QUVIVIQ

QUVIVIQ^® is a modern sleep aid designed for people with chronic insomnia. Unlike older sedative medications, it works by targeting your brain's natural wake signals rather than just inducing sleep. It helps support a natural, uninterrupted night’s rest without feeling overly sedated the next day.

QUVIVIQ^® blocks a brain chemical called orexin, which is responsible for keeping you awake. By reducing this wakefulness signal, it helps you fall asleep faster, stay asleep longer, and improves your quality of sleep—without disrupting your natural sleep rhythm.

• The recommended dose is 50 mg, taken once per night within 30 minutes before going to bed.

• Some patients may be prescribed 25 mg instead, depending on individual needs.

• Only take QUVIVIQ^® if you can remain in bed for at least 7 hours.

• Do not take the tablet if you’ve missed your usual bedtime dose.

• Swallow tablets whole—do not chew or crush.

• Avoid grapefruit juice in the evening, as it may affect how the medicine works.

Common side effects include:

• Headache

• Sleepiness or daytime fatigue

Other possible reactions (mainly early in treatment) may include:

• Sleep paralysis

• Vivid dreams or hallucinations when falling asleep or waking

• Brief episodes of leg weakness

• Unusual sleep-related behaviours (e.g., sleepwalking, sleep-driving, eating or making phone calls while not fully awake)

• Mood changes, including worsening depression or suicidal thoughts

Always report any concerning symptoms to your healthcare provider.

Do not take QUVIVIQ^® if you:

• Have narcolepsy

• Are allergic to daridorexant or any of its ingredients

• Are using strong CYP3A4 inhibitors

Use with caution if you:

• Are over 75 years old (limited data available)

• Have mental health conditions or a history of depression

• Experience muscle weakness or sleep-related movement disorders

• Have liver problems

• Are pregnant or breastfeeding

Avoid:

• Alcohol while on QUVIVIQ^®

• Operating machinery, driving, or any dangerous tasks unless you're fully alert

• Combining with other sleep-inducing medicines unless advised by your doctor

What to Expect

QUVIVIQ® is prescribed as part of a personalised sleep care plan following a consultation with a licensed UK prescriber. If approved, the medication is dispensed from a registered UK pharmacy and delivered discreetly in plain packaging, typically within 24–48 hours.

Who It’s For

QUVIVIQ® may be appropriate for adults who:

• Have chronic insomnia that has lasted 3 months or more

• Struggle to fall asleep, stay asleep, or both

• Are seeking a non-sedating, regulated treatment option

• Have not responded well to behavioural or over-the-counter approaches

It is not intended for occasional sleep issues or temporary disturbances such as jet lag.

When You Might Notice Results

Some users report improvements in sleep quality within the first week of use. For most, the full benefit builds gradually over 2 to 4 weeks of consistent use.

You may notice:

• Shorter time to fall asleep

• Fewer awakenings during the night

• Feeling more rested and alert in the morning

Response can vary from person to person, and it's important to follow your prescriber’s guidance closely.

Clinical Background

QUVIVIQ® (daridorexant) has been studied in two large clinical trials involving over 1,800 adults with chronic insomnia. Results showed:

• Reduced time to fall asleep and increased total sleep duration

• Fewer interruptions during the night

• No next-day drowsiness at recommended doses

• No withdrawal symptoms after discontinuation

• No evidence of physical dependence or rebound insomnia

The treatment is recommended by NICE when other non-medication options like cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT-I) are not sufficient on their own.

Additional Guidance

• Treatment plans should be reviewed periodically to assess benefit and tolerability

• Do not share your medication with others, even if they have similar symptoms

• You may be advised to combine QUVIVIQ® with sleep hygiene strategies or CBT-I for long-term success

• Always consult your prescriber before stopping or changing your dosage