ImportantThis page is general information, not a prescription. Don't start, stop, or change a medicine without talking to your provider or pharmacist.
Overview
It's a controlled substance with lower misuse risk than many sleep medicines.
What it's used for
- Insomnia
How to take it
- Take within 30 minutes of bed, only if you can stay in bed at least 7 hours.
- It may work more slowly after a meal.
Your dose depends on your health and other medicines. Always follow your prescription label, and ask your pharmacist if anything is unclear.
Side effects
Common side effects
- Next-day drowsiness
- Headache
- Abnormal dreams
Call 911Sleep-driving or other activities you don't remember
Call your provider todayBrief inability to move or talk when falling asleep or waking (sleep paralysis)
Call 911Thoughts of suicide or harming yourself. Call or text 988 any time.
Warnings
- Not for people with narcolepsy.
- Don't drive the next day if you feel drowsy.
Other medicines, foods, and alcohol
- Alcohol and sedating medicines add to drowsiness.
- Strong CYP3A blockers like ketoconazole raise its level.
Tell your provider and pharmacist about every medicine, vitamin, and supplement you take.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Talk with your provider.
Missed doses, overdose, and storage
If you miss a dose
Only take it at bedtime. If you forget, skip it that night.
If someone takes too much
Call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 or get help online at poison.org. Call 911 if the person collapses, has a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be woken.
Storing it
Store at room temperature, away from heat and moisture (not in the bathroom), and out of reach of children and pets.
Conditions it's used for
Sources
- DailyMed: FDA drug label for Suvorexant (U.S. National Library of Medicine)
- MedlinePlus: Drugs, herbs, and supplements
- FDA: Drugs@FDA
Last updated 2026-11-13.