Quviviq contains daridorexant 50mg, a prescription sleep medication belonging to a newer class of medicines known as dual orexin receptor antagonists (DORAs). It is approved in Canada for the management of adults with insomnia characterized by difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or both.
Unlike traditional sedative hypnotics that primarily enhance inhibitory neurotransmission, daridorexant works by targeting the brain’s natural orexin wakefulness system. Orexin A and orexin B are neuropeptides involved in promoting and maintaining wakefulness. Daridorexant blocks both orexin 1 (OX1R) and orexin 2 (OX2R) receptors, reducing the biological drive to stay awake and allowing sleep to occur more naturally.
Clinical pharmacology studies indicate that daridorexant can increase both REM and non REM sleep without substantially altering the normal proportion of sleep stages. This distinguishes its mechanism from some older sleep medications that may have broader effects on central nervous system activity and sleep architecture.
Quviviq is formulated as an oral film coated tablet. The 50mg strength contains 50mg of daridorexant, supplied as approximately 54.04mg of daridorexant hydrochloride. Health Canada currently lists Quviviq 50mg as a marketed prescription pharmaceutical with DIN 02537443.
This product provides:
- Active Ingredient: Daridorexant
- Strength: 50mg per tablet
- Quantity: 30 Tablets
- Drug Class: Dual Orexin Receptor Antagonist (DORA)
- Dosage Form: Film Coated Oral Tablet
- Brand: Quviviq
- Primary Use: Adult Insomnia
Daridorexant is metabolized primarily through the CYP3A4 enzyme pathway, making certain drug interactions clinically important. Canadian prescribing information contraindicates Quviviq with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors and notes that other medications affecting this enzyme can significantly alter daridorexant exposure.
As a sleep promoting medication, Quviviq can cause daytime drowsiness and reduced alertness, including next day impairment. Alcohol and other central nervous system depressants can produce additive effects and should not be combined with Quviviq without appropriate medical guidance.
Other reported adverse effects include headache, dizziness, fatigue, nausea, and somnolence. Sleep paralysis and vivid hallucinations during transitions between sleep and wakefulness can also occur. Complex sleep behaviors, such as performing activities while not fully awake and having little or no memory of them afterward, have been reported with hypnotic medications and require medical attention if they occur.
Quviviq is contraindicated in patients with narcolepsy and should be used cautiously in individuals with depression, psychiatric conditions, respiratory disorders, or those taking other sedating medications. Store Quviviq at room temperature between 15°C and 30°C and keep it out of the reach and sight of children.
Daridorexant is a prescription medication and should be used according to the directions of a qualified healthcare professional after appropriate evaluation of persistent sleep difficulties.
