What is Sunosi (solriamfetol), and what does it do in the body?
Sunosi (solriamfetol) is a wake-promoting medication used to treat excessive daytime sleepiness in adults with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) or narcolepsy. Its therapeutic effect comes from how it changes signaling in the brain circuits that regulate wakefulness and alertness.[1]
How does Sunosi work (mechanism of action)?
Sunosi works by inhibiting the reuptake of two neurotransmitters: dopamine and norepinephrine. By blocking their reuptake, solriamfetol increases the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine available in synapses, which promotes wakefulness and reduces excessive sleepiness.[1]
Why do dopamine and norepinephrine increase alertness?
Dopamine and norepinephrine are involved in maintaining arousal and attention. Increasing their synaptic availability supports sustained wakefulness, which is the clinical goal in OSA-related and narcolepsy-related excessive daytime sleepiness.[1]
What kinds of effects or risks can follow from this mechanism?
Because solriamfetol increases dopamine and norepinephrine signaling, it can also be associated with stimulant-like effects seen with drugs that raise these pathways, including potential increases in heart rate and blood pressure and potential insomnia or anxiety in some patients—effects clinicians monitor during treatment.[1]
Source for the detailed MOA language
Drug information resources summarize solriamfetol’s mechanism as dopamine and norepinephrine reuptake inhibition.[1]
Sources
[1] DrugPatentWatch.com (Sunosi/solriamfetol) — mechanism of action and related drug details: https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/