What is Quiviviq – daridorexant

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on Quviviq (daridorexant), a prescription treatment for adults who experience sleep problems such as trouble falling asleep (sleep onset) or staying asleep (sleep maintenance), commonly known as insomnia. In this guide, we will provide you with a complete understanding of Quviviq, including its uses, benefits, safety information, and more. We aim to equip you with the knowledge necessary to make informed decisions about your sleep health. Let’s delve into the world of Quviviq and explore how it can help you achieve better sleep.

Understanding insomnia

Before we delve into Quviviq, it’s important to have a clear understanding of insomnia. Insomnia is a common sleep disorder characterized by difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or experiencing non-restorative sleep. It can lead to daytime sleepiness, fatigue, irritability, and impaired functioning. Insomnia can be caused by various factors, including stress, anxiety, medical conditions, medications, and lifestyle habits. If you have been struggling with insomnia, it’s essential to seek proper diagnosis and treatment to improve your sleep quality and overall well-being.

Overview of Quviviq

What is Quviviq?

Quviviq is an FDA-approved (Food and Drug Administration) insomnia medication manufactured by Idorsia, a Swiss biopharmaceutical company. Daridorexant is a Schedule IV controlled substance under the Controlled Substances Act in the United States due to its potential for misuse.

It contains the active ingredient daridorexant and belongs to a class of drugs called dual orexin receptor antagonists (DORAs). Unlike sedative medications (such as zolpidem) that directly induce sleep, Quviviq works by turning down overactive wake signals in the brain, addressing one of the underlying causes of insomnia. Other DORAs include lemborexant (Dayvigo) and suvorexant (Belsomra).

How does Quviviq work?

Quviviq’s mechanism of action involves targeting and modulating the orexin system in the brain. Orexin is a neuropeptide that regulates wakefulness and is involved in the sleep-wake cycle. By selectively blocking orexin receptors, Quviviq helps regulate sleep by promoting sleep initiation and maintenance. This unique approach distinguishes Quviviq from other traditional sedative medications used for insomnia treatment.

Usage and dosage

How to take Quviviq

Quviviq is an oral medication that should be taken exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. It is typically taken once daily, within 30 minutes before bedtime. It’s important to follow the instructions provided by your doctor or pharmacist. Quviviq can be taken with or without food, but taking it with a meal may delay its effects. It’s essential to have at least 7 hours of uninterrupted sleep after taking Quviviq.

Recommended dosage

The recommended dosage of Quviviq is typically a 25 mg or 50 mg tablet, depending on your specific needs and the guidance of your healthcare provider. Your doctor may initially prescribe a lower dose and adjust it based on your response and tolerability. It’s crucial to follow your doctor’s instructions and not exceed the prescribed dosage.

Precautions and considerations

Before starting Quviviq, it’s important to discuss your medical history, including any underlying conditions or allergies, with your healthcare provider. Inform your doctor about any medications, supplements, or herbal products you are currently taking, as they may interact with Quviviq. It’s particularly important to disclose any history of depression, mental illness, substance abuse, or sleep disorders.

Quviviq is not recommended for individuals with:

• Narcolepsy, characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness and sudden sleep attacks
• Lung disease/breathing problems (such as sleep apnea, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease-COPD)
• Mental/mood problems (such as depression, thoughts of suicide)
• Personal or family history of a substance use disorder (such as overuse of or addiction to drugs/alcohol)
• Certain muscle weakness disorders (cataplexy)

It’s also essential to avoid consuming alcohol while taking Quviviq, as it can intensify the sedative effects and impair cognitive function. Additionally, Quviviq may cause drowsiness or dizziness, so it’s important to avoid activities that require mental alertness, such as driving or operating machinery, until you know how the medication affects you. The effects of this drug can last even after you wake up the next day.

Benefits and results

Clinical studies and efficacy

Clinical trials have shown that Quviviq is an effective treatment for insomnia. In these studies, adults with insomnia experienced significant improvements in sleep initiation and maintenance after taking Quviviq. The benefits of Quviviq were measured at different time points, with improvements reported as early as one week and continuing to build over three to four weeks of treatment. Quviviq has been shown to help individuals achieve longer sleep durations and reduce nighttime awakenings.

Patient testimonials

Real-world experiences of individuals taking Quviviq have further highlighted its effectiveness in improving sleep quality. Patients have reported feeling more relaxed, experiencing fewer sleep disturbances, and waking up feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. Quviviq has helped people overcome the challenges of insomnia and regain control over their sleep patterns, leading to improved overall well-being and quality of life.

Safety information

Common side effects

As with any medication, Quviviq may cause adverse effects in some individuals. The most common side effects of Quviviq reported include headache, sleepiness and somnolence. These side effects are generally mild to moderate and tend to resolve over time. If you experience any persistent or serious side effects, it’s important to contact your healthcare provider. Doctors may monitor older adults more closely for side effects of Quviviq.

Important safety precautions

While Quviviq is generally well-tolerated, there are important safety precautions to keep in mind. Quviviq can cause decreased awareness and alertness, particularly the next morning after taking the medication. It’s important to avoid activities that require mental alertness until you know how Quviviq affects you.

Quviviq may also cause temporary sleep paralysis or hallucinations during the sleep-wake transition. Stop taking Quviviq and call your healthcare provider right away if you experience complex sleep behaviors such as sleep-walking, sleep-driving, preparing and eating food, making phone calls and having sex.

Drug interactions

Quviviq may interact with certain medications, including other CNS depressants and medications that affect the orexin system. It’s crucial to inform your healthcare provider about all the medications, supplements, or herbal products you are currently taking. Your doctor can assess potential interactions and adjust your treatment plan accordingly.

Special populations

Certain populations may require special consideration when taking Quviviq. For example, individuals with a history of depression, mental illness, or suicidal thoughts should discuss their conditions with their healthcare provider before starting Quviviq. Quviviq should also be used with caution in individuals with lung or breathing problems, liver problems, or a history of substance abuse. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult their healthcare provider before using Quviviq.

Frequently asked questions

Can Quviviq cause withdrawal symptoms?

Quviviq is not associated with withdrawal symptoms when used as prescribed. However, it’s important to follow your healthcare provider’s instructions and avoid abrupt discontinuation of the medication without medical guidance.

Can Quviviq be taken with other medications?

Quviviq may interact with certain medications, including other CNS depressants, certain azole antifungals (such as itraconazole, ketoconazole), clarithromycin, cobicistat, certain HIV protease inhibitors (such as indinavir), nefazodone, rifampin, ritonavir and certain drugs used to treat seizures (such as benzodiazepine, phenytoin).

It’s important to inform your healthcare provider about all the medications, supplements, or herbal products you are currently taking to assess potential interactions. More information can be found in the medication guide or prescribing information.

Can Quviviq be taken during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

The safety of Quviviq during pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been established. It’s important to consult your healthcare provider before using Quviviq if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, as well as if you are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed.

Additional resources

Quviviq patient support program

Quviviq offers a patient support program to provide helpful tools, resources, and information for individuals using Quviviq. The program aims to support patients in managing their insomnia and optimizing their sleep health.

Where to buy Quviviq

Quviviq is a prescription medication available through licensed healthcare providers. Your healthcare provider can prescribe Quviviq and provide guidance on where to obtain the medication.

Conclusion

Quviviq (daridorexant) is a prescription medication specifically designed to treat insomnia in adults. It offers a unique approach to insomnia treatment by targeting the orexin system in the brain. Quviviq has demonstrated efficacy in clinical studies, improving sleep initiation and maintenance. It is generally well-tolerated, with common side effects including headache and sleepiness. However, it’s important to follow safety precautions, inform a healthcare professional about your medical history and medications including over-the-counter meds and herbal supplements and adhere to recommended doses. By providing relief from insomnia symptoms, Quviviq can help individuals achieve better sleep and enhance their overall well-being.

Sources

• Quviviq – European Medicines Agency
• Daridorexant (Oral Route) Side Effects – Mayo Clinic
• QUVIVIQ® (daridorexant) | What is QUVIVIQ?