What is Quviviq?
Quviviq (Daridorexant) is a new treatment for chronic insomnia that has recently been approved in the UK and will soon be available in pharmacies. It works by temporarily blocking a transmitter in the brain that causes wakefulness, therefore helping us to fall asleep and stay asleep.
Who is Quviviq for?
Quviviq is recommended for the treatment of long-term insomnia, meaning insomnia that has been ongoing for longer than 3 months, in people who have unsuccessfully tried alternative methods like CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy).
Unlike other sleeping tablets (zopiclone, zolpidem), Quviviq is the only one licensed for long-term insomnia.
How is Quviviq taken?
Quviviq is a tablet taken daily at night, 1-2 hours before bedtime. Anyone taking it should have a review after 3 months to ensure it is working and check for any possible side effects.
Does Quviviq work?
Research has shown that, compared to a placebo, Quviviq improves the speed of falling asleep, overnight waking, and total sleep time.
What are the potential side effects of Quviviq?
Research has found that Quviviq is generally well tolerated with few side effects. It can understandably cause drowsiness when taken and may have some side effects, including headaches, nausea, and dizziness. Some people may also temporarily develop early-morning sleepiness when taking it.
Research so far also shows that it does not cause dependence or withdrawal, unlike some of the already existing sleeping tablets.
Who cannot take Quviviq?
Quviviq should not be taken by people with severe liver disease.
It can also interact with some medications, mainly some antibiotics, antifungals, and antivirals and should not be taken alongside them. It should also not be taken alongside other sleeping tablets. It has not been found to have any interactions with antidepressants and can safely be taken alongside them.
Your GP can discuss your medication with you and whether you would be suitable for Quviviq.
If you’d like to know more about this new treatment for chronic insomnia and whether it’s suitable for you, book an appointment now.
Article reference:
NICE guidelines: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/gid-ta10888/documents/674
