lemborexant?
Lemborexant is a sleep medicine that is used to treat insomnia (trouble falling asleep or staying asleep).
Lemborexant may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking lemborexant?
You should not use lemborexant if you have:
- narcolepsy; or
- severe liver disease.
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
- depression, mental illness, or thoughts about suicide;
- drug or alcohol abuse or addiction;
- breathing problems, sleep apnea (breathing stops during sleep);
- liver or kidney disease;
- sudden muscle weakness;
- excessive sleepiness during normal waking hours; or
- if you have ever fallen asleep at unexpected times.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
If you are pregnant, your name may be listed on a pregnancy registry to track the effects of lemborexant on the baby.
Lemborexant is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.
How should I take lemborexant?
Follow the directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides. Never use lemborexant in larger amounts, or for longer than prescribed. Tell your doctor if you feel an increased urge to use more of this medicine.
Lemborexant may be habit-forming. Misuse can cause addiction, overdose, or death. Keep the medication in a place where others cannot get to it. Selling or giving away this medicine is against the law.
Take lemborexant only once per night, right before you get into bed.
Avoid taking the medicine shortly after eating a meal, or the medicine may take longer to work.
Lemborexant will make you fall asleep. Never take this medicine if you do not have 7 hours to sleep before being active again.
You may have trouble speaking or moving while you are falling asleep. It may take longer for you to wake up, speak, or move around when you wake up. You may feel like you are still dreaming for several minutes after waking.
Call your doctor if your insomnia symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse after using lemborexant for 7 to 10 nights in a row.
Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Keep track of your medicine. You should be aware if anyone is using it improperly or without a prescription.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Since lemborexant is taken only at bedtime if needed, you are not likely to miss a dose. Never take this medicine if you do not have 7 hours to sleep before being active again.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
What should I avoid while taking lemborexant?
Your reactions may be impaired the morning after you take lemborexant. Do not drive or do anything that requires you to be alert. Drowsiness can cause falls, accidents, or severe injuries.
Do not drink alcohol. Dangerous side effects could occur.
What are the possible side effects of lemborexant?
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Some people using this medicine have engaged in activity while not fully awake and later had no memory of it. This may include walking, driving, eating, having sex, or making phone calls. If this happens to you, call your doctor right away.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
- trouble moving or talking when you first wake up;
- a weak feeling in your legs;
- unusual thoughts or behavior;
- anxiety, agitation, depression;
- memory problems;
- confusion, hallucinations; or
- worsening depression or thoughts about hurting yourself.
Older adults have a higher risk of falls due to drowsiness caused by lemborexant.
Common side effects may include:
- drowsiness during the day after taking lemborexant.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What other drugs will affect lemborexant?
Using lemborexant with other drugs that make you drowsy can worsen this effect. Ask your doctor before using opioid medication, a sleeping pill, a muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety or seizures.
Sometimes it is not safe to use certain medications at the same time. Some drugs can affect your blood levels of other drugs you take, which may increase side effects or make the medications less effective.
Other drugs may affect lemborexant, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
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