Medicine & USMLE

Suvorexant

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Other Neuro Pharm
  1. Ramelteon
  2. Triptans
  3. Benzodiazepines - Function
  4. Zolpidem Zaleplon Eszopiclone
  5. Suvorexant
  6. Bromocriptine (Ergot Dopamine Agonists)
  7. Pramipexole, Ropinirole
  8. Amantadine
  9. Levodopa, Carbidopa
  10. Entacapone, Tolcapone
  11. Selegiline and Rasagiline
  12. Benztropine, Trihexyphenidyl
  13. Tetrabenazine
  14. Baclofen
  15. Memantine
  16. Riluzole
  17. Full Opioid Agonists
  18. Partial Opioid Agonists
  19. Dextromethorphan
  20. Tramadol
  21. Naloxone
  22. Naltrexone

Summary

Suvorexant is a drug used to promote sleep. It antagonizes or blocks the orexin receptor, which is normally responsible for inducing wakefulness or arousal. This blocking of orexin therefore induces sleep, making suvorexant useful for the treatment of insomnia. Since suvorexant does not cause dependence, it’s generally a safer and more preferred drug for sleep than other sleep-promoting drugs like benzodiazepines! There’s a few nonspecific side effects of suvorexant, including fatigue and headaches. Suvorexant should be avoided or used with caution in patients with narcolepsy, advanced liver disease, or those taking CYP inhibiting drugs.

Key Points

  • Suvorexant
    • Mechanism
      • Orexin (hypocretin) receptor antagonist
    • Clinical Use
      • Insomnia
    • Adverse Effects
      • CNS depression (somnolence)
      • Headache
      • Abnormal sleep-related activities
      • Contraindications:
        • Narcolepsy
        • Combination with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors
        • Liver disease
      • Limited physical dependence or abuse potential