Suvorexant: Feeling Awake Does Not Settle Next-Day Driving Safety

Act on unusual overnight activities

Call your doctor right away if you discover that you have been driving or doing other unusual activities while sleeping after taking suvorexant. Such activities can happen without a memory of them afterward.¹

If you have been prescribed suvorexant, tell the prescriber about the following morning before deciding how the instructions fit your schedule. Mention driving, machinery or other responsibilities that require alertness.

The mistaken shortcut: “I feel awake, so I can drive”

Suvorexant can impair driving or operating machinery the day after a dose even if you feel fully awake. MedlinePlus advises against driving, machinery or dangerous activities within eight hours of taking it and until you feel fully awake. Discuss those risks with your doctor.¹

Elapsed time alone does not establish that you can drive safely. Ask the prescriber to explain the precautions for your situation, including what to do if your usual morning routine conflicts with them.¹

Bring the actual prescription and Medication Guide to that conversation. Ask questions before making your own changes to the prescribed plan.

Include daytime effects in the review

Suvorexant can cause next-day drowsiness, reduced mental alertness and coordination problems. These effects may last several days after stopping the medicine. The prescriber may adjust treatment if daytime drowsiness is a problem.¹

Describe what you have noticed and when. Keep any observation notes with the questions you want answered. Do not use a note of how awake you felt as a driving test.

Review the other products you use

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins, supplements and herbal products. Do not drink alcohol while taking suvorexant. Read the Medication Guide and ask about unclear instructions.¹

Ask who to contact between appointments and how to report a problem with the plan. Keep that contact information where you can find it before the next dose or the next morning’s commitments.

Did I Do That in My Sleep? includes a 14-Night Lights-Out Record and a Visit Brief. Use them to organize observations and appointment questions alongside your clinician’s instructions. Explore the sleep playbook.