What is Quviviq?

In this blog, we will answer the question: What is Quviviq? If you have trouble sleeping, we have some good news because Quviviq is the latest innovation in sleep medicine. It was developed to help people overcome insomnia—a condition that makes it hard to fall asleep, stay asleep, or return to sleep after waking too early.

Poor sleep quality can lead to constant tiredness, mood swings, memory issues, and difficulty concentrating during the day, all of which can negatively impact your daily life [1].

This article explains what Quviviq is, how it works, and why it could be the answer to your sleep problems.

What is Quviviq?

Quviviq, also known as daridorexant, is a new medication created by Idorsia Pharmaceuticals Ltd to treat insomnia [2]. Unlike older sleep drugs that work by broadly slowing down brain activity, Quviviq takes a more targeted approach.

Instead of dampening all brain functions, it specifically turns off the part of your brain that keeps you awake. This focused action helps you fall asleep more naturally, without disrupting your body’s normal sleep cycle.

How Quviviq works – In under a minute

If you’re in a hurry and want the quick version:

Quviviq works by blocking orexin receptors in your brain [3]. Think of these receptors as “on” switches that keep you alert. Normally, natural chemicals called orexin A and orexin B bind to these receptors, signalling your body to stay awake [4].

Quviviq prevents this binding, so the “stay awake” signal is reduced. With the door to wakefulness effectively closed, falling asleep becomes easier, and you enjoy a more restorative sleep without unwanted after-effects.

Understanding insomnia

Insomnia is now categorised into three main types to simplify diagnosis:

• Short-term insomnia
• Chronic insomnia
• Other types

According to the International Classification of Sleep Disorders (ICSD-3) and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V), chronic insomnia is diagnosed when symptoms occur at least three times a week for a minimum of three months  [2].

Most often, insomnia is diagnosed based on the sleep patterns a person reports rather than through detailed laboratory studies.

Research has shown that individuals may describe their sleep differently in diaries compared to what is measured in sleep studies  [4].

How insomnia is treated

The primary treatment for insomnia is cognitive-behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBT-I), which helps adjust behaviours and thoughts that disrupt sleep.

Many doctors also recommend short-term medication alongside CBT-I for better results  [3]. Traditional sleep medications include:

• Benzodiazepines
• Z-drugs (like zopiclone and zolpidem)
• Melatonin-like drugs
• Certain antidepressants

Quviviq stands apart by offering a novel way to improve sleep quality without the drawbacks associated with these older medications.

The impact of insomnia

Insomnia is a widespread issue:

• About 30% of people experience disrupted sleep [5].
• Between 10%  suffer from chronic insomnia that meets clinical criteria, affecting their everyday lives [6].
• In the US, insomnia costs roughly $100 billion each year due to reduced work performance, increased healthcare needs, and accidents [7].

As people age, insomnia becomes more common, partly due to natural changes in sleep patterns and the presence of other health issues. Studies also show that women report sleep problems more frequently than men [8][9].

How to take Quviviq

For adults with insomnia, the recommended dose of Quviviq (daridorexant) is 25–50 mg, taken once every night. It should be taken about 30 minutes before bedtime, ensuring you have at least 7 hours available for sleep. This timing helps maximise its benefits and minimises any risk of daytime drowsiness.

The science behind Quviviq

Quviviq or daridorexant, works by blocking two specific receptors in the brain, known as orexin Type 1 (OX1R) and Type 2 (OX2R). Under normal conditions, orexin—a natural substance produced in the lateral hypothalamus—binds to these receptors and keeps you awake.

By preventing orexin from binding, Quviviq reduces the signals that keep you alert. This targeted approach not only helps you fall asleep faster but also allows you to maintain a deeper, more restorative sleep throughout the night [10][11].

A new class of sleep medications: DORAs

Quviviq is part of a new group of medications called Dual Orexin Receptor Antagonists (DORAs). Unlike older sleep aids that work by enhancing the effect of GABA (an inhibitory neurotransmitter), DORAs focus specifically on turning off the wakefulness signals.

This precision means that Quviviq can improve your sleep without causing the grogginess or memory issues sometimes associated with traditional sleep drugs.

The story behind Quviviq

Originally developed by Actelion Pharmaceuticals, the research and development of Quviviq continued under Idorsia Pharmaceuticals after Johnson & Johnson spun off Actelion’s drug research in June 2017 [12].

Quviviq received its first approval in the United States on January 7, 2022, for treating insomnia in adults. It was later approved by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) in April 2022 and by the MHRA in the UK in September 2022 [2]. Multiple clinical trials (Phase I, II, and III) have shown that Quviviq is well tolerated, improves sleep quality, and does not leave users feeling drowsy the next day [13].

Understanding orexin and its role in wakefulness

Orexin, sometimes called hypocretin, is a key chemical in the brain that regulates wakefulness and alertness.

There are two types of orexin—orexin A and orexin B—that bind to receptors (OX1R and OX2R). When orexin binds to these receptors, it signals your brain to stay awake.

Quviviq prevents these chemicals from binding, effectively closing the “wake-up” door and helping you sleep.

Studies have even shown that low orexin levels are linked to narcolepsy, a condition that causes excessive daytime sleepiness [11].

Why Quviviq is a game changer

Quviviq is designed to optimise your sleep and minimise side effects:

• Precision Targeting: It specifically blocks orexin receptors without broadly affecting your brain, avoiding the heavy sedation seen with other sleep medications.
• Improved Daytime Function: Users of Quviviq report better sleep quality at night and increased alertness and performance during the day [14].
• Safe and Effective: Clinical trials have confirmed that Quviviq is safe, effective, and well-tolerated, making it an attractive option for those who have struggled with traditional sleep aids.

Buy Quviviq online in the UK

At courierpharmacy.co.uk, you can easily purchase Quviviq 25 mg or Quviviq 50 mg doses after completing a short online health questionnaire. This quick consultation helps ensure that Quviviq is the right and safe choice for you.

Need more help with sleep issues?

If you’re having trouble finding the right solution for your sleep problems, Courier Pharmacy offers a FREE sleep consultation.

Whether you need guidance on using melatonin, Quviviq, or personalised sleep coaching, our expert team is here to help you achieve a better night’s sleep.

For further assistance, email us at info@courierpharmacy.co.uk or call 020 3189.

Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.

References:

1. Alhola, P., & Polo-Kantola, P. (2007). Sleep deprivation: Impact on cognitive performance. Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment, 3(5), 553–567.
2. Markham, A. (2022). Daridorexant: First Approval. Drugs, 82(6), 601–607.
3. Robinson CL, Supra R, Downs E, Kataria S, Parker K, Kaye AD, Viswanath O, Urits I. Daridorexant for the Treatment of Insomnia. Health Psychol Res. 2022 Aug 30;10(3):37400.
4. Lee MG. Discharge of identified orexin/hypocretin neurons across the sleep-waking cycle. J Neurosci. 2005;25(28):6716-6720. doi:10.1523/jneurosci.1887-05.2005
5. Endocrinology, T.L.D., 2024. Sleep: a neglected public health issue. The lancet. Diabetes & endocrinology, pp.S2213-8587.
6. Roth, T., 2007. Insomnia: definition, prevalence, etiology, and consequences. Journal of clinical sleep medicine, 3(5 suppl), pp.S7-S10.
7. Wickwire EM, Shaya FT, Scharf SM. Health economics of insomnia treatments: the return on investment for a good night’s sleep. Sleep Med Rev. 2016 Dec;30:72-82.
8. Cochen V, Arbus C, Soto ME, et al. Sleep disorders and their impacts on healthy, dependent, and frail older adults. J Nutr Health Aging. 2009 Apr;13(4):322-9.
9. Lindberg E, Janson C, Gislason T, et al. Sleep disturbances in a young adult population: can gender differences be explained by differences in psychological status? Sleep. 1997 Jun;20(6):381-7
10. Scammell TE, Winrow CJ. Orexin receptors: Pharmacology and therapeutic opportunities. Annu Rev Pharmacol Toxicol 2011;51:243-66.
11. Baumann CR, Bassetti CL. Hypocretins (orexins) and sleep-wake disorders. Lancet Neurol 2005;4:673-82.
12. Tyagi, H., Sharma, A., Khera, N., Sharma, B., Bajaj, M. and Kaur, M., 2023. Daridorexant: A drug to treat insomnia.
13. Muehlan C, Boehler M, Brooks S, Zuiker R, van Gerven J, Dingemanse J. Clinical pharmacology of the dual orexin receptor antagonist ACT-541468 in elderly subjects: An exploration of pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and tolerability following singledose morning and repeated-dose evening administration. J Psychopharmacol 2020;34:326-35.
14. Hudgens S, Phillips-Beyer A, Newton L, Kinter DS, Benes H. Development and validation of the insomnia daytime symptoms and impacts questionnaire (IDSIQ). Patient 2021;14:249-68.

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