Quviviq (daridorexant) is a prescription drug used to treat insomnia. It comes as a tablet that you swallow. Quviviq can cause side effects that range from mild to serious. Examples include headache and daytime sleepiness.

If you have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, your doctor might recommend Quviviq as a treatment option. It’s a prescription drug used to treat insomnia in adults.

The active ingredient in Quviviq is daridorexant. (An active ingredient is what makes a drug work.) The drug comes as a tablet that you swallow.

Keep reading to learn about the common, mild, and serious side effects that Quviviq can cause. For a general overview of the drug, including details about its uses, see this article.

Some people may experience mild to serious side effects during their Quviviq treatment.

Examples of the drug’s commonly reported side effects include:

  • fatigue (low energy)
  • headache*
  • sleepiness during the day after you take Quviviq*

* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects explained” section below.

Many of Quviviq’s common side effects are mild and don’t require medical attention.

Mild side effects that have been reported with this drug include:

* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects explained” section below.

In most cases, these side effects should be temporary. And some may be easily managed. But if you have symptoms that are ongoing or bother you, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. And do not stop taking Quviviq unless your doctor recommends it.

Quviviq may cause mild side effects other than those listed above. See the drug’s prescribing information for details.

In rare cases, Quviviq may cause serious side effects.

Serious side effects that have been reported with this drug include:

If you develop serious side effects while taking Quviviq, call your doctor right away. If the side effects seem life threatening or you think you’re having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number.

* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects explained” section below.
† An allergic reaction is possible after using Quviviq. This side effect wasn’t reported in studies but it was reported after the drug became available in the market.

Note: After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks side effects of the medication. If you’d like to notify the FDA about a side effect you’ve had with Quviviq, visit MedWatch.

Get answers to some frequently asked questions about Quviviq’s side effects.

Is Quviviq a safe sleeping pill for older adults?

Yes, Quviviq is approved to treat insomnia (trouble sleeping) in adults of all ages, including older adults (ages 65 years and older).

But it’s important to keep in mind that Quviviq can cause daytime sleepiness and fatigue (low energy), which can increase the risk of falls. The risk of this side effect is higher in older adults.

Talk with your doctor if you have concerns about the safety of taking Quviviq based on your age.

Can Quviviq cause long-term side effects?

No, Quviviq doesn’t usually cause long-term side effects. (These are side effects that may start during treatment and continue for a long time, even after treatment ends. They may also start after you’ve taken a drug for a long time or after you stop taking it.)

It’s possible to have side effects from Quviviq at any time during your treatment. But most should go away when you stop taking the drug or up to a few days later.

If you have questions about potential long-term side effects with Quviviq, talk with your doctor.

Learn more about some of the side effects Quviviq may cause.

Decreased alertness, excessive sleepiness, and slowed reaction time the day after taking Quviviq

This drug is taken up to 30 minutes before you go to sleep at night. Taking Quviviq can cause decreased alertness, excessive sleepiness, and slowed reaction time the day after taking it. Sleepiness the day after taking Quviviq was one of the more common side effects reported in the drug’s studies.

These side effects can happen because Quviviq is a central nervous system (CNS) depressant. This means the drug slows down your brain activity which can cause sleepiness and lower your ability to react quickly and think clearly. Having these side effects could make driving dangerous.

The risk of these side effects is higher if you take a higher dose of Quviviq than your doctor prescribes. It’s also higher if you don’t get at least 7 hours of sleep after taking it.

Taking Quviviq with other CNS depressants also increases your risk of these side effects. Examples of CNS depressants include:

What might help

Let your doctor know all the medications you take before starting Quviviq. If you take other CNS depressants, they may recommend a treatment other than Quviviq for your insomnia.

If your doctor prescribes Quviviq for you, they’ll likely recommend that you avoid drinking alcohol while taking it.

It’s important to allow at least 7 hours you can devote to sleep after taking Quviviq. This can reduce your risk of excessive sleepiness, decreased alertness, and slowed reaction time the day after taking it.

It’s recommended that you do not drive or perform activities that require full alertness the next day if you:

  • take more Quviviq than your doctor recommends
  • don’t get at least 7 hours of sleep after taking Quviviq

Unusual sleep behaviors

It’s possible to have unusual sleep behavior during treatment with Quviviq. This side effect wasn’t reported in Quviviq studies but has been reported by people taking similar sleep medications.

Unusual sleep behavior can include engaging in certain activities while not fully awake. People usually don’t remember having performed these activities the next day. Examples of reported activities include:

  • preparing and eating food
  • making phone calls
  • sleepwalking
  • driving a vehicle
  • having sex

This side effect can occur at any time during your Quviviq treatment. And it can happen whether or not you’ve taken other sleep medications in the past.

What might help

If you or someone else in your household notices that you have unusual sleep behavior while taking Quviviq, let your doctor know right away. They’ll likely have you stop taking this drug and recommend a different treatment option. This is because certain unusual sleep behaviors can be dangerous and may lead to serious accidents.

Headache

You may have headaches while taking Quviviq. This is the most commonly reported side effect in the drug’s studies. Headaches with Quviviq can include:

What might help

Headaches caused by Quviviq are usually mild and don’t require medical attention. In many cases, taking an over-the-counter (OTC) pain reliever, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or acetaminophen (Tylenol), can help.

Keep in mind that lack of sleep may also trigger migraine or tension headaches in some people. It’s important to allow at least 7 hours to devote to sleep while you’re taking Quviviq. Getting enough sleep could lower your risk of headache while taking this drug.

If your headaches are severe or don’t go away with OTC pain relievers, talk with your doctor. They can recommend prescription drugs to help relieve migraine, tension, or severe headaches.

Allergic reaction

Like most drugs, Quviviq can cause an allergic reaction in some people. This side effect wasn’t reported in studies but it was reported after Quviviq was approved for use.

Symptoms can be mild to serious and can include:

  • skin rash
  • itchiness
  • flushing (temporary warmth, redness, or deepening of skin color)
  • swelling under your skin, usually in your eyelids, lips, hands, or feet
  • swelling of your mouth, tongue, or throat, which can make it hard to breathe

What might help

If you have mild symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They may suggest a treatment to manage your symptoms. Examples include:

  • an antihistamine you swallow, such as Benadryl (diphenhydramine)
  • a product you apply to your skin, such as hydrocortisone cream

If your doctor confirms you’ve had a mild allergic reaction to Quviviq, they’ll decide if you should continue taking it.

If you have symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, such as swelling or trouble breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms could be life threatening and require immediate medical care.

If your doctor confirms you’ve had a serious allergic reaction to Quviviq, they may have you switch to a different treatment.

Keeping track of side effects

During your Quviviq treatment, consider taking notes on any side effects you’re having. You can then share this information with your doctor. This is especially helpful when you first start taking a new drug or using a combination of treatments.

Your side effect notes can include things such as:

  • what dose of the drug you were taking when you had the side effect
  • how soon you had the side effect after starting that dose
  • what your symptoms were
  • how your symptoms affected your daily activities
  • what other medications you were taking
  • any other information you feel is important

Taking notes and sharing them with your doctor will help them learn more about how Quviviq affects you. They can then use this information to adjust your treatment plan if needed.

Quviviq may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions. (This is known as a drug-condition interaction.) Other factors may also affect whether Quviviq is a good treatment option for you. Talk with your doctor about your health history before starting this drug. Factors to consider include those described below.

Cataplexy. Although it’s rare, Quviviq may cause cataplexy (sudden muscle weakness). If you already have this condition, Quviviq can make it worse. Tell your doctor if you’ve ever experienced cataplexy before you start taking Quviviq. They’ll help you decide whether this treatment option is right for you.

Allergic reaction. If you’ve had an allergic reaction to Quviviq or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe it for you. Ask them about other medications that might be better options.

Breathing problems. It’s not known whether it’s safe to take Quviviq if you have breathing conditions, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Let your doctor know if you have these conditions before starting Quviviq. They’ll help you decide whether this medication is right for you.

Liver problems. Tell your doctor if you have liver problems before you start taking Quviviq. This drug is broken down by your liver. If you have liver problems, Quviviq could build up in your body and increase your risk of side effects. Because of this, your doctor will likely not prescribe this drug if you have severe liver problems. If you have moderate liver problems, your doctor may prescribe a lower dosage than usual.

Narcolepsy. Quviviq can worsen symptoms of narcolepsy. It can also make certain drugs prescribed to treat narcolepsy less effective. Due to this risk, your doctor will likely not prescribe Quviviq if you have this condition. Talk with your doctor about other medications that might be better options for you.

History of alcohol or substance misuse. Quviviq is a controlled substance in the United States and has the potential for misuse. This is when a drug is taken in a way or for a reason other than how it’s prescribed. (See the “Quviviq and misuse” section below for more details.)

Talk with your doctor if you have a history of alcohol or substance misuse. They’ll likely monitor you more closely for signs of misuse during your Quviviq treatment.

Depression or other mental health conditions. Quviviq can worsen depression and increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior. Let your doctor know if you have depression or other mental health conditions before starting Quviviq treatment. If they prescribe this medication, they’ll likely monitor you closely for signs of worsening depression or suicidal thoughts and behaviors.

Alcohol and Quviviq

You should not drink alcohol while taking Quviviq as both substances can slow brain activity. Consuming alcohol during Quviviq treatment can increase your risk of serious side effects, such as:

  • decreased alertness and slowed reaction time the day after taking Quviviq
  • excessive sleepiness the day after taking this medication
  • impaired driving skills
  • balance and coordination problems

If you drink alcohol during your Quviviq treatment, you should not take Quviviq that evening before you go to bed. Talk with your doctor if you have questions about consuming alcohol while taking Quviviq.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding while taking Quviviq

It’s not known whether it’s safe to take Quviviq during pregnancy. If you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant, tell your doctor before you start taking this drug. They can discuss the risks and benefits with you.

If you do take Quviviq during pregnancy, your doctor may recommend that you enroll in the Quviviq Pregnancy Exposure Registry. This registry helps healthcare professionals learn about the safety of this drug when taken during pregnancy. To learn more, talk with your doctor or call 833-400-9611.

It’s also not known whether Quviviq passes into breast milk or the effects it could have on a child who’s breastfed. Let your doctor know if you’re breastfeeding or planning to do so before starting Quviviq treatment. They may recommend a different treatment for your insomnia.

Help is out there

If you or someone you know is in crisis and considering suicide or self-harm, please seek support:

If you’re calling on behalf of someone else, stay with them until help arrives. You may remove weapons or substances that can cause harm if you can do so safely.

If you are not in the same household, stay on the phone with them until help arrives.

Was this helpful?

Quviviq contains the active ingredient* daridorexant, which is a controlled substance. This means that it has the potential for misuse. Misuse is when a drug is taken or used differently than how your doctor prescribes it. It also means that the United States government, doctors, and pharmacists pay close attention to how the drug is prescribed and used.

There were no reports of misuse in studies of people who took Quviviq for up to 12 months. But people with a history of substance or alcohol misuse have an increased risk of misusing Quviviq. Due to this risk, doctors will closely monitor people with a history of substance or alcohol misuse who take this drug.

* An active ingredient is what makes a drug work.

Many side effects of Quviviq are mild and can be managed at home. But, in rare cases, the drug may cause serious side effects that may require medical attention.

If you have questions about side effects that Quviviq can cause, talk with your doctor. Examples of questions to help get you started include:

  • Is my risk of hallucinations higher when I first start treatment?
  • Can Quviviq cause weight gain?
  • Is my risk of side effects higher if I have kidney problems?
  • How do the side effects of Quviviq compare with those of Belsomra?

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.