suvorexant

Suvorexant is a small molecule pharmaceutical drug used to treat insomnia, specifically for patients who have difficulty with sleep onset and/or sleep maintenance. It is a selective dual antagonist of orexin receptors OX1R and OX2R, also known as a dual orexin receptor antagonist (DORA). By blocking the binding of neuropeptides orexin A and B (hypocretin 1 and 2) at these receptors in the brain, suvorexant reduces wakefulness and arousal without directly promoting sleep. This mechanism distinguishes it from other hypnotics such as benzodiazepines or Z-drugs, which act on GABA receptors. Suvorexant is administered orally as a tablet, typically taken within 30 minutes before bedtime when at least seven hours remain before planned awakening. It was developed by Merck & Co., first approved in 2014, and marketed under the brand name Belsomra[1][3][4][5].

Brand names

Belsomra

Other names

suvorexant