What is Quviviq? Uses, warnings & side effects

Take Quviviq exactly as prescribed. Quviviq is typically taken one time each night within 30 minutes of going to bed. 

Do not change your dose of Quviviq without talking to your doctor. Taking a higher dosage than prescribed can increase the risk of side effects. 

You should only take Quviviq if you are going to stay in bed for at least 7 hours. 

Quviviq may take longer to work if you take it with or right after a meal.

If you miss a dose of Quviviq, you can still take the dose if you plan on sleeping for at least 7 hours. Skip the dose if you plan on waking up in less than 7 hours. Then take the next dose as you normally would the following day.

Quviviq isn’t right for everyone. Do not take Quviviq if you have narcolepsy or if you’ve had an allergic reaction to daridorexant or any other ingredients in the drug.

Quviviq can cause daytime sleepiness. This can affect your ability to concentrate, think, and react. The risk of daytime sleepiness is higher if you take Quviviq with less than 7 hours of sleep, if you take a higher dose than recommended, or if you take it with other drugs or substances that cause drowsiness. Examples include benzodiazepines, alcohol, and opioids. Do not drive or do any activities that require concentration until you know how Quviviq affects you. It’s best to avoid alcohol while you’re taking Quviviq. 

Because Quviviq can cause drowsiness, older adults may be at higher risk of falls and injuries. 

Quviviq can worsen depression and cause suicidal thoughts and actions. If you notice your depression is getting worse or you have thoughts of harming yourself, talk with your healthcare provider right away. 

Quviviq can cause sleep paralysis, which is an inability to move or speak for up to a few minutes while you’re falling asleep or waking up. It can also cause hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren’t real). 

Quviviq can cause abnormal sleep behaviors. It can cause you to do various activities while asleep, such as sleepwalking, sleep driving, eating, making phone calls, or having sex. If you experience any sleep behaviors, stop taking Quviviq and contact your healthcare provider. 

It’s not known if Quviviq is safe for people with breathing problems. If you have breathing disorders, such as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), discuss with your provider if Quviviq is right for you. 

Some medications can affect the levels of Quviviq in your body. This can increase the risk of side effects or cause the drug to be less effective. Examples of these medications include: 

• Ketoconazole

• Diltiazem

• Verapamil

• Phenytoin

Rifampin

Quviviq can cause drowsiness, decreased alertness, and affect your ability to think clearly. Certain medications and alcohol can worsen these effects. Examples of these medications include: 

• Xanax (alprazolam)

• Norco (hydrocodone/acetaminophen)

• Cyclobenzaprine