Meta Information
ID:doras
Name:Dual Orexin Receptor Antagonists
Schema Version:1.5
Alternate Names
- DORAs
- Lemborexant
- Suvorexant
- Daridorexant
Intervention Type
therapeutic_agent
Expected Cost Mean
Low Cost:
350
High Cost:
550
Cost Type:
monthly
Description:
Monthly cost for branded, prescription-only medication; may be covered by insurance.
Summary
Dual Orexin Receptor Antagonists (DORAs) are a class of prescription medications that promote sleep by selectively blocking orexin, a key neuropeptide that signals wakefulness. Unlike traditional hypnotics which cause broad sedation, DORAs are thought to facilitate a more naturalistic sleep architecture by 'turning down' the brain's wake systems. From a healthspan perspective, achieving consistent, high-quality sleep is critical for glymphatic clearance of neurotoxins, hormonal regulation, and cellular repair processes.
Purpose
Improves sleep quality by selectively suppressing the brain's wakefulness signals.
Card Summary
A newer class of prescription sleep medication that targets the brain's wakefulness system (orexin) to improve sleep onset and maintenance, potentially offering a more restorative sleep profile than traditional hypnotics.
Drug Class
Drugs In Class
- lemborexant
- suvorexant
- daridorexant
Impact
Score:
7.2
Justification:
Restores sleep architecture, a foundational pillar for glymphatic clearance and cellular repair.
Evidence
Grade:
A
Score:
9
Justification:
Multiple large-scale human RCTs confirm efficacy for improving sleep onset and maintenance.
Safety
Score:
5.5
Justification:
Prescription drug with risks of next-day drowsiness and complex sleep behaviors.
Flags
- Requires a prescription and medical supervision.
- Risk of next-day somnolence can impair driving or operating heavy machinery.
- May worsen depression or suicidal ideation in susceptible individuals.
- Contraindicated in patients with narcolepsy.
- Potential for complex sleep behaviors like sleepwalking or sleep-driving.
- Avoid co-administration with strong CYP3A inhibitors which can increase drug concentration.
Verdict
A promising, targeted tool for restoring sleep architecture, requiring medical guidance.
Created
2026-04-27T00:57:55.486475Z
Model
Gemini 3.1 Pro (High)
Delivery
Route:
oral
Scope:
- systemic
Indication
Focus:
disease_treatment
Description:
Dual Orexin Receptor Antagonists (DORAs) are a class of prescription medications that promote sleep by selectively blocking orexin, a key neuropeptide that signals wakefulness. Unlike traditional hypn...
Typical Protocol
- Taken 30 minutes before bedtime as needed to improve sleep onset and maintenance.
- Dosages are titrated to the lowest effective dose to minimize next-day somnolence.
Non Healthspan
True