Quick Summary:
- Belsomra is a medication prescribed to treat insomnia by regulating sleep cycles.
- There are concerns about its potential for addiction and whether it’s a safer alternative to other sleep aids.
- Address common questions about Belsomra, including its safety, potential for abuse, and comparison to other sleep medications like Ambien.
- Is Belsomra is suitable for long-term use?
Is Belsomra Addictive?
If you’re struggling with addiction, you might be wary of medications like sleep aids due to their potential for dependence. Belsomra, a medication often prescribed to treat insomnia, works by regulating the body’s natural wake and sleep cycle through the orexin system, which controls wakefulness.
Belsomra has been shown to have a lower risk of dependency compared to some other sleep aids. However, as with many medications that affect brain chemistry, there’s always a risk of developing a dependency, especially if misused or taken for long periods without medical supervision. Clinical studies indicate that Belsomra has a lower abuse potential than drugs like Ambien, but that doesn’t mean it’s completely risk-free. People with a history of addiction should be cautious when using any medication that alters sleep patterns, and Belsomra is no exception.
Is Belsomra a Controlled Substance?
Another crucial question for people concerned about medication and addiction is whether Belsomra is a controlled substance. The answer is yes—Belsomra is classified as a Schedule IV controlled substance by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in the United States. This classification indicates that while the drug has an accepted medical use, there is a potential for abuse, though it is considered lower than that of Schedule II or III drugs.
Because of its Schedule IV status, Belsomra prescriptions are carefully regulated to prevent misuse. If you are in recovery or concerned about the risk of becoming dependent on this medication, it’s important to have an open conversation with your healthcare provider. They can closely monitor your usage and recommend alternatives if necessary.
Is Belsomra Safe for Long-Term Use?
Chronic insomnia can be exhausting, and some people require long-term solutions for their sleep issues. Studies on Belsomra’s long-term effects suggest that it can be used safely for up to one year, under medical supervision. Unlike benzodiazepines and other sleep medications, Belsomra works in a way that may be less habit-forming.
However, long-term use of any sleep aid should be approached with caution. The potential for psychological dependence—where a person feels they cannot sleep without the medication—is something to be aware of, even if the physical risk is lower.
People who are in recovery from addiction should be particularly careful with long-term use. Over time, even medications considered “safer” can lead to reliance if not properly managed. Always consult your doctor about the benefits and risks of extended use and explore non-medication alternatives for managing sleep when possible.
Is Belsomra Better Than Ambien?
If you’re considering sleep medications, you’ve likely heard of Ambien, another widely prescribed drug for insomnia. Both medications are effective for treating sleep issues, but they work in different ways. Ambien (zolpidem) acts as a sedative-hypnotic, which means it slows down brain activity to help you fall asleep.
Belsomra, on the other hand, targets a different area of the brain—the orexin system, which controls the body’s sleep-wake cycle. Because of this difference, Belsomra is thought to have fewer side effects related to sedation and grogginess.
In terms of addiction potential, Ambien has been associated with a higher risk of abuse and dependency. Many people report feeling a sedative “high” from Ambien, which can lead to misuse. Belsomra, while not free of risk, is generally considered to have a lower potential for abuse, making it a potentially safer option for those concerned about addiction. However, each medication has its own set of pros and cons, and what works best for you should be determined in collaboration with your healthcare provider.
Is Belsomra Safer Than Ambien?
For people who are worried about the addictive qualities of sleep medications, Belsomra may be the better choice. As mentioned earlier, Ambien is known to have a higher risk of dependency and can lead to dangerous side effects like sleepwalking, night eating, and other parasomnias. Belsomra doesn’t come with the same level of risk for these behaviors, although it can still cause drowsiness and other side effects.
Additionally, some studies have found that Belsomra users experience fewer withdrawal symptoms compared to Ambien users when they stop taking the drug. This makes Belsomra a potentially safer option for people who are already in recovery or who have a history of substance use issues. However, safety is a personal matter, and you should weigh the risks and benefits of each medication with your healthcare provider.
If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction and are concerned about the risks associated with medications like Belsomra, it’s important to seek help from professionals who understand the delicate balance between treatment and recovery. Our facility offers comprehensive support to those navigating these challenges. Contact Comfort Recovery today at 866-996-8936 to discuss how we can help you achieve a healthier, addiction-free life.