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Orexin - Uses - Dosages - Side Effects - Precautions

Orexin: Frequently Asked Questions Answered

What is Orexin?

Orexins are lateral hypothalamic neuropeptides that play a critical role in the regulation of alertness. The neuropeptide orexin, also known as hypocretin, governs arousal, alertness, and appetite. Orexin in neurons is triggered by food-related signals and low energy balance through neural connections to the limbic system and energy balance parameters to increase feeding behaviour. 

 

What are the uses of Orexin?

The orexin supplement contains a blend of vitamin B.  The uses include treating or preventing vitamin deficiency due to a poor diet, certain illnesses, alcoholism or pregnancy. Vitamin B includes thiamine, riboflavin, niacinamide, pyridoxine, cobalamin, folic acid, and pantothenic acid. Certain types of vitamin B contain ingredients including vitamin C, vitamin E, biotin, and zinc.

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What are the side effects of Orexin?

One may experience some gastrointestinal side effects with the Orexin supplement. They are typically transient and will fade when the body responds to the product. 

These side effects are as follows:

  • Stomach discomfort
  • Upset stomach
  • Abdominal pain
  • Drowsiness
  • Lethargy

If you detect any of the following symptoms, seek medical help.

  • Severe allergic reaction to the skin
  • Swollen face/tongue/throat
  • Severe dizziness
  • Trouble breathing
  • Lightheadedness

If you experience any side effects from Orexin or if they worsen, consult a doctor.

 

Frequently Asked Questions about Orexin

1. Under what conditions is orexin active in the body?

During wakefulness, especially with motor activity, orexin neurons are physiologically active, but they go silent during non-REM and REM sleep. The motor activity could be exercise or having food.

2. How does orexin affect sleep?

Orexin neurons increase the amount of time spent awake and decrease the time in non-REM and REM sleep. Another use of Orexin plays a significant role in controlling sleep and excitation, with orexin-producing neurons being more active during the day. These neuropeptides trigger other neurons to release dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine.

3. Does orexin suppress hunger?

Orexin-A increases food intake by delaying the onset of a behaviorally typical satiety sequence. On the other hand, a specific orexin-1 receptor antagonist reduces food intake while also speeding up the beginning of the usual satiety sequence. 

4. What triggers the release of orexin?

A study found that stimulating prefrontal cholinergic neurons released orexin from hypothalamic neurons. Increased orexin promotes the arousal state and executive processes via cortical cholinergic neurons. Ghrelin and hypoglycemia activate orexin-producing cells. These are blocked by leptin but activated by ghrelin.

5. Does orexin keep you awake?

Yes, orexins are also known as hypocretin brain chemicals that help to keep you alert and awake. There are billions of these neurons in the brain, but only one to two lakh of them produce orexins when awake. Orexins also ensure that rapid-eye-movement (REM) sleep does not happen at inopportune periods. 

6. Is orexin sleep-promoting?

No, orexins help in controlling sleep and alertness. Orexin-producing neurons are most active during the day. These neuropeptides cause other neurons to release neurotransmitters that promote alertness and keep us awake. These include dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine.

7. Is orexin excitatory or inhibitory?

Orexin neurons deliver excitatory input to wake-active neurons, which produces inhibitory feedback projections to orexin neurons. This mechanism is used to keep awake neurons active. A drop in the activity of wake-active neurons causes a less inhibitory impact on orexin neurons. The orexin-producing neurons in the lateral hypothalamus are essential for maintaining alertness and increasing excitation. 

8. Are there orexin supplements?

Yes, orexin supplementation is a more advanced approach to narcolepsy treatment because it treats the fundamental cause of the disease rather than the symptoms only. Over the last two decades, there has been a significant rise in research on orexin supplementation as a treatment for sleep disorders. 

9. Does caffeine affect orexin?

Caffeine stimulates orexin-positive neurons in the lateral hypothalamus. One of the study findings suggests that systemically administered caffeine stimulates orexin neurons more than non-orexin neurons. This activation is most pronounced in the perifornical area, where orexin neurons are most concentrated. Unsystematic administration of caffeine may not have stimulatory action. 

10. How can I increase my orexin naturally?

Orexin production can be boosted by eating fermented foods such as sauerkraut and pickles. Lactic acid generation can inhibit glucose production, which increases orexin production. According to research, increased glucose levels limit orexin production. When you eat fewer sugar and carbs as a precaution, the body has a better chance of producing more orexin.

If you are wondering about the efficacy and safety of orexin, it would be wise to consult with our doctors first. At Yashoda Hospitals, we have one of the best teams of skilled professionals and doctors with decades of experience, ready to solve any of your problems.

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Disclaimer: The information provided herein is accurate, updated and complete as per the best practices of the Company. Please note that this information should not be treated as a replacement for physical medical consultation or advice. We do not guarantee the accuracy and the completeness of the information so provided. The absence of any information and/or warning to any drug shall not be considered and assumed as an implied assurance of the Company. We do not take any responsibility for the consequences arising out of the aforementioned information and strongly recommend you for a physical consultation in case of any queries or doubts.