Hetlioz and alcohol

Food can delay the absorption of tasimelteon, which may increase the amount of time it takes for the medication to work. You should take tasimelteon without food at the same time each night before going to bed. If you are a smoker, there is a possibility that tasimelteon may not work as well for you due to reduced blood levels of the medication in smokers compared to nonsmokers. You should avoid or limit the use of alcohol while being treated with tasimelteon. It can increase some of the side effects including dizziness, drowsiness, and difficulty concentrating. Some people may also experience impairment in thinking and judgment. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns.

GENERALLY AVOID: Alcohol may potentiate some of the pharmacologic effects of tasimelteon. Use in combination may result in additive central nervous system depression and/or impairment of judgment, thinking, and psychomotor skills.

ADJUST DOSING INTERVAL: Food may delay the absorption and onset of action of tasimelteon. According to the product labeling, administration of tasimelteon with a high-fat meal decreased peak plasma concentration (Cmax) by 44% and delayed the median time to reach Cmax by approximately 1.75 hours compared to administration in the fasted state.

MONITOR: Smoking induces CYP450 1A2 and may reduce the plasma concentrations of tasimelteon, which is metabolized by the isoenzyme. According to the product labeling, tasimelteon systemic exposure was approximately 40% lower in smokers than in nonsmokers.

MANAGEMENT: Patients receiving tasimelteon should be advised to avoid or limit consumption of alcohol. Tasimelteon should be taken without food. Patients who smoke may have a reduced therapeutic response to tasimelteon.