What Is Quviviq?

Quviviq is the brand name for Daridorexant, a prescription medication approved by the FDA in January 2022 for the treatment of insomnia in adults. It's made by Idorsia Pharmaceuticals and belongs to a newer class of sleep medications called dual orexin receptor antagonists (DORAs).

Unlike older sleep medications such as Ambien (Zolpidem) or Lunesta (Eszopiclone), which work by enhancing the brain's GABA system to sedate you, Quviviq works by blocking orexin — a chemical in the brain that keeps you awake. The result is a more natural transition into sleep, without the heavy sedation that comes with older drugs.

Quviviq is a Schedule IV controlled substance, meaning it requires a prescription and has some potential for misuse, though the risk is considered lower than many older sleep medications.

What Is Quviviq Used For?

Quviviq is FDA-approved for one indication:

• Treatment of insomnia in adults — specifically, insomnia characterized by difficulty falling asleep (sleep onset) and/or difficulty staying asleep (sleep maintenance)

It is designed for adults who have trouble either falling asleep at night, waking up too often during the night, or both. It is not approved for use in children and has not been studied in pediatric populations.

There are currently no widely recognized off-label uses for Quviviq. It is used primarily for its FDA-approved indication.

How Does Quviviq Work?

Quviviq blocks two receptors in the brain called OX1 and OX2 (orexin receptors). Orexin is a neuropeptide — a signaling molecule — that your brain produces to keep you alert and awake during the day.

By blocking these orexin receptors, Quviviq reduces the brain's "stay awake" signal, making it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep. Think of it this way: rather than forcing you to sleep (like a sedative), Quviviq turns down the wakefulness dial.

This mechanism gives Quviviq a distinct advantage in terms of side effects. Because it doesn't interact with the GABA system, it's less likely to cause:

• Morning grogginess ("hangover" effect)
• Memory problems
• Physical dependence
• Rebound insomnia when you stop taking it

For a deeper dive, read: How Does Quviviq Work? Mechanism of Action Explained

Quviviq Dosage: 25 mg and 50 mg

Quviviq comes in two tablet strengths:

• 25 mg — often used as a starting dose or for patients taking certain other medications
• 50 mg — the full dose for most adults

How to Take Quviviq

Follow these guidelines for the best results:

1. Take one tablet per night — no more than once daily
2. Take it within 30 minutes of bedtime
3. Allow at least 7 hours before you need to wake up — this reduces the risk of next-morning drowsiness
4. Take it on an empty stomach — eating a meal (especially a high-fat meal) before taking Quviviq can delay its onset by about 1.3 hours
5. Do not take with alcohol — alcohol increases CNS depressant effects

Dose Adjustments

Your doctor may prescribe the 25 mg dose instead of 50 mg if you:

• Are taking a moderate CYP3A4 inhibitor (such as Erythromycin, Diltiazem, Fluconazole, or Verapamil)
• Experience bothersome side effects at 50 mg
• Are elderly or have other factors that affect drug metabolism

Important: Quviviq is contraindicated (should not be used) with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors such as Ketoconazole, Itraconazole, Clarithromycin, or Ritonavir. For more on drug interactions, see our complete drug interactions guide.

Who Should Not Take Quviviq?

Quviviq is not appropriate for everyone. You should not take Quviviq if you:

• Have narcolepsy
• Are taking a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor
• Are pregnant or breastfeeding (not studied in these populations)
• Are under 18 years old

Use with caution if you:

• Have depression or a history of suicidal thoughts
• Have a history of substance abuse
• Have liver problems
• Are elderly

Always tell your doctor about all medications you take, including over-the-counter drugs, supplements, and herbal products (particularly St. John's Wort, which can reduce Quviviq's effectiveness).

Side Effects of Quviviq

The most common side effects include:

• Headache
• Daytime drowsiness (somnolence)
• Fatigue
• Dizziness
• Nausea

Serious but less common side effects include:

• Complex sleep behaviors (sleepwalking, sleep-driving)
• Sleep paralysis
• Hallucinations
• Worsening depression or suicidal thoughts
• Temporary muscle weakness (cataplexy-like symptoms)

For a complete breakdown, read: Quviviq Side Effects: What to Expect

How Much Does Quviviq Cost?

Quviviq is a brand-name medication with no generic available. Here's what you can expect to pay:

Savings Options

• QUVIVIQ360 Copay Savings Card: Eligible patients with commercial insurance may pay as little as $25/month. Not valid with government insurance (Medicare, Medicaid, Tricare).
• Patient Assistance Programs: Uninsured patients or those with financial hardship can apply through QUVIVIQ360 or organizations like NeedyMeds and RxAssist.
• Insurance coverage: Many plans cover Quviviq but may require prior authorization or step therapy.

Get the full details: How to Save Money on Quviviq

Quviviq vs. Other Sleep Medications

Here's how Quviviq compares to other commonly prescribed insomnia medications:

Quviviq vs. Belsomra (Suvorexant)

Both are DORAs, but Quviviq has a shorter half-life (~8 hours vs. ~12 hours for Belsomra), which may mean less morning drowsiness. Quviviq is also available at a higher dose (50 mg vs. Belsomra's maximum of 20 mg).

Quviviq vs. Dayvigo (Lemborexant)

Dayvigo is another DORA with an even longer half-life (~17-19 hours). Quviviq may be preferred for patients who need to be alert earlier in the morning.

Quviviq vs. Ambien (Zolpidem)

Ambien is a Z-drug that works on GABA receptors. It's available as a generic (much cheaper), but carries higher risks of dependence, morning impairment, and complex sleep behaviors. Quviviq offers a different mechanism with potentially fewer of these risks.

Explore all your options: Alternatives to Quviviq

How to Get Quviviq

To get Quviviq, you'll need:

1. A prescription from a licensed healthcare provider — find a doctor who prescribes Quviviq
2. Insurance authorization (if applicable) — your doctor's office usually handles this
3. A pharmacy that stocks it — check pharmacy availability here

Not all pharmacies carry Quviviq. It's a newer, expensive brand-name drug, so some locations may need to order it. Use our stock finder tools to locate pharmacies near you that have it available.

Bottom Line

Quviviq represents a newer approach to treating insomnia — one that works with your brain's natural sleep-wake system rather than forcing sedation. At 25 mg or 50 mg taken nightly, it helps adults both fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer, with a side effect profile that's generally favorable compared to older options.

The main drawback is cost: without insurance or a copay card, you're looking at $550+ per month. But with the QUVIVIQ360 savings program, many patients pay just $25.

If you're struggling with insomnia and older medications haven't worked — or you've experienced unwanted side effects from them — Quviviq is worth discussing with your doctor.