Do you struggle to fall asleep at night by tossing and turning? Sometimes you fall asleep but wake up in the middle of the night and can't get back to sleep? This is a problem that many people have. So, Daridorexant is a medicine that is used to treat insomnia . Let's take a look at the details of this medicine and what you need to be careful about while using it.
What is this medicine called Daridorexant?
Simply put, Daridorexant is a medication used to treat insomnia. Its main brand name is QUVIVIQ. This medication helps you fall asleep faster and stay asleep throughout the night.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
It is very important that your doctor is fully aware of your health condition before giving you this medicine. If any of the following apply to you, be sure to tell your doctor.
| Condition or habit | See if it applies to you |
|---|---|
| Mental health problems | If you have depression or have had suicidal thoughts or plans. |
| Alcohol and drugs | If you are a regular drinker or have a history of drug addiction. |
| Other sleep problems | If you have sleep apnea, narcolepsy, or cataplexy. |
| Sleepwalking | If you have previously taken sleeping pills and done things like sleepwalking, eating, or driving. |
| Other medical conditions | If you have liver, lung, or respiratory diseases. |
| Allergies | If you are allergic to Daridorexant or any other medicines, foods, or dyes. |
| Pregnancy and breastfeeding | If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding. |
How should I use the medicine?
- This pill should be taken at night, about 30 minutes before going to bed , with a glass of water.
- Take it exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Never take more than the prescribed dose.
- The medicine works best if taken on an empty stomach. That means it's best to take it shortly after dinner.
- You will receive a special information leaflet (MedGuide) about this medicine when you are given it. Always read it carefully. If you have any questions, ask your doctor.
What to do if you take too much medicine?
If you think you have taken more medicine than you think, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
This medicine has been prescribed for you only. It has been given to you to treat your condition. Therefore, never share this medicine with anyone else.
Other things that may interact with this medicine
Daridorexant can interact with some other medications and foods. This can increase side effects or change how well the medicine works. Therefore, you should tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking (including vitamins and herbal remedies).
Below are just a few of the things that may interact with this medication.
| Type of drug or substance | Some examples |
|---|---|
| Alcohol | Any type of alcohol. |
| Sedatives and sleeping pills | Benzodiazepines, such as Alprazolam, Diazepam, Lorazepam, and other sleeping pills. |
| Medications for depression or mental illness | Medications for various mental illnesses. |
| Some antibiotics and antifungals | Erythromycin, Clarithromycin, Ketoconazole, Itraconazole. |
| Some medications for epilepsy | Carbamazepine, Phenytoin, Phenobarbital. |
| Grapefruit, a citrus fruit | Grapefruit juice or fruit. |
Things to keep in mind when taking medication
Abnormal sleep behaviors
This is the most important and dangerous thing to pay attention to with these types of medications. Some people can do various things while completely asleep after taking this medication. But the next morning they don't remember any of it.
Imagine, you take this medicine at night and go to sleep. But when you wake up the next morning, you've made dinner, driven the car, called someone... but you don't remember any of this! If something like this happens, it's very dangerous. If you find out that something like this has happened, stop taking the medicine immediately and call your doctor.
Feeling sleepy the next day
After taking this medicine, plan to get a good night's sleep, at least 7-8 hours . If you don't, you may feel sleepy and sluggish the next morning. This medicine may affect your coordination and reaction time. Therefore, do not drive or operate machinery until you know exactly how this medicine affects you.
Changes in mental status
Be aware of your mental state while taking this medication. If you develop new or worsening symptoms of depression, suicidal thoughts , or sudden changes in mood or behavior , tell your doctor immediately.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, Daridorexant can cause some side effects. Some of these can be serious and require immediate medical attention.
| Side effect | Description |
|---|---|
| Side effects that should be reported to your doctor immediately | |
| Severe allergic reactions (Allergic reactions / Angioedema) | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, eyes, lips, tongue or limbs, difficulty swallowing or breathing. |
| Central nervous system depression (CNS depression) | Slow or shallow breathing, excessive sleepiness, confusion, and inability to wake up. |
| Mental and behavioral changes | Confusion, hallucinations, agitation, suicidal thoughts. |
| Abnormal sleep behaviors | Doing things like sleepwalking, eating, and driving, and then losing memory of them. |
| Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (if these persist, tell your doctor ) | |
| Feeling sleepy the next day | Feeling sleepy the morning after taking the medicine. |
| Headache | Mild or moderate headache. |
| Fatigue | Body fatigue. |
How should you store the medicine?
- Keep this medicine out of the reach of children and pets .
- Since this medicine has the potential for abuse, keep it in a safe place that can be protected from theft.
- Store at a temperature between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius (68-77 Fahrenheit).
- Throw away expired or unwanted medications. These medications can be fatal if they get into the hands of another adult, child, or pet. So, ask your doctor how to properly dispose of unused medications.
Take-Home Message
- Daridorexant is a medication for insomnia. It should only be taken as prescribed by your doctor.
- Before you start taking the medication, tell your doctor about all your medical conditions and all medications you are taking.
- When taking this medication, be very careful about unusual sleep behaviors (such as sleepwalking ) and feeling sleepy the next day.
- Never give this medicine that was prescribed for you to anyone else. It is illegal and very dangerous.
- If you experience any serious side effects, changes in mental status, or unusual sleep behavior, stop taking the medication immediately and call your doctor.
👩🏽⚕️ Additional questions (FAQs)
💬 What kind of medicine is Daridorexant (Quviviq)?
Daridorexant is a new type of medication that is used to help people with insomnia sleep. It works by blocking a chemical in the brain (orexin) that controls our wakefulness.
💬 Are there any side effects (reviews) from using this medicine?
Many people say that this does not cause the extreme drowsiness or intoxication that other sleeping pills cause the next morning. However, some people may experience headaches or strange dreams.
💬 How is this different from other sleeping pills?
Sleeping pills are usually prescribed to slow down the brain and force it to go to sleep. However, this one is considered a safer drug because it prevents you from staying awake.
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