How to Use Orexin A
Complete guide to Orexin A dosing, administration, timing, and protocol recommendations.
Quick Overview
Orexin A (also called hypocretin-1) is a 33-amino-acid brain peptide made by a small cluster of neurons in the hypothalamus, and it is one of the main signals that keeps you awake. People with narcolepsy type 1 have lost most of these neurons, and orexin is undetectable in their spinal fluid. Orexin A itself is not an approved drug, but a few small German studies have sprayed it into the nose of narcolepsy patients and healthy men with measurable effects. Interesting science, very early stage.
Dosing Guidelines
Common Dose
435 nmol (about 1.5 mg) intranasal
Frequency
Single dose in studies
Dose Range
435-500 nmol (about 1.5-1.8 mg) intranasal
Note: These are the amounts used in small research studies, not a treatment protocol. Every published human study gave one dose and measured effects over hours or one night. Repeated daily use has never been studied. Doses in studies are reported in nmol; the mg figures are approximate conversions.
Administration Method
Intranasal spray
Best Time to Take
Morning
Orexin A promotes wakefulness, and the 2014 narcolepsy study that measured daytime alertness and attention gave it in the morning. An earlier study dosed before bed to study REM sleep, which is a research design, not a use case.
Protocol Duration
Single doses only in published human studies
Possible Side Effects
Not everyone experiences these. Individual responses vary.
- •Long-term human safety is unknown: published studies used single doses
- •Increased sympathetic (fight-or-flight) nerve activity seen in healthy men
- •Possible sleep disruption if taken late, since it promotes wakefulness
- •Increased appetite in animal studies
- •Theoretical blood pressure concerns with repeated use
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the recommended dose for Orexin A?
435 nmol (about 1.5 mg) intranasal
How do you administer Orexin A?
Intranasal spray
When is the best time to take Orexin A?
Morning
How long should you use Orexin A?
Single doses only in published human studies
This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult with a healthcare professional before using any peptide. Dosing information is based on research literature and community reports, not medical advice.