What is Quviviq: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Medically reviewed by Ashley WongPharm. D.
Licensed Pharmacist
Updated May 14, 2025  •  Published May 8, 2022
Fact Checked

Quviviq is a brand-name medication used to treat insomnia (trouble sleeping) in adults. It is available as an oral tablet and is taken once per night within 30 minutes before going to bed. Although it is an effective treatment option, it can worsen depression and increase the risk of suicidal thoughts or actions.

Quviviq overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Quviviq

Generic Names:

  • Daridorexant

Uses:

  • Treats insomnia (sleep onset and sleep maintenance)

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Orexian receptor antagonist

Forms:

  • Oral tablet

How it’s taken:

  • By mouth

What is Quviviq used for?

Quviviq is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat adults who have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep (insomnia).

Key takeaways

  • Take Quviviq within 30 minutes before going to bed. Only take it if you plan to sleep for a full night (at least 7 hours). 

  • It may take Quviviq longer to work if you take it with or soon after a meal. 

  • You may experience sleepiness the next day after taking Quviviq, especially if you take it with less than a full night of sleep. This can interfere with your ability to think, focus, and react. Do not drive or do anything that requires concentration until you know how Quviviq affects you. 

  • Quviviq can worsen depression and increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and actions. If your depression gets worse or you have thoughts of harming yourself, talk to a healthcare provider right away. 

  • You should not drink alcohol while taking Quviviq. Mixing Quviviq with alcohol can worsen daytime drowsiness, coordination, and concentration.

What form(s) does Quviviq come in

  • Tablet

    • 25 mg

    • 50 mg

What are common Quviviq doses?

  • 25 mg to 50 mg by mouth once per night within 30 minutes of going to bed

Common Quviviq prescriptions

  • Quviviq
    25mg tablet

  • Quviviq
    50mg tablet

How to take Quviviq

  • 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.

What to do if you miss a dose of Quviviq

  • 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 contraindications

  • 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 warnings

  • 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. 

Quviviq interactions

  • 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: 

Quviviq side effects

Quviviq may cause side effects that are mild or severe. 

Contact your healthcare provider if you develop any of the following side effects: 

  • Worsening depression

  • Suicidal thoughts or actions

  • Sleep paralysis or hallucinations while going to sleep or waking up 

  • Abnormal sleep behaviors

Other side effects include: 

  • Headache

  • Sleepiness

  • Dizziness

  • Nausea

Medically reviewed by Ashley WongPharm. D.
Licensed Pharmacist

Ashley Wong, Pharm.D., has worked for healthcare companies where she translated complex drug information into easy-to-understand language for patients. She also served as a Senior Medical Information Specialist at a medical communications company, where she delivered clinically accurate drug information to healthcare providers and patients and compiled adverse event reports in accordance with the FDA's reporting guidelines.

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