Orexin antagonist

An orexin antagonist is a type of pharmaceutical drug that inhibits the action of orexin, a neuropeptide that regulates arousal, wakefulness, and appetite. The primary use of orexin antagonists is in the treatment of insomnia and other sleep disorders.

Mechanism of action

Orexin antagonists work by blocking the receptors for orexin in the brain, specifically the orexin-1 and orexin-2 receptors. This inhibits the action of orexin, reducing arousal and promoting sleep.

Uses

The primary use of orexin antagonists is in the treatment of insomnia. They are also being investigated for potential use in the treatment of other conditions, such as narcolepsy, obesity, and mood disorders.

Examples

Examples of orexin antagonists include suvorexant and lemborexant, both of which are approved for the treatment of insomnia.

Side effects

Common side effects of orexin antagonists include drowsiness, headache, and dizziness. More serious side effects can include complex sleep behaviors, such as sleep-walking or sleep-driving.

See also

• Orexin
• Insomnia
• Sleep disorders
• Pharmaceutical drug

References

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