Orexin receptors (OrxR1 and OrxR2) have been implicated in the regulation of motivation, arousal, and stress, making them possible targets for the treatment of substance use disorder.
Current evidence and literature reviews provide a strong justification for examining the orexin receptor (OXR) system as a therapeutic target in substance use disorders, including cocaine and other psychostimulants.
A number of psychiatric conditions, including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and substance use disorders, are characterized by deficits in impulse control, however the relationship between orexin and impulsive behavior is incompletely characterized.
Results from this exploratory study provide support for the following: (1) studying how suvorexant may provide benefit to humans with stimulant use disorders, (2) identifying a potential role for orexin transmission in cathinone abuse, and (3) further interrogating the potential utility of rat USVs to predict drug consumption in preclinical models of substance use disorders.