How annoying is it to toss and turn when you go to bed at night? Sometimes, even if you fall asleep, you wake up in the middle of the night and can't get back to sleep. This kind of sleeplessness, medically called insomnia , is a problem that many people have. So, as a treatment for this, your doctor may prescribe a medicine called Daridorexant. Let's talk about this medicine in detail today.
What is Daridorexant (QUVIVIQ)?
Simply put, Daridorexant is a medication that is used to treat insomnia. It is marketed under the name QUVIVIQ . Its main function is to help you fall asleep quickly and maintain a good night's sleep. This means that it helps you sleep better and longer, reducing the number of times you wake up in the middle of the night.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Before giving you this medicine, your doctor will need to know your complete health history. This medicine may not be compatible with some medical conditions. If you have any of the following conditions, be sure to tell your doctor.
| Health condition or habit | Description |
|---|---|
| Mental health problems | Depression, suicidal thoughts or attempts (in yourself or a family member). |
| Addictions | If you have been addicted to drugs or alcohol. If you drink alcohol frequently. |
| Other sleep disorders | If you have a condition that causes sudden muscle weakness (Cataplexy), a condition that causes you to fall asleep unexpectedly (Narcolepsy), or a condition that causes you to stop breathing during sleep (Sleep apnea). |
| Liver or lung disease | If you have liver disease, lung disease, or breathing difficulties. |
| Activities done in sleep | If you have previously taken a sleeping pill and done things like sleepwalking, eating, or driving. |
| Allergies | If you have an allergy 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 this medicine?
It is very important to follow the exact method of using this.
- Time: This pill should be taken 30 minutes before going to bed.
- How to take: Swallow the tablet with a glass of water.
- Food: It is best to take this medicine on an empty stomach . Eating on a full stomach may reduce the effectiveness of the medicine.
- Dosage: Do not take more than the amount prescribed by your doctor. Take it once a day.
Important: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital , or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital. Also, this medicine is for you only. Do not give it to anyone else for any reason.
Other things that may interact with this medicine (Interactions)
This medicine may interact with other medicines, vitamins, and herbal products you are taking. So tell your doctor about everything you are taking. You should be especially careful when taking this medicine with the following.
- Alcohol
- Medicines for allergies, coughs, and colds (Antihistamines)
- Some antifungals (e.g. ketoconazole, itraconazole)
- Some antibiotics (e.g. erythromycin, clarithromycin)
- Some antivirals given for HIV or Hepatitis
- Some medications for epilepsy (e.g. carbamazepine, phenytoin)
- Medications for mental illnesses like depression and anxiety
- Narcotic medicines for pain
- General anesthetics
- Grapefruit juice
This list is not complete, so it's best to talk to your doctor about anything you take.
Things to consider when taking medication
There are a few special things you need to pay attention to while using this medicine.
Unusual things people do in their sleep
After taking this medication, some people can wake up and do various things without even realizing it. For example, sleep-driving, cooking, and talking on the phone. The scariest thing is that they don't remember any of this the next morning.
If things like sleepwalking and cooking happen, it can lead to serious accidents. So stop taking the medication immediately and talk to your doctor.
To reduce this risk, do not drink alcohol the night before taking this medication. Also, do not take other sleeping pills with this medication.
The impact felt the next day
This medicine should only be taken if you have had at least 7-8 hours of uninterrupted sleep . This is because you may feel somewhat drowsy the next morning, even if you feel fully awake. Therefore, be very careful if you drive or operate machinery the next day. Talk to your doctor about this.
Mental changes
Watch for changes in your mood or behavior while taking this medicine. If you develop new or severe depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, or unusual thoughts, tell your doctor right away.
Side effects that may occur from the medicine
Like any medicine, Daridorexant can cause side effects. Some are serious, while others are mild.
| Side effects that should be reported to the doctor immediately | |
|---|---|
| Allergies | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Central nervous system depression (CNS Depression) | Slow or shallow breathing, difficulty breathing, fainting, dizziness, difficulty staying conscious. |
| Mental and behavioral changes | Anxiety, restlessness, hallucinations, suicidal thoughts. |
| Sleep-related problems | Abnormal sleep behaviors (mentioned earlier), a temporary inability to speak or move when falling asleep or waking up. |
| If it persists, you should tell your doctor , but these are not serious side effects. | |
| Next-day drowsiness | Drowsiness the day after use |
| Headache | Headache |
| Tiredness | Tiredness |
How should you store your medicine?
Keep this medicine out of the reach of children and pets . Protect it from theft as it is a medicine that can be misused. Store at room temperature (between 20-25 degrees Celsius). Throw away expired medicine.
When disposing of unused or expired medication, ask your doctor if it is okay to throw it in the trash. If you are throwing it in the trash, remove the pills from the cup, mix them with something like used tea leaves or coffee grounds, and put them in a tightly sealed bag before disposing of them.
Take-Home Message
- Daridorexant is a medication used to treat insomnia. It should only be taken on the advice of a doctor.
- It is best to take it on an empty stomach, 30 minutes before going to bed.
- Tell your doctor about any other illnesses you have and any other medications you take.
- Do not drink alcohol while taking this medicine.
- If you experience any unusual symptoms, such as sleepwalking or eating, stop taking the medication immediately and tell your doctor .
- You may feel drowsy the next day, so be careful when driving or doing tasks that require attention.
- This medicine is for you only. Do not give it to anyone else for any reason. It is illegal and dangerous.
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