NSTK · 01.2026Independent supplement reference
NutriStack
Edition 1.0Updated July 13, 2026

Suvorexant

Prescription ·Exploratory record · not publication-reviewed ·Updated July 13, 2026

Prescription dual orexin receptor antagonist (DORA; Schedule IV controlled substance) approved for insomnia characterized by difficulty with sleep onset and/or sleep maintenance. Represents a novel mechanism for treating insomnia by blocking the wakefulness-promoting orexin (hypocretin) neuropeptide system rather than enhancing GABAergic inhibition. May preserve normal sleep architecture better than GABA-targeting hypnotics. Dosage must be determined by your prescribing physician.

Evidence tier
Moderate
Indexed sources
10 2015–2025
Interactions
0
Category
Prescription
Read the sources → Compare profiles
Publication status

Exploratory record, not a reviewed medical publication.

See the editorial and medical-review policies for the publication gate.

This generated database record has not completed a claim-level review by a qualified human medical reviewer. Bibliography links and evidence labels are not approval. The page remains available for reference and is excluded from search indexing.

In short

What the research says.

A quick, data-only summary. The full evidence, dosing, and sources are below.

Prescription dual orexin receptor antagonist (DORA; Schedule IV controlled substance) approved for insomnia characterized by difficulty with sleep onset and/or sleep maintenance. NutriStack rates the supporting evidence as moderate. Common adult dosing is 10–20 mg at bedtime (as prescribed by your physician), though a prescriber sets the actual dose. This profile indexes 10 sources.

What it's good for
  • Improved sleep onset4
  • Improved sleep maintenance4
  • Novel non-GABA mechanism
  • Preserves normal sleep architecture4
  • Low abuse potential relative to other hypnotics
What to watch for
  • Somnolence
  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Known hypersensitivity to suvorexant1,2
  • Narcolepsy

The bottom line

Evidence rating moderate. Most-documented uses: improved sleep onset, improved sleep maintenance, novel non-gaba mechanism. 10 sources indexed (2015–2025), with 0 interaction records on file.

The science

How it works, mechanistically.

Core mechanism

Antagonizes both orexin receptor type 1 (OX1R) and type 2 (OX2R), blocking the binding of wake-promoting neuropeptides orexin-A and orexin-B. The orexin system plays a critical role in maintaining wakefulness; blocking these receptors reduces the wakefulness drive, facilitating the natural transition to sleep without directly enhancing inhibitory neurotransmission.6,8

Class
Sedative-Hypnotic (Orexin Receptor Antagonist)
Absorption
Fat-soluble; take with food
Dosing

Dosing & protocol.

Common range
10–20 mg at bedtime (as prescribed by your physician)
Recommended form
Tablet

Take within 30 minutes of going to bed, with at least 7 hours remaining before planned awakening. Taking with food delays onset. Avoid taking with or after a meal.

Safety

Full safety detail.

Side effects

  • Somnolence
  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Abnormal dreams
  • Next-day drowsiness
  • Sleep paralysis (uncommon)
  • Hypnagogic hallucinations (uncommon)

Contraindications

  • Known hypersensitivity to suvorexant1,2
  • Narcolepsy
  • Concurrent use with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors
  • Severe hepatic impairment
Sources

Sources, by evidence tier.

Numbered references. Citations throughout the page link here.

Meta-analyses & systematic reviews

5

Randomized controlled trials

1

Reference material

4
FAQ

Common questions.

Quick answers about Suvorexant, drawn from the data on this page.

What is Suvorexant?

Prescription dual orexin receptor antagonist (DORA; Schedule IV controlled substance) approved for insomnia characterized by difficulty with sleep onset and/or sleep maintenance. Represents a novel mechanism for treating insomnia by blocking the wakefulness-promoting orexin (hypocretin) neuropeptide system rather than enhancing GABAergic inhibition. May preserve normal sleep architecture better than GABA-targeting hypnotics. Dosage must be determined by your prescribing physician.

What is Suvorexant used for?

Commonly cited benefits of Suvorexant include: Improved sleep onset; Improved sleep maintenance; Novel non-GABA mechanism; Preserves normal sleep architecture; Low abuse potential relative to other hypnotics. NutriStack rates the overall evidence as moderate.

What is a typical dose of Suvorexant?

A typical adult dose of Suvorexant is 10–20 mg at bedtime (as prescribed by your physician). The commonly recommended form is Tablet. These are general ranges, not personalized advice; confirm the right dose with a clinician.

What are the side effects of Suvorexant?

Reported side effects include somnolence, headache, dizziness, abnormal dreams, next-day drowsiness, sleep paralysis (uncommon). This is educational information; check with a healthcare professional before use.

How strong is the evidence for Suvorexant?

NutriStack rates this as Moderate, meaning several aligned RCTs or one large RCT plus supporting reviews. Full tier criteria are at https://nutristackapp.com/methodology/evidence-tiers.

Use this with your stack

Suvorexant in NutriStack.

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NutriStack is an informational and organizational tool, not a medical service, and not a substitute for professional advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting, stopping, or changing any supplement or medication.