Quviviq (daridorexant) is a prescription drug for treating insomnia (difficulty sleeping). The drug comes as a tablet. It’s usually taken once per day at bedtime.

Doctors prescribe Quviviq for adults who have trouble falling or staying asleep.

The active ingredient in Quviviq is daridorexant. (An active ingredient is what makes a drug work.) Quviviq belongs to a group of drugs called dual orexin receptor antagonists. It comes as a tablet that you swallow.

This article describes the dosages of Quviviq, as well as its strengths and how to take it. To learn more about Quviviq, see this in-depth article.

This section describes the usual dosages of Quviviq. Keep reading to learn more.

What is Quviviq’s form?

Quviviq comes as a tablet that you swallow.

What strengths does Quviviq come in?

Quviviq comes in two strengths: 25 milligrams (mg) and 50 mg.

What are the usual dosages of Quviviq?

Your doctor will likely start by prescribing a low dosage and adjust it over time to reach the right amount for you. They’ll ultimately prescribe the smallest dosage that provides the desired effect.

The information below describes dosages that are commonly prescribed or recommended. But be sure to follow the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. They’ll determine the best dosage to fit your needs.

Dosage for insomnia

Your doctor will prescribe the lowest dosage of Quviviq that effectively treats your insomnia (trouble sleeping). When you first start treatment, you’ll likely take 25 mg once per day, 30 minutes before bedtime. If this dosage doesn’t work well for you, your doctor may increase your prescription to 50 mg once per day.

Is Quviviq prescribed long term?

Yes, Quviviq is usually prescribed as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that it’s safe and effective for your condition, you’ll likely take it long term.

Dosage adjustments

If you have moderate liver disease, your doctor may limit your dosage of Quviviq to no more than 25 mg per day. If your liver disease is severe, your doctor will likely recommend a different medication for you.

The dosage of Quviviq you’re prescribed may depend on several factors. These include:

  • the severity of your insomnia (trouble sleeping)
  • the health of your liver (see “Dosage adjustments” above)

You’ll take Quviviq once per day, about 30 minutes before bedtime. Doctors recommend that you take Quviviq at least 7 hours before you plan on waking up.

Quviviq works best when taken on an empty stomach. If you take Quviviq with or shortly after a meal, the drug’s effect may be delayed. This means you may not fall asleep as quickly.

Quviviq comes as a tablet that you swallow whole. If you have trouble swallowing tablets, see this article for tips on how to take this form of medication.

For information on the expiration, storage, and disposal of Quviviq, see this article.

Accessible drug containers and labels

Some pharmacies provide medication labels that:

  • have large print or use braille
  • feature a code you can scan with a smartphone to change the text to audio

Your doctor or pharmacist may be able to recommend pharmacies that offer these accessibility features if your current pharmacy doesn’t.

If you have trouble opening medication bottles, let your pharmacist know. They may be able to supply Quviviq in an easy-open container. They may also have tips to help make it simpler to open the drug’s container.

If it’s past the time when you usually take Quviviq, you can still take the dose so long as you plan on waking up in no less than 7 hours. If you need to wake up in less than 7 hours, you should skip the missed dose. You can then take your next dose at the regularly scheduled time the following evening.

If you need help remembering to take your dose of Quviviq on time, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm or downloading a reminder app on your phone.

Quviviq is a controlled substance and is classified as a Schedule IV prescription drug. This means it has some risk of misuse. A controlled substance is a drug the government regulates due to risks of dependence or misuse. With misuse, a drug is taken in a way other than how it was prescribed. And with dependence, your body needs the drug to feel like it usually does.

Compared with other medications prescribed for insomnia (trouble sleeping), such as zolpidem, Quviviq has lower risks of misuse and dependence.

If you have concerns about misuse with Quviviq, talk with your doctor.

Do not take more Quviviq than your doctor prescribes, as this can lead to harmful effects.

Symptoms of overdose

Symptoms caused by an overdose can include:

  • feeling extremely tired
  • muscle weakness
  • trouble paying attention
  • fatigue (low energy)
  • headache
  • constipation
  • loss of muscle tone (similar to cataplexy)
  • sleep paralysis (being unable to move or speak despite being awake)

What to do in case you take too much Quviviq

Call your doctor right away if you think you’ve taken too much Quviviq. You can also call 800-222-1222 to reach America’s Poison Centers or use its online resource. But if you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 (or your local emergency number) or go to the nearest emergency room.

Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about Quviviq’s dosage.

What is the dosage of Quviviq for appetite suppression in obesity?

Quviviq isn’t prescribed for appetite suppression in obesity.

Quviviq blocks a receptor in the body that attaches to certain chemicals called orexins. Researchers are studying orexins and their receptors to better understand their role in appetite and weight.

If you’re wondering about how drugs like Quviviq affect appetite, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

How do the dosages of Quviviq and Ambien compare?

Both Ambien (zolpidem) and Quviviq are taken once per day at bedtime. Quviviq is taken on a regular basis every night. It’s usually prescribed long term.

On the other hand, Ambien is usually a short-term treatment. Doctors recommend that Ambien only be taken when necessary.

Quviviq comes as 25-milligram (mg) and 50-mg tablets. Ambien comes as 5-mg and 10-mg tablets and as 6.25-mg and 12.5-mg extended-release* tablets. You’ll need to plan on waking up no sooner than 7 hours after taking Quviviq or an extended-release Ambien tablet.

* “Extended release” means the drug is slowly released into your body over a long period.

The sections above describe the usual dosages provided by the drug’s manufacturer. If your doctor recommends Quviviq for you, they’ll prescribe the dosage that’s right for you.

Remember, you should not change your dosage of Quviviq without your doctor’s recommendation. Only take Quviviq exactly as prescribed. Talk with your doctor if you have questions or concerns about your current dosage.

Here are some examples of questions you may want to ask your doctor:

To learn more about Quviviq, see these articles:

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Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.