Lemborexant

What is Lemborexant for?

Lemborexant is used for short-term treatment of insomnia (difficulty sleeping). It helps you fall asleep faster and sleep through the night.

How should I take or use Lemborexant?

• Take your medication according to the instructions stated on the medication label.
• Lemborexant is recommended to be taken just before you sleep, with at least 7 hours of sleeping time before you plan to wake up. Having less than 7 hours of sleeping time may cause you to feel sleepy or affect alertness in the daytime.
• Lemborexant may be taken with or without food. However, the effect of Lemborexant may be delayed if you take it with or after a meal.
• Speak to your doctor if your sleep problem worsens or is not improved within 7 to 10 days.
• Do not stop taking or adjust the dose of this medication without checking with your doctor.

What should I do if I forget to take or use Lemborexant?

• If you have been directed by your doctor to take this medication regularly and forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember, provided you are able to have at least 7 hours of sleeping time for the night.
• Do not take two doses to make up for the missed dose.

What precautions should I take when taking or using Lemborexant?

Inform your healthcare professional if:

• You are allergic to this medication or any of the other ingredients of this medication
• You are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. If you are pregnant and/or breastfeeding, your doctor would have discussed the potential benefits and side-effects with you and should you have further questions or concerns, do consult your doctor.
• You are taking any other medications (including those that can be bought without a prescription), supplements, traditional medications and herbal remedies. Some of them may affect how this medication works or cause serious drug interactions.
• You have or have ever had:
  • Other drug allergies
  • Kidney or liver disease
  • History of drug or alcohol abuse/addiction
  • Lung or breathing problems such as sleep apnea, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
  • History of excessive daytime sleepiness at unexpected times (narcolepsy)
  • History of mental health conditions such as depression or suicidal thoughts (thoughts of harming yourself)
  • History of sudden onset of muscle weakness (cataplexy)
  • Abnormal sleep behavior (sleep paralysis)

What food or medication should I avoid when I take or use Lemborexant?

Avoid drinking alcohol while taking Lemborexant as it can cause excessive sleepiness.

Avoid taking grapefruit when you are taking this medicine as grapefruit may interact with your medicine and increase the risk of side-effects.

What are some common side effects of Lemborexant?

• Drowsiness or feeling tired
  • Avoid driving or taking part in activities that require concentration
• Dizziness
  • Get up slowly from a sitting or lying down position
• Headache

Most of the side effects listed here will improve with time. Speak with your doctor if any of them continues, worsens or affects your daily life.

What are some rare but serious side effects that I need to seek medical advice immediately?

The symptoms of a drug allergy include one or more of the following:

• Swollen face/eyes/lips/tongue
• Difficulty in breathing
• Itchy skin rashes over your whole body

Rarely this medication may cause:

• Unusual sleep related activities such as sleep-walking, sleep-driving, eating while partially asleep, that you may not remember the next morning
• New or worsening mood or behaviour such as depression and suicidal thoughts
• Inability to move or talk for up to several minutes while you are going to sleep or waking up (signs of sleep paralysis)
• Muscle weakness that can last from seconds to a few minutes and can happen both at night or during the day (signs of cataplexy)
• Seeing or hearing things that are not there when falling asleep or waking up (hypnagogic/hypnopompic hallucinations).

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop your medication and see your healthcare professional immediately.

How should I store Lemborexant?

Store in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight. Keep this medication away from children.

How do I throw away Lemborexant safely?

Store in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight. Keep this medication away from children.