Belsomra for Insomnia User Reviews (Page 3)

• Kap
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 13, 2019

"Took a long time for Belsomra to kick in on an empty stomach for starters. Everything took a horrific turn after that, I had side effects of body numbness and tingling, numb mind, moderate hallucinations in the dark, feeling excitable which was very uncomfortable, which resulted in little sleep. Mind was numb of thoughts but I had lots of anxiety. Morning: terrible. All the feelings came back and mental numbness is slightly still there. I'm genuinely afraid for people wanting to try this stuff especially if they work a job in the morning."

• Grrl
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• July 19, 2021

"I have had sleep maintenance insomnia for years that persisted after behavior modification (diet and exercise changes, screen time habits, dark bedroom, white noise while I sleep, etc). Any medication that worked wore off after a short period of use (presumably due to drug tolerance) and many had other problems like next day sleepiness and rebound insomnia. Then belsomra. I've been on it well over a year now as a daily medication. Still on the lowest dose and it's still working. It isn't magic, I still have to have good habits. But if I do my part, belsomra does the rest. I routinely sleep 7, often 8 hours a night now. Up from 4-5 hours 2 years ago. It's a life changing improvement."

• EPASTAT
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 9, 2015

"I am a mental heath professional that wanted to switch from Ambien to Belsomra 15 MG. What a nightmare!! This drug shouldn't be on the market. Read feedback from others. I had nightmare all night was being murdered by serial killer and was could not move or wake myself up. HORRIBLE. Took it 10 nights. No sleep, just horrible dreams. Read prior reviews."

• Tabby
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 23, 2019

"I will NEVER take this drug again. It took 3 hours to do anything to make me sleepy, and after I finally got sleepy, my heart rate shot up to 220 and I started having problems breathing. I thought sure I was dying, but couldn't move to get to the phone. When I fell asleep finally, I had a horrible lucid dream that lasted all night and I couldn't break. I would wake every 10 mins or so and not know where I was. A few times I woke up and couldn't move at all. I finally was able to get up around 6am with a horrible migraine and feeling like rubbish. No thanks, I'd rather not sleep at all."

• Brand...
• March 31, 2016

"This was the worst insomnia drug I have ever tried. It seemed to wake me every one to two hours in a semi-awake, paralytic state while still living the nightmare. I also have bad anxiety which it seems to make worse. I recently called my doctor and unloaded on them. Thank God I only took samples and will not be paying for the prescription."

• MRS_M...
• January 15, 2016

"Went off of Trazadone and Ambien for a new drug by Merck called Belsomra with a 10mg per night starting point. I had the ABSOLUTE worst experience taking this pill and slept maybe 2-3 hours instead of the normal 7-8 on the old combination of meds. Initially I was able to fall asleep for about 1.5 hours but then could not return to sleep consistently after this. I Felt absolutely horrible and for the short sleep I was able to muster I had one of the worst nightmares I could ever remember! I do NOT recommend this medication and instead will return back to the old combination of Ambien and Trazadone which now continues to give me consistent sleep WITHOUT the horrible nightmares. AVOID BELSOMRA at ALL COSTS!"

• aiwass
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• November 29, 2016

"I have taken Belsomra for approximately 1.5 years. I have previously taken: ambien, seroquel, lunesta, remeron, all for insomnia. I now take Belsomra exclusively. This has been, by far, the best. I am able to fall asleep within 5 minutes after lying down (takes about 1 hour to take effect). There has been zero tolerance as it works just as well as when I first began taking it. It seems, from the reviews and from my doctors opinion, that this drug either works or doesn't. I would advise that if you are considering this drug to give it a chance and don't be swayed by the negative reviews as everyone is different. Also, there are some side effects for the first few days (daytime drowsiness mostly), so try to stick with it for a week."

• KAS
• November 7, 2019

"Works if you have no depression, anxiety or snoring that inflicts with normal sleep. Been on SSRI for 12 years and got a major depression after discontinued medication. Now on Belsomra for 5 weeks, and it really works naturally. Still have to work on my issues that inflicts with my sleep, depression from serotonin deficiency, anxiety because of unemployment and a bit of snoring. Took some time for it to start working for me, but I'm really glad to get rid of all "no working sleep aids". Now I sleep more natural and efficient. Give it some time and work for it. "

• DJ45
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 16, 2015

"I've seen 11 sleep docs in 4 states for my 16 yr old-sleep probs and don't have a diagnosis yet. The closest said the part of my brain that tells me when to be awake or asleep isn't working properly. He nailed it, thus my self-diagnosis of sleep-wake amalgamation. I've taken 19 meds, eg Ambien, Provigil, Klonopin, Rozerem, Vyvanse, Lunesta, Trazodone, Gabapentin, Mirtazapine & OTCs like melatonin & valerian. Of all, Belsomra is the only 1 that doesn't leave me groggy, druggy or sleepless, although a few were very beneficial and I still use with Belsomra. With Bel., I get more REM sleep and feel much sharper. My only disappointments are the slow sleep latency & very slow increase in deep sleep, likely due to Klonopin's GABAAR downregulation."

• aka
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 11, 2015

"This drug should be taken at the 20mg strength. The trials were done at 20-60 mg, but the FDA forced Merck to make 10 mgs (that do not work but DO cause side effects). There's a long article in the new yorker about all of this. My main problem with this drug is that it's hit or miss. It shuts my mind off very well, but sometimes I wake up only 3 hours later. Even if it's 8 hours, I can be VERY tired the next day. But, sometimes I am great the next day! The inconsistency didn't improve after 10 days. I am also on klonopin, cymbalta, and neurontin, but I cannot stop those. The trials were biased because they only allowed "pure" insomniacs not on any other drugs or with any other conditions...how many people are like that?"

• unsom...
• July 18, 2015

"Belsomra, for me, is the worst sleep aid I have ever taken. It seems to have the opposite effect on me, I can't sleep at all. Took it with a benzo after a couple of nights with Belsomra alone, worst sleep ever."

• Lisa...
• July 18, 2015

"Ambien didn't work for me at all and made me restless & crazy. Tried Belsomra 10 mg last night (I'm a small person and tend to be quite sensitive to meds). I think the dose was fine. Falling asleep was pleasant and reminded me of how I used to fall asleep before the insomnia -- all good. But it did not stop me from waking several times in the night, particularly between 2-4, with restlessness; I was able to return to sleep pretty quickly each time though. But after 9 hours, I woke feeling like I had been in REM sleep all night -- sort of skimming along the surface of sleep but not going deep for most of it. I don't feel refreshed at all and fell back asleep in the chair after a full cup of coffee. Not for me."

• 1Cana...
• October 30, 2016

"I've suffered with severe insomnia for 25 years. I started looking into this with 2 very specific sleep studies A year later I found myself on a sleep med rollercoaster. Of course I've tried everything otc, lunesta, ambien. I take no other prescription drugs and have enjoyed great health with the exception of serious insomnia. 2 years later I hear of Belsomra and ask my dr for the 10 day sample. First 2 nights were a bit touch and go. By night 3, was up 3.5 hours of decent sleep. I've now been taking Belsomra at 20 mg for an entire month. This medicine saved my life! I forgot I could feel this good since I've been battling this for so long. I've never written a report on anything in my life but I just had to share my story. IT WORKS"

• Citykid
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 10, 2015

"Tried 10mg of Belsomra last night for the first time and had an awful experience. This drug causes very concerning effects. I am a 55 year old engineer and have struggled with insomnia for 6 months. I had been taking Ambien which I have become dependent on and want to get off so I tried Belsomra. I do not take any other drugs at all.. About 3 hours after taking the Belsomra I finally fell asleep and had a very strange dream which I awoke from and experienced sleep paralysis. It lasted 20 seconds or so and was terrifying. I then fell asleep again, did not dream and awoke 15 minutes later with the same paralysis experience. I could not move my body but was I was awake. I will never take this drug again."

• Otakt...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 27, 2023

"I have had insomnia for several years and have taken the majority of RXs for this issue. Belasomra unfortunately has had little to zero effect on the condition. I will give it another 2-3 months and see if it starts to help. However, at this time it has been no help at all I am sorry to say."

• jgrapes
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 5, 2015

"I have been on 10 mg of brand ambien for 12 years. It works, but only the BRAND name - none of the generics worked. My insurance would not cover brand ambien and I was stuck paying $435 a month! I tried many medications, including several benzos, Serequel (halluncinated on that one!), etc. My osteopath had samples of Belsomra and suggested I give it a try. At first I wasn't quite convinced it was working. I gave it a good week. I can tell you know I LOVE this medication! It definitely mimics a more natural sleep cycle. I do have some weird dreams, but that usually right before waking after 8 hours of sleep. I would highly encourage trying this but give it a full week. It stops the alerted mind and stress thinking."

• Ele
• June 10, 2016

"This was a nightmarish experience for me. I ran out of my regular Temazepam and forgot to pick it up at the pharmacy, so I popped a 20mg Belsomra that my MD gave me a free sample of. About an hour into the drug, I started feeling very dizzy and my head felt so heavy, and I immediately felt this strong urge to knock out and fall into a deep slumber, so I went to my bed and started falling asleep. However, I started experiencing major sleep paralysis - it felt like it lasted for a long time, and my body just couldn't move even though my mind was fully aware and conscious of what was happening. Later on during the night, I kept falling asleep and waking up sporadically. By this morning, I was beat and vowed never to take this again."

• Oscar...
• May 2, 2016

"I have had trouble staying asleep for several years and have often had trouble being drowsy at work or while driving. I didn't expect much from Belsomra after reading about it, but the 20 mg tablets worked like a miracle. It seems that Belsomra doesn't so much put me to sleep as lets me sleep. I was usually able get back to sleep without any trouble when awakened in the middle of the night, but could function if I had to. I do feel a little "zoned" at night, but nothing like the effects of other drugs. I have no "hangover" the next day, and I feel more alert and energetic than I have for a long time. Given other people's reviews, perhaps this drug is not for everyone, but for me it works very well and may be worth giving a it try."

• TXP
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 31, 2015

"Started at 15 mg, but found it ineffective. Then 20 mg worked only marginally. Found that 30 to 40 mg works great and I wake up far more refreshed than with ambien or lunesta. I know that exceeds the recommended dosage (and requires a pill cutter for 30 mg), but I don't care. That's what works for me."

• Bluerio
• July 9, 2016

"I started taking Belsomra after my Ambien became not as effective. It was expensive, but I hoped it would change my life. I've had insomnia for almost 20 years. It seemed to work ok at first, but the longer you take it, the worse it gets. Sleep paralysis is just the beginning. Night terrors, violent dreams and very thin sleep followed. By the time I decided to go back to Ambien, I hadn't had a real sleep in months. Don't bother trying."

• sleep...
• March 4, 2016

"I tried this medication for insomnia. I had been taking Restoril 30 mg to help me sleep but it had stopped working as well. My doctor gave me samples of Belsomra to try and said I needed to start at 10 mg but it probably wouldn't work until I titrated up to 20 mg. I had the worst night I've had in a long time after taking this. I became confused and upset. I began crying and became dizzy and felt as though I couldn't breathe. I was terrified to go to sleep. I apparently did fall asleep at some point after lying awake trying to keep from going to sleep due to fear. I had horrible dreams. Never taking this again. Worst night I can remember in a long long time. I've felt horrible all day, groggy, and nervous."

• Cant...
• March 12, 2016

"Took Ambien for years but noticed increased short term memory problems, so I switched to Belsomra. Not the same kind of sleep you experience with Ambien. Took about 10 days for me to get used to this one because of the difference. It more mimics how you used to feel when you naturally got sleepy, not a dopey kind of sleep. Also, if you don't sleep because you're an extremely anxious person, you will not find this one as effective. I don't sleep as sound on this one if I have a lot on my mind, worrisome things, versus I just can't sleep because I'm wondering if, for example, Tesla's ideas really will work :)"

• amier...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 26, 2016

"I have suffered from insomnia for many years and tried a lot of different meds to help me stay asleep. I had no problem falling asleep but I would only stay asleep 1 to 4 hours and some nights I wouldn't sleep at all. Sometimes I went 6 to 14 days with only cat naps for 15-30 minutes during the day. I would even fall asleep exercising riding a stationary bike. But no more! I have been on Belsorma fo about 3 1/2 months and I feel like a new person. Now I'm sleeping 6 -10 hours a night. Sure I still have a few nights(about 10) where I only sleep 3-5 hours. But I'll take that ANY day compared to the past. I started out on 10mg and have just moved up to 20mg. But no side affects. Except perhaps a little weight gain. But it's worth it. Go ahead!"

• Rachele
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 29, 2015

"I have had insomnia (specific diagnosis is sleep stage dysfunction) for over 4 years. I've been on Ambien, Ambien CR, Doxepin, Seroquel, Trazodone, Amitriptyline, Restoril, and now Belsomra. I have been following Belsomra and it's release for about 2 years now, and could not wait for it's approval! I'm so disappointed. Last night was my first night on the medication, and I had HORRIBLE nightmares! I laid awake for hours after I took it, and then fell asleep only to wake up periodically with these horrible nightmares. Ambien 10mg worked wonders for me for a while, but then lost its effectiveness as I became more tolerant to the dose. Plus, I had severe memory loss on Ambien, and I do not want to go back to that phase."

• sleep...
• June 3, 2015

"Was on Ambien and doing well and the doctor told me since I was over 65 I could not have it any longer. Tried Trazadone, Rozarem and then Belsomra. I got maybe 2-3 hours sleep on the Belsomra if that and the dreams were axe murderer vivid. I also developed leg weakness and found my insurance copay was over $100.00! I finally am back on my Ambien and am sleeping my usual 8 hours with no hangover in the morning and no axe murderer dreams. Am very disappointed in Belsomra as I had watched its' development for awhile and had high hopes."