Quviviq is the brand name for daridorexant, a prescription-only medicine used to treat insomnia in adults characterised by difficulties with sleep onset and/or sleep maintenance. It belongs to a class of medicines called dual orexin receptor antagonists (DORAs). Rather than broadly sedating the brain like older sleep medicines, it works by blocking orexin from binding to its two receptors (OX1R and OX2R). Orexin normally sends a “stay awake” signal, so turning it down allows the brain to calm and prepare for sleep. It is not a benzodiazepine.
Quviviq usually starts working within about 30 minutes and is designed to help people both fall asleep more easily and sleep through the night. It is taken once nightly, shortly before bed, and only when a full night of sleep (at least 7 hours) is possible. It received FDA approval in January 2022 and is manufactured by Idorsia Pharmaceuticals. Because it has some potential for abuse and dependence, it is a controlled substance, so it should be kept securely and never shared. If sleep problems persist after 7 to 10 days of use, it may indicate an underlying condition that needs review by a healthcare provider.
