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Suvorexant: something new for sleep?

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  14 November 2014

Abhishek Reddy ,
Sowmya C Puvvada ,
Satyanarayana Kommisetti ,
Rif S. El-Mallakh  and
Steven Lippmann
Abhishek Reddy
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, USA
Sowmya C Puvvada
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, USA
Satyanarayana Kommisetti
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, USA
Rif S. El-Mallakh
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, USA
Steven Lippmann*
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, USA
*
Dr. Steven Lippmann, ACB Clinic, First Floor, 550 South Jackson Street, Louisville, KY 40202, United States of America. Tel: +502 852 1759;Fax: +502 588 5939; E-mail: sblipp01@louisville.edu
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Abstract

Orexin, also called hypocretin, is a neuropeptide that acts on central nervous system receptors to promote arousal. Suvorexant, its receptor antagonist, generates interest as a medication to treat insomnia. Suvorexant helps in decreasing wakefulness by counteracting orexin activity. Its low side effect potential may offer considerable benefit. Compared with other sleep aids, diminished drowsiness and less cognitive dysfunction is an advantage. Now approved for clinical use, an apparent lack of rebound insomnia or drug dependence potential might make suvorexant a good choice pharmacotherapy for patients with insomnia.

Keywords

insomnianon-addictive pharmacotherapyorexin receptor antagonistsleep medicationsuvorexant
Type
Short Communication
Information
Acta Neuropsychiatrica , Volume 27 , Issue 1 , February 2015 , pp. 53 - 55
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Copyright
© Scandinavian College of Neuropsychopharmacology 2014 

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