All About Quviviq

Quviviq vs. Ambien

Quviviq and Ambien are both used to treat insomnia (difficulty sleeping). Both prescription drugs can help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. Quviviq and Ambien have some similarities and some differences, as described in the following text.

For more information about how Quviviq compares with Ambien, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

To learn how Quviviq compares with other drugs used to treat insomnia, see the “What are some frequently asked questions about Quviviq?” section. You can also talk with your doctor about how Quviviq compares with alternative treatments.

Active ingredient and drug group

The active ingredient in Quviviq is daridorexant, while the active ingredient in Ambien is zolpidem.

These medications belong to different drug groups and work in different ways. Quviviq is a kind of drug called a dual orexin receptor antagonist (DORA). It blocks brain signals that keep you awake. Ambien is a sedative-hypnotic. It increases brain signals that cause sleepiness.

Side effects

The drugs have some similar and some different side effects. For example, both drugs can cause sleepiness that lasts into the next day, especially if you don’t get a full night’s sleep. Complex sleep behaviors, such as sleepwalking, are also possible with both drugs.

Studies of Ambien have reported changes in thinking and behavior. But these side effects haven’t been reported in studies of Quviviq.

Both Quviviq and Ambien are controlled substances that have a risk of misuse and dependence. (Misuse refers to taking a drug in a way or for a use that’s not prescribed. Dependence refers to the need to keep taking a drug to feel like usual.) These risks are higher with Ambien.

Withdrawal symptoms can occur if you suddenly stop taking Ambien, but this wasn’t reported in studies of Quviviq. (Withdrawal symptoms are side effects that can occur when you stop taking a drug that your body has become dependent on.) To learn more about Quviviq misuse and dependence, see the “Can Quviviq be misused?” section.

Quviviq’s side effects

Like most drugs, Quviviq may cause mild or serious side effects. The lists that follow describe some of the more common side effects that Quviviq may cause. These lists don’t include all possible side effects.

Keep in mind that side effects of a drug can depend on:

• your age
• other health conditions you have
• other medications you take

Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you more about the potential side effects of Quviviq. They can also suggest ways to help reduce side effects.

Mild side effects

Here’s a list of some of the mild side effects that Quviviq can cause. To learn about other mild side effects, talk with your doctor or pharmacist, or read Quviviq’s prescribing information.

Mild side effects of Quviviq that have been reported include:

• headache
• dizziness
• nausea and vomiting
• fatigue (low energy)
• mild allergic reaction

An allergic reaction is possible after taking Quviviq. While this side effect wasn’t reported in studies of Quviviq, there were reports of allergic reaction occurring after the drug became available. To learn more about this side effect, see the “Allergic reaction” section later in this article.

Mild side effects of many drugs may go away within a few days to a couple of weeks. But if they become bothersome, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Serious side effects

Serious side effects from Quviviq can occur, but they aren’t common. If you have serious side effects from Quviviq, call your doctor right away. But if you think you’re having a medical emergency, call 911 or your local emergency number.

Serious side effects of Quviviq that have been reported include:

• sleepiness, reduced alertness, and slowed reaction times the day after taking Quviviq, which could make driving dangerous
• sleep paralysis (being unable to move or talk for a few seconds or minutes as you’re falling asleep or waking up)
• hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren’t real) that occur as you’re falling asleep or waking up
• complex sleep behaviors (doing activities while asleep, such as sleepwalking, eating, driving, making phone calls, or having sex)
• severe allergic reaction

Sleepiness, reduced alertness, and slowed reaction times are more likely if you don’t get at least 7 hours of sleep after taking Quviviq. They are also more likely if you take a dose higher than your doctor recommends.

Allergic reaction

While allergic reaction wasn’t reported in studies of Quviviq, it can still happen.

Symptoms of a mild allergic reaction can include:

• skin rash
• itchiness
• flushing (temporary warmth, redness, or deepening of skin color)

A more severe allergic reaction is rare but possible. Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction can include swelling under your skin, usually in your eyelids, lips, hands, or feet. They can also include swelling of your tongue, mouth, or throat, which can cause difficulty breathing.

Call your doctor right away if you have an allergic reaction to Quviviq. But if you think you’re having a medical emergency, call 911 or your local emergency number.

Quviviq cost and coupons

Whether you have health insurance or not, the cost of Quviviq may be a factor when you’re considering treatment options for insomnia. What you’ll pay for Quviviq may depend on several things, such as your treatment plan and the pharmacy you use.

Here are a few things to consider regarding cost:

• Cost information and savings coupons: You can visit Optum Perks to get price estimates of what you’d pay for Quviviq when using coupons from the site. See the coupon options on this page. (Note: Optum Perks coupons cannot be used with insurance copays or benefits.)
• Savings program: If you have questions about how to pay for your prescription, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. You may be eligible for a copay program called QSavings card.

Learn more about saving money on prescriptions.

Quviviq dosage

Your doctor will recommend the dosage of Quviviq that’s right for you. Here are commonly used dosages, but always take the dosage your doctor prescribes.

Form and strengths

Quviviq comes as a tablet that you swallow. It’s available in two strengths: 25 milligrams (mg) and 50 mg.

Recommended dosages

You’ll usually take Quviviq 25 mg or 50 mg once every night within 30 minutes before going to bed.

Only take your dose of Quviviq if you can stay in bed for at least 7 hours. Getting less sleep than this after taking Quviviq can increase your risk of sleepiness, reduced alertness, and slowed reaction times the following day.

Questions about Quviviq’s dosing

Here are some common questions about Quviviq’s dosing.

• What if I miss a dose of Quviviq? If you miss a dose of Quviviq before going to bed, only take the missed dose if you can stay in bed for at least the next 7 hours. If you need to get up within 7 hours, skip the missed dose.
• Will I need to take Quviviq long term? Quviviq is meant to be used as a long-term treatment. If it works for you and doesn’t cause bothersome side effects, you may take it long term.
• How long does Quviviq take to work? Quviviq usually starts working to help you sleep within 30 minutes. But if you take it with food or just after eating, it can take about an extra hour to start working.

Is Quviviq used for insomnia?

Quviviq is used to treat insomnia (difficulty sleeping) in adults. It’s a sleep aid that’s prescribed for the following kinds of insomnia:

• Sleep onset insomnia (difficulty falling asleep): With this kind of insomnia, it takes a long time for you to fall asleep.
• Sleep maintenance insomnia (difficulty staying asleep): With this kind of insomnia, you wake in the night and have difficulty falling back to sleep.

Your doctor may prescribe Quviviq if you have one or both of these sleep problems.

Quviviq belongs to a newer group of insomnia medications called dual orexin receptor antagonists (DORAs). Taking a DORA medication before going to bed reduces the brain signals that make you stay awake. This helps you fall asleep faster. It also helps you stay asleep throughout the night.

What are some frequently asked questions about Quviviq?

Find answers to some commonly asked questions about Quviviq.

How does Quviviq compare with Dayvigo and other alternatives?

Quviviq belongs to a newer group of insomnia treatments called dual orexin receptor antagonists (DORAs). Other drugs in this group include lemborexant (Dayvigo) and suvorexant (Belsomra). All these drugs are very similar. But Quviviq may start to work slightly faster than Dayvigo and Belsomra. It also works for a shorter time than the other drugs, so it may be less likely to cause sleepiness the next day.

DORAs such as Quviviq work in a different way than other insomnia treatments. These include Z-drugs, such as zolpidem (Ambien), benzodiazepines such as temazepam (Restoril), and melatonin agonists such as ramelteon (Rozerem). DORAs reduce brain signals that keep you awake. Z-drugs and benzodiazepines work by increasing brain signals that cause sleepiness. Melatonin agonists help create a natural sleep-wake cycle.

These drugs have different pros and cons. To learn more about how Quviviq compares with Ambien, see the “What should I know about Quviviq vs. Ambien?” section. For details about how Quviviq compares with other insomnia treatments, talk with your doctor.

Does Quviviq cause any long-term side effects?

No, Quviviq isn’t known to cause long-term side effects.

In studies, people took Quviviq for up to 12 months. No long-term side effects were reported in these studies. Taking the drug for long periods of time doesn’t appear to increase the risk of side effects.

If you have any concerns about long-term side effects while taking Quviviq, talk with your doctor.

Is Quviviq safe for older adults to take?

Yes, Quviviq is generally safe for older adults to take. But older adults may have a higher risk of certain side effects.

In studies, people ages 65 years and older were more likely to have daytime sleepiness and fatigue (low energy) with Quviviq. These side effects could increase the risk of falls in older adults. They could also make it unsafe for older adults to drive while taking this drug.

If you’re age 65 years or older, your doctor may want to monitor you closely while you’re taking Quviviq.

What should be considered before taking Quviviq?

There are several factors to consider before deciding whether Quviviq is right for you. For example, Quviviq may interact with other conditions you have and other medications you take. Be sure to talk with your doctor about your health history and other treatments before taking Quviviq.

Some things to consider are discussed here.

Interactions

Taking a medication with certain vaccines, foods, and other things can affect how the medication works. These effects are called interactions.

Before taking Quviviq, be sure to tell your doctor about all medications you take, including prescription and over-the-counter kinds. Also describe any vitamins, herbs, or supplements you use. Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you about any interactions Quviviq may cause.

For information about drug-condition interactions, see the “Warnings” section later in this article.

Interactions with drugs or supplements

Quviviq can interact with several kinds of drugs. These drugs include:

• other insomnia drugs, such as zolpidem (Ambien), eszopiclone (Lunesta), and zaleplon (Sonata)
• benzodiazepine drugs, such as diazepam (Valium), alprazolam (Xanax), and lorazepam (Ativan)
• opioid pain relievers, such as hydrocodone (Hysingla ER), oxycodone (OxyContin), and tramadol (ConZip)
• certain antifungal drugs, such as ketoconazole, itraconazole (Sporanox), and fluconazole (Diflucan)
• certain antibiotic drugs, such as clarithromycin, ciprofloxacin (Cipro), rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane), and rifabutin (Mycobutin)
• certain HIV drugs, such as atazanavir (Reyataz), nelfinavir (Viracept), ritonavir (Norvir), and efavirenz
• seizure drugs, such as phenytoin (Dilantin, Phenytek), carbamazepine (Tegretol, Carbatrol), and pregabalin (Lyrica)
• muscle relaxant drugs, such as cyclobenzaprine (Amrix) and baclofen (Fleqsuvy)
• certain antidepressants, such as amitriptyline, trazodone, and nefazodone

Quviviq may also interact with certain supplements, such as:

• the herbal supplement St. John’s wort
• herbs and supplements used for insomnia, such as valerian and melatonin

This list does not contain all of the kinds of drugs or supplements that may interact with Quviviq. Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you more about these interactions and any others that may occur with Quviviq.

Other interactions

You should avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while taking Quviviq. Grapefruit can stop your body from breaking down Quviviq, so the drug builds up in your body. This can increase your risk of side effects.

Warnings

Quviviq can sometimes cause harmful effects in people who have certain conditions. This is known as a drug-condition interaction. Other factors may also affect whether Quviviq is a good treatment option for you.

Talk with your doctor about your health history before you take Quviviq. Be sure to tell them if any of the following factors apply to you:

• previous allergic reaction to Quviviq
• narcolepsy
• liver problems
• cataplexy
• breathing problems such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)
• depression or suicidal thoughts
• pregnancy
• breastfeeding

Quviviq and alcohol

If you drink alcohol, you should not drink it during treatment with Quviviq. Drinking alcohol during Quviviq treatment can increase your risk of the following serious side effects:

• excessive sleepiness
• unsteadiness
• sleepiness, reduced alertness, and slowed reaction times the day after taking Quviviq, which could make driving dangerous

If you’re concerned about avoiding alcohol while you’re taking Quviviq, talk with your doctor.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

It isn’t known whether Quviviq is safe to take during pregnancy. If you’re pregnant or can become pregnant, talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits of taking Quviviq.

If you decide to take Quviviq while pregnant, you’re encouraged to sign up for the Quviviq Pregnancy Exposure Registry. This registry collects health information about people who take Quviviq during pregnancy and their infants. To find out more, talk with your doctor or call 833-400-9611.

It’s not known whether Quviviq can pass into breast milk. If you’re breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed, talk with your doctor about the best way to feed your child while taking Quviviq. If you do breastfeed while taking Quviviq, talk with your doctor right away if your child becomes sleepier than usual.

How is Quviviq taken?

Your doctor will explain how you should take Quviviq. They’ll also explain how much to take and how often. Be sure to follow your doctor’s instructions.

Taking Quviviq

You should take Quviviq within 30 minutes before going to bed. But only take it if you expect to stay in bed for at least 7 hours after taking it. Getting less sleep than this after taking Quviviq can increase your risk of sleepiness, reduced alertness, and slowed reaction times the following day.

Accessible medication containers and labels

If it’s hard for you to read the label on your prescription, tell your doctor or pharmacist. Certain pharmacies may provide medication labels that:

• have large print
• use braille
• contain a code you can scan with a smartphone to change the text into audio

Your doctor or pharmacist may be able to recommend a pharmacy that offers these options if your current pharmacy doesn’t.

Also, if you’re having difficulty opening your medication bottles, let your pharmacist know. They may be able to put Quviviq in an easy-open container. Your pharmacist may also recommend tools to help make it simpler to open the drug’s container.

Questions about taking Quviviq

Here are some common questions about taking Quviviq.

• Can Quviviq be chewed, crushed, or split? Quviviq is meant to be swallowed whole. The drugmaker hasn’t provided information on whether Quviviq can be chewed, crushed, or split. If you have difficulty swallowing Quviviq, try these tips. Your doctor or pharmacist can also suggest ways to make taking this drug easier.
• Should I take Quviviq with food? No, it’s best to take Quviviq without food. If you take it with food or just after eating, it can take about an hour longer than usual to start working.
• Is there a best time of day to take Quviviq? Yes, there is. You should only take Quviviq within 30 minutes before going to bed. And you should only take it if you expect to stay in bed for at least 7 hours after taking it.

Questions for your doctor

You may have questions about Quviviq and your treatment plan. It’s important to discuss all your concerns with your doctor.

Here are a few tips that might help guide your discussion:

• Before your appointment, write down questions such as:
  • How will Quviviq affect my body, mood, or lifestyle?
• Bring someone with you to your appointment if doing so will help you feel more comfortable.
• If you don’t understand something related to your condition or treatment, ask your doctor to explain it to you.

Remember, your doctor and other healthcare professionals are available to help you. And they want you to get the best care possible. So don’t be afraid to ask questions or offer feedback on your treatment.

Can Quviviq be misused?

It’s not likely. Quviviq is a controlled substance. Controlled substances are drugs regulated by the United States government because they may result in dependence or misuse. With Quviviq, these risks are low.

Misuse refers to taking a drug in a way or for a use that’s not prescribed. An example is taking a drug prescribed for someone else. Dependence refers to the need to keep taking a drug to feel like usual.

In studies, there were no reports of Quviviq misuse or dependence. But if you have a history of substance misuse or dependence, you may be at risk of Quviviq misuse and dependence. In this case, talk with your doctor about whether Quviviq is right for you.