Quviviq 50mg Overview
Quviviq 50mg Tablets contain daridorexant, a medication designed to help adults who struggle with falling asleep or staying asleep. Unlike traditional sleep aids, Quviviq reduces wakefulness to promote more natural, uninterrupted sleep without drastically altering sleep patterns.
Key Features
- Active Ingredient: Daridorexant 50mg
- How It Works: Quviviq is a dual orexin receptor antagonist (DORA), which blocks orexin, a brain chemical that promotes wakefulness.
- Benefits: Helps users fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer, without the grogginess often associated with sleep aids.
- Usage: Take one tablet once daily, about 30 minutes before bedtime, ensuring you have at least seven hours of sleep time.
- Safety: Has a lower risk of dependence than many traditional sleep medications and is formulated to minimize daytime drowsiness.
You can buy Quviviq 50mg online from courierpharmacy.co.uk after completing a short consultation with a healthcare professional.
What Is Quviviq 50mg Used For?
Quviviq (daridorexant) is prescribed for adults struggling with chronic insomnia, where difficulties falling or staying asleep persist for at least three months and significantly impact daily life.
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommends daridorexant for adults who experience insomnia at least three nights a week for over three months, particularly if it severely affects their ability to function during the day.
Quviviq is typically considered when cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBTi) has been attempted but was ineffective, unavailable, or unsuitable.
This medication is intended for short-term use, with a review after three months to assess its effectiveness. If there is no improvement, treatment should be discontinued. If continued, its benefits should be regularly evaluated to ensure it remains effective.
How Does Quviviq 50mg Work?
Quviviq (daridorexant) helps people with insomnia by targeting brain receptors responsible for wakefulness. It is a dual orexin receptor antagonist (DORA), meaning it blocks both orexin 1 and orexin 2 receptors.
Orexin neuropeptides (orexin A and orexin B) usually activate these receptors to keep you awake and alert. By blocking this activation, daridorexant reduces the urge to stay awake, making it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep throughout the night.
Unlike some sleep medications, Quviviq does not alter the natural stages of sleep. Studies in both animals and humans have shown that it allows the body to go through normal sleep cycles. This helps promote a more natural, restful sleep experience without the disruptions caused by traditional sedative-based sleep aids.
What Are the Side Effects of Quviviq 50mg Tablets?
Quviviq (daridorexant) can cause side effects, most of which are mild to moderate. Some people may experience sleep-related issues such as sleep paralysis, hallucinations, or muscle weakness similar to cataplexy. These effects usually happen in the first few weeks of treatment. If they occur, speak to your doctor, as they may suggest stopping or adjusting the medication.
Common Side Effects
- Headaches
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Nausea
Less Common Side Effects
- Unusual dreams or nightmares
- Hallucinations
- Sleepwalking
- Skin reactions like rashes or hives (hypersensitivity)
Serious but Rare Side Effects
- Sleep paralysis
- Temporary muscle weakness (similar to cataplexy)
How Common Are These Side Effects?
- Drowsiness: Reported in 3% of patients taking 25mg and 2% taking 50mg, compared to 2% with placebo.
- Sleep paralysis and hallucinations: Rare, mainly in the first few weeks of use, affecting a small percentage of those on 25mg doses.
If you experience any side effects that persist or worsen, contact your healthcare provider.
Reporting Side Effects
Patients and healthcare professionals can report side effects through the Yellow Card scheme, which is available online or via mobile apps. This helps monitor the safety of the medication and ensures ongoing evaluation.
Does Quviviq 50mg Interact with Other Medications?
Certain medications can affect how Quviviq (daridorexant) works in your body. Some may increase or decrease its effectiveness, while others may raise the risk of side effects. It’s important to speak to your doctor or pharmacist if you take any of the following medications.
Medications That Increase Daridorexant Levels (CYP3A4 Inhibitors)
CYP3A4 is an enzyme that helps break down drugs in the body. Some medications slow down this process, causing higher levels of daridorexant in the system, which may increase side effects.
- Moderate inhibitors: Medications like diltiazem (for high blood pressure), erythromycin and ciprofloxacin (antibiotics), and cyclosporine (used after organ transplants) can raise daridorexant levels. If you are taking these, the recommended dose of daridorexant is 25mg instead of 50mg.
- Strong inhibitors: Drugs like itraconazole (for fungal infections) and ritonavir (for HIV) should be avoided while taking Quviviq, as they can cause excessive drug buildup.
- Grapefruit juice: Avoid drinking grapefruit juice in the evening, as it can alter how Quviviq is processed.
Medications That Lower Daridorexant Levels (CYP3A4 Inducers)
Some drugs speed up how quickly daridorexant is broken down, making it less effective. These include:
- Efavirenz (used for HIV)
- Certain epilepsy medications
If you take these, daridorexant may not work as well for insomnia.
Stomach Acid Reducers (Gastric pH Modifiers)
Medications that reduce stomach acid, such as famotidine (for heartburn and acid reflux), can lower peak levels of daridorexant in the blood. However, this does not significantly change the total amount absorbed, so no dose adjustment is needed.
How Quviviq Affects Other Medications
CYP3A4-Processed Medications
Some medications depend on the CYP3A4 enzyme to be broken down. Daridorexant slightly increases the levels of these drugs, meaning extra caution is needed:
- Midazolam (a sedative)
- High-dose simvastatin (for cholesterol)
- Tacrolimus (used for transplant patients)
However, oral contraceptives (birth control pills) are not affected and remain safe to use with Quviviq.
CYP2C9-Processed Medications
CYP2C9 is another enzyme that helps break down certain drugs, such as warfarin (a blood thinner). Quviviq does not interfere with this process, so no adjustments are required.
Drugs Moved by Transport Proteins (BCRP or P-gp)
Some drugs are moved in and out of cells using transport proteins like BCRP and P-gp.
- BCRP-dependent drugs (such as rosuvastatin for cholesterol) are not affected by Quviviq.
- P-gp-dependent drugs (such as dabigatran, a blood thinner) may have slightly increased levels, so be cautious when taking them together.
Alcohol and Quviviq
Drinking alcohol while taking Quviviq does not change the total drug levels in the body. However, alcohol can:
- Slow down how quickly the drug is absorbed.
- Increase drowsiness and reduce alertness.
This can make activities like driving or operating machinery more dangerous. It’s best to avoid alcohol while using Quviviq.
If you take any of the medications listed above, speak to your doctor before starting Quviviq to ensure it is safe for you.
