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People who experience insomnia may have encountered Quviviq as a possible solution. The medication functions through a distinct mechanism compared to traditional sleep medications. The brain's orexin system serves as the target for Quviviq to help people both fall asleep and maintain continuous sleep.
The medication works for specific individuals but all drugs produce adverse reactions. The knowledge of expected side effects will assist you in determining whether this medication suits your needs.
We asked Dr. Shiyan Yeo, Internal Medicine Physician and Sleep Medicine Expert, about potential side effects of Quviviq. She says:
Quviviq is a newer sleep aid, but like all medications, it has potential side effects, from daytime drowsiness to vivid dreams.
Ultimately, what she means is newer sleep medications can come with unwanted side effects too, making it important to discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor before starting treatment.
Quviviq, a prescription medication, primarily targets the facilitation of sleep onset and maintenance for individuals with insomnia. Its active ingredient, daridorexant, acts on specific receptors within the brain.
As with any pharmacological intervention, Quviviq embodies both therapeutic benefits and possible side effects. These effects range from mild to severe and may vary based on individual physiology and concurrent medication usage.
The term “side effects” encompasses both the unintended reactions and tolerability profile of Quviviq when incorporated into a patient's sleep management regimen.
Quviviq, also known as daridorexant, is a medicine used to treat insomnia. The way it works is by calming down the signals in your brain that keep you awake and targets something called the orexin system which is the system that helps manage sleep and wake cycles in the body.
Unlike other sleep medicines, it does not sedate you. Instead, it supports the natural process of falling asleep and staying asleep.
Quviviq is meant to:
Upon administration of Quviviq, individuals might encounter a range of physical side effects. These responses are consistent with the pharmacokinetics of a substance manipulating the orexin neurotransmitter system. Patients can experience symptoms such as headache, a common occurrence that emerges in the initial phase of treatment. Adverse effects might also include fatigue and dizziness, alterations signaling the central nervous system's adaptation to Quviviq. Less frequent, but worthy of note, are gastrointestinal disturbances like nausea or dry mouth, which manifest due to the drug's systemic activity. It is crucial for patients to monitor these reactions and communicate with healthcare providers about their severity and impact on daily functioning.
The medication can cause nausea together with dry mouth and constipation. Some users experience modifications in their bowel movements. The side effects remain mild but they can produce discomfort for some patients.
Proactive management of these symptoms is essential for maintaining comfort and adherence to treatment.
It is imperative to discuss any persistent or severe gastrointestinal symptoms with a healthcare provider.
Ironically, some people find that their sleep gets a little disrupted in the beginning. You may have trouble falling asleep at first, wake up more than usual, or experience vivid dreams or nightmares. Some people wake up too early and cannot fall back asleep.
These changes may diminish over time with continued use of the medication.
Acclimatization to Quviviq can vary, with some patients experiencing transient disruptions before stabilizing.
Quviviq may precipitate mood disturbances, heightening anxiety levels in susceptible individuals, thus warranting close monitoring.
In some cases, dreams influenced by Quviviq can be vivid or distressing (dysphoric), contributing to disturbances in mental well-being, which could exacerbate preexisting anxiety or mood disorders.
A minority of patients may experience "rebound insomnia" or "withdrawal effects" upon discontinuation of the medication.
We asked Dr. Michael Grandner, Sleep Expert and Professor of Neuroscience and Physiological Sciences, about potential side effects of newer sleep medications. He says:
Even newer medications require close monitoring. Side effects may vary widely depending on the person.
In other words, while these medications can help with sleep, their effects are not one-size-fits-all and need to be closely monitored by a healthcare professional.
Quviviq can cause changes in mood. Some people feel more anxious, irritable, or emotionally off. This is more likely if you already have a history of anxiety or depression.
Unusual or emotionally intense dreams can also leave you feeling unsettled the next day.
These effects are not common, but they are important to be aware of. If you notice any changes in how you feel emotionally, it is best to talk to your doctor.
Quviviq is not considered addictive in the traditional sense, but your body can get used to it over time. If you take it regularly for a long period, your system may begin to rely on it to fall asleep. Stopping suddenly could lead to what’s known as rebound insomnia, where sleep becomes even more difficult, along with feelings of anxiety or low mood. These reactions are your body’s way of adjusting to the absence of the medication.
It is important to understand that this kind of dependence is not the same as addiction. Addiction involves a psychological urge to keep using a substance despite harmful consequences. In the case of Quviviq, dependence refers to your body becoming used to its effects and struggling to function normally without it.
Because of this, doctors usually recommend tapering off the medication gradually rather than quitting all at once. Planning ahead with your healthcare provider can help reduce any withdrawal effects and ensure you stop the medication safely, without disrupting your sleep long term.
Quviviq also has some side effects. The moment you start experiencing it, the best thing to do is to let your doctor know immediately. The sooner you bring it up, the easier it is to make changes that help you feel better. Your doctor can adjust your dosage, suggest other options, or help you manage the symptoms more comfortably.
It is also normal for some side effects to show up in the beginning as your body adjusts to the medicine. For many people, these fade over time. But if the symptoms stick around or start affecting your daily life, it might be worth revisiting your treatment plan and dosage. Sometimes the medication that works for one person does not work the same way for another, and that is okay. What matters most is finding a solution that feels right for you.
Paying attention to how your body responds and staying in touch with your doctor can go a long way in making the experience smoother and safer. The goal is always to improve your sleep without creating new challenges along the way.
Some side effects of the medication need immediate medical attention. If you notice any of the following, stop taking Quviviq and contact your healthcare provider as soon as possible:
These symptoms are rare, but they are important to catch early. Your doctor can help adjust your treatment plan or recommend a safer alternative if needed. Your safety always comes first.
If you’re looking for an entirely drug-free way to get better and deeper sleep, the Sleep Reset program can help. We use CBT-I principles to help you fall asleep and stay asleep all night. Our free sleep quiz can help you identify the underlying causes of your sleep problems, so you can find the best solution for you.
Our program does not rely on harmful pills, melatonin or supplements, which means no grogginess, dependency, or long-term health risks. Instead of relying on quick fixes, we use proven techniques to address the root causes of your sleep issues and give you the long-term tools to manage your sleep. Our dedicated sleep coach will help you via daily text to provide accountability, support, and guidance.
The Sleep Reset program is available on iOS and Android. Take the Sleep quiz now. Want help fixing your sleep for good? Try Sleep Reset which is covered by insurance and see if you qualify for $0 out-of-pocket sleep care!
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Dr. Areti Vassilopoulos
Dr. Vassilopoulos is the Clinical Content Lead for Sleep Reset and Assistant Professor at Yale School of Medicine. She has co-authored peer-reviewed research articles, provides expert consultation to national nonprofit organizations, and chairs clinical committees in pediatric health psychology for the American Psychological Association. She lives in New England with her partner and takes full advantage of the beautiful hiking trails.
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