What is "suvorexant"

n. An orexin receptor antagonist.

Suvorexant, sold under the trade name Belsomra, is a medication for the treatment of insomnia. It is effective for insomnia, at least for four weeks and as compared to a placebo.

Suvorexant is a selective, dual orexin receptor antagonist made by Merck & Co. It was approved for sale by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on August 13, 2014. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has placed it on the list of schedule IV controlled substances, as it may lead to limited physical dependence or psychological dependence relative to the drugs or other substances in schedule III. The potential for psychological dependence is similar to that of zolpidem. The drug became available in Japan in November 2014 and in the United States in February 2015.