Which medication from the insomnia medications is an orexin receptor antagonist?

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Multiple Choice

Which medication from the insomnia medications is an orexin receptor antagonist?

Orexin receptor antagonists work by blocking the orexin system, which promotes wakefulness, to help you fall asleep and stay asleep. Belsomra (suvorexant) is the medication that does this by directly blocking the orexin receptors OX1R and OX2R, dampening the brain’s wake-promoting signals. Ambien (zolpidem) and Lunesta (eszopiclone) work differently—they’re GABA-A receptor–acting hypnotics that promote sedation through the GABA system rather than blocking orexin. ZzzQuil typically contains an antihistamine (like diphenhydramine) and does not target orexin receptors either. So, Belsomra is the orexin receptor antagonist.

Orexin receptor antagonists work by blocking the orexin system, which promotes wakefulness, to help you fall asleep and stay asleep. Belsomra (suvorexant) is the medication that does this by directly blocking the orexin receptors OX1R and OX2R, dampening the brain’s wake-promoting signals.

Ambien (zolpidem) and Lunesta (eszopiclone) work differently—they’re GABA-A receptor–acting hypnotics that promote sedation through the GABA system rather than blocking orexin. ZzzQuil typically contains an antihistamine (like diphenhydramine) and does not target orexin receptors either.

So, Belsomra is the orexin receptor antagonist.

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