Quviviq (Daridorexant) Tablets
0 reviews
In stock- Helps you fall asleep faster
- Stay asleep for longer without frequent waking
- Helps you function better during the day
- Supports overall sleep quality
- Fast, discreet delivery
- 100% UK-based pharmacy
- Free advice and support
- We're rated 4.9 out of 5
Based on over 30,000 reviews collected on Google and Reviews.io.
Quviviq (Daridorexant): Overview
£79.99
If you’re living with insomnia, you might find yourself lying awake at night, waking up throughout the night, or starting the day already feeling worn out. Over time, this kind of disrupted sleep can begin to affect your focus, energy and ability to get through your day.
Quviviq (daridorexant) is a prescription treatment for insomnia in adults available in the UK. It works by targeting the brain signals that keep you awake, helping to reduce your drive to stay alert so sleep can happen more naturally. By acting on these pathways, it supports both falling asleep and staying asleep through the night.
Who Is Quviviq (Daridorexant) Tablets Suitable For?
Suitable for pregnancy?No
Suitable for breastfeeding?No
Maximums per order:
- 1
- 1
Consultation required?Yes
Quviviq (Daridorexant) Summary
Quviviq (Daridorexant): Information
What is Quviviq (Daridorexant)?
Quviviq is used to treat insomnia. The active ingredient is daridorexant, which works by blocking orexin, a substance in the brain that promotes wakefulness.
By reducing this wake signal, it helps you fall asleep more easily and stay asleep for longer.
Who can use Daridorexant?
Daridorexant can be used by:
- Adults aged 18 years and over who have insomnia (difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep)
It’s intended specifically for adults with sleep problems that are affecting their daily lives.
How to Buy Quviviq (Daridorexant) Online
To buy Quviviq online in the UK:
- Complete an online consultation
Regulated UK online pharmacies, such as The Independent Pharmacy, will ask you to fill out a medical questionnaire. This doesn't take long but ensures the treatment is safe and suitable for you.
- Get a prescription issued
A UK-registered doctor or prescriber reviews your answers. If appropriate, they’ll prescribe it and you’ll be able to buy Quviviq (daridorexant).
- Order and delivery
Once approved, your treatment will be delivered discreetly to your home.
Can I Buy Quviviq Over the Counter?
No, you cannot buy Quviviq over the counter, it’s a prescription-only medication. This means a pharmacist or doctor needs to confirm that it’s safe and appropriate for you.
Is Quviviq Available on the NHS?
Yes, Quviviq is available on the NHS under strict eligibility criteria.
According to NICE guidelines:
- You need to experience insomnia for 3 nights per week for 3 months or more
- It’s usually only offered if cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) hasn’t worked, isn’t suitable or isn’t available
How to Use Quviviq (Daridorexant)
- Take 1 tablet once a day, in the evening
- Swallow the tablet whole with water
- Take it 30 minutes before going to bed
- Make sure you can have a full night’s sleep (at least 7 hours) after taking it
You should take it exactly as prescribed. Do not exceed the recommended dose.
When to Use Quviviq (Daridorexant)
Quviviq should be used 30 minutes before you intend to go to sleep.
Quviviq (Daridorexant) Dosage
- You should take 1 tablet per day, in the evening before bedtime
The exact strength prescribed may vary, but you should:
- Always take your prescribed dose
- Never exceed the recommended dose
Your dose may be adjusted by your prescriber based on how well the medicine works for you and how you tolerate it.
How Does Quviviq (Daridorexant) Work
Quviviq (daridorexant) works by targeting your brain’s orexin system, which is responsible for promoting wakefulness.
Orexin is a chemical that keeps you alert and awake. Quviviq blocks orexin receptors (OX1R and OX2R), reducing this wake signal. As a result, it helps your brain switch from wakefulness to sleep more naturally, making it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep.
Unlike some older sleep medications, it doesn’t act as a general sedative but instead specifically dampens the wake drive, which is why it’s often described as promoting a more natural sleep pattern.
Quviviq (Daridorexant) Effectiveness
Quviviq (daridorexant) is supported by evidence from 2 large phase III clinical trials published in The Lancet Neurology. These were randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies involving over 1,800 adults with insomnia, conducted over 12 weeks to assess how well the treatment improves sleep.
The trials showed that daridorexant significantly improved both falling asleep and staying asleep, with the higher dose also improving daytime functioning.
A longer-term extension study (up to 1 year) found that these benefits were maintained over time, with a safety profile similar to the placebo.
Quviviq (Daridorexant) Ingredients
Active ingredient: daridorexant
Other ingredients:mannitol, microcrystalline cellulose, povidone, croscarmellose sodium, silicon dioxide, magnesium stearate, hypromellose, glycerol, talc, titanium dioxide (E171), iron oxide yellow (E172), and iron oxide red (E172)
Quviviq (Daridorexant) Side Effects
Like many medications, Quviviq may cause side effects. These can include:
- Headache
- Feeling sleepy, especially in the morning
- Dizziness
- Feeling sick (nausea)
Less common but important side effects:
- Difficulty moving or temporary paralysis when falling asleep or waking up
- Hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren’t there)
- Thoughts of self-harm or suicide
If you experience any side effects, especially serious or unusual ones, seek medical advice immediately.
Quviviq (Daridorexant) Warnings
Please read the following warnings carefully before use.
- Quviviq may cause sleepiness the next day, which can affect activities like driving.
- Do not take Quviviq unless you can have a full night’s sleep (at least 7 hours).
- Avoid alcohol, as it can increase side effects.
- Use with caution if you have a history of mental health problems, including depression.
- It may cause unusual sleep-related effects, such as sleep paralysis or hallucinations.
- Tell your doctor if you have liver problems or are taking other medicines, as interactions can occur.
For a full list of warnings and side effects, please see the Patient Information Leaflet.
Quviviq (Daridorexant) Alternatives
Quviviq vs Melatonin: Comparison
Quviviq | Melatonin | |
Active ingredient | Daridorexant | Melatonin |
How it works | Blocks orexin (wake signals in the brain) | Increases melatonin levels to regulate sleep–wake cycle |
Helps with | Falling asleep and staying asleep | Falling asleep |
Key differences | Designed for both sleep onset and maintenance; lower risk of dependence | More natural option; often used short-term or for jet lag |
Prescription status | Prescription- only | Prescription- only |
Availability in the UK | Available in the UK | Available in the UK |
Quviviq vs Stilnoct: Comparison
Quviviq | Stilnoct | |
Active ingredient | Daridorexant | Zolpidem |
How it works | Blocks orexin (wake signals in the brain) | Enhances GABA to promote sleep |
Helps with | Falling asleep and staying asleep | Falling asleep |
Key differences | Designed for both sleep onset and maintenance; lower risk of dependence | Fast-acting but shorter duration; higher risk of dependence |
Prescription status | Prescription- only | Prescription- only |
Availability in the UK | Available in the UK | Available in the UK |
Quviviq vs Dayvigo: Comparison
Quviviq | Dayvigo | |
Active ingredient | Daridorexant | Lemborexant |
How it works | Blocks orexin (wake signals in the brain) | Blocks orexin (wake signals in the brain) |
Helps with | Falling asleep and staying asleep | Falling asleep and staying asleep |
Key differences | Designed for both sleep onset and maintenance; lower risk of dependence | Same class as Quviviq but not UK-approved |
Prescription status | Prescription- only | Prescription- only |
Availability in the UK | Available in the UK | Not available in the UK |
Quviviq vs Trazodone: Comparison
Quviviq | Trazodone | |
Active ingredient | Daridorexant | Trazodone |
How it works | Blocks orexin (wake signals in the brain) | Sedating effect on the brain |
Helps with | Falling asleep and staying asleep | Staying asleep |
Key differences | Designed for both sleep onset and maintenance; lower risk of dependence | Not licensed for insomnia; used for its sedative effects |
Prescription status | Prescription- only | Prescription- only |
Availability in the UK | Available in the UK | Available in the UK |
Quviviq (Daridorexant) FAQs
Is daridorexant the same as Quviviq?
Yes, daridorexant and Quviviq are essentially the same thing. Daridorexant is the active ingredient (the drug itself), Quviviq is the brand name of the medicine that contains daridorexant.
So, Quviviq is the branded product you’re prescribed, and daridorexant is the substance that makes it work.
Can I buy daridorexant online in the UK?
Yes, you can buy daridorexant online through a regulated pharmacy, like The Independent Pharmacy. However, it’s a prescription-only medicine, so you’ll need to complete a consultation and be approved by a qualified prescriber before you can buy daridorexant in the UK safely.
How does daridorexant make you feel?
Daridorexant is designed to make you feel sleepy and ready for sleep by reducing wakefulness signals in the brain.
You may experience:
- Feeling calm and drowsy at night, helping you to fall asleep
- Improved ability to stay asleep, leading to a more restful night
- Sometimes sleepiness or morning groginess the next day, especially if a full night’s sleep isn’t achieved
- Side effects including dizziness, headache or nausea
Is there a generic alternative to Quviviq (daridorexant)?
No, not at the moment. Quviviq is currently the only medicine in the UK that contains daridorexant.
Quviviq is the only brand name medicine and patents are not due to expire until 2034, so it’s unlikely any generic equivalents will be available soon.
Is Quviviq a prescription-only sleeping tablet in the UK?
Yes, Quviviq (daridorexant) is a prescription-only medicine in the UK used to treat chronic insomnia in adults. It’s not available over-the-counter and requires a prescription to ensure it is safe for you.
Does Quviviq cause next-day drowsiness or grogginess?
Yes, Quviviq can cause next-day drowsiness or grogginess although it was specifically designed not to. Daytime drowsiness is more likely to occur when you first start taking the treatment.
It’s best to avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how it affects you.
Is Quviviq addictive compared to other sleeping pills?
Clinical studies have not shown evidence of dependence or withdrawal effects. However, it should still be used exactly as prescribed and reviewed regularly.
What are the best non-medication alternatives to Quviviq for insomnia?
You can improve your sleep without medication by:
- Trying cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT-I), the most effective long-term treatment
- Keeping a consistent sleep routine and optimising your sleep environment
- Practising relaxation techniques like mindfulness or meditation
- Cutting back on caffeine and alcohol, especially in the evening
Is cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) effective for chronic insomnia?
Yes, cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) is highly effective for chronic insomnia and is considered the first-line treatment, ahead of medication.
Can Quviviq cause weight gain as a side effect?
No, Quviviq is not associated with weight gain. Clinical trials didn’t report weight gain as a common side effect.
Is it safe to drink alcohol while taking Quviviq?
No, it’s not safe to drink alcohol when taking Quviviq. Combining alcohol and Quviviq can significantly increase sedation and impair your ability to function safely.
Can you drive after taking Quviviq for sleep?
You should avoid driving or operating heavy machinery for 9 hours after taking Quviviq. Be especially cautious when you first start taking Quviviq as you won’t know the exact impact on your body.
Do not drive if you feel drowsy, dizzy or less than fully alert in the morning.
Does Quviviq lose effectiveness with long-term nightly use?
Based on clinical findings, Quviviq doesn’t lose effectiveness over time. The 1-year clinical trial extension study, showed improvements in sleep and daytime functioning were maintained throughout treatment with no signs of tolerance, which means the effect doesn't wear off over time.
Is Quviviq safe for long-term treatment of insomnia?
Based on current clinical evidence, Quviviq appears to be safe for long-term use. Treatment should be reviewed regularly to ensure it remains appropriate for you.
Can Quviviq be taken with other medications or supplements?
You should always tell your prescriber what other medications you are taking when you’re using Quviviq.
You should be careful using Quviviq with:
- Other sedatives
- Other sleep medicines
- Certain antibiotics and antifungals
- Liver medicines
- Supplements and herbal products
You should not drink alcohol with Quviviq.
Who should not take Quviviq (daridorexant)?
You shouldn’t take Quviviq if:
- You’re allergic to daridorexant or any other ingredients in Quviviq
- You have narcolepsy
- You have severe liver disease
- You’re pregnant or breastfeeding
Before taking Quviviq, it is important to discuss your complete medical history and all medications with your pharmacist.
How long does Quviviq take to start working?
Quviviq is designed to start working from the first night you take it. You should take it 30 minutes before you plan to fall asleep.
Some people find it takes a couple of nights before they experience the full benefit.
What should you do if you miss a dose of Quviviq?
- If you miss a dose of Quviviq at bedtime, skip that night’s dose, and take your next dose as normal.
- Do not take it later in the night as this can cause morning drowsiness.
- Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed dose.
What to do if Quviviq is not working for your insomnia?
If Quviviq isn’t working for you, contact your pharmacist. They may adjust your dose, check for interactions with any other medications you may be taking or suggest an alternative treatment.
We’re a Fully Regulated Online Pharmacy
As a UK-based pharmacy, we follow the same strict regulatory standards as any physical pharmacy. Our expert clinical team and services are overseen by multiple regulatory bodies to ensure your care is always safe, secure and confidential.
- View Our GPhC Registration
View Our CQC RegistrationCare Quality Commission (CQC)
Visit The GMC WebsiteGeneral Medical Council (GMC)
View Our NHS ListingNHS Prescriptions
Visit The NPA WebsiteNational Pharmacy Association (NPA)
View The DiCE NetworkDigital Clinical Excellence (DiCE)
Test Our LegitScript CertificationLegitScript
View Our CertificationNCSC Cyber Essentials
Search For Our ListingLiving Wage Employer
Run by experienced healthcare professionals
We think accessing healthcare should be easy. Whether we’re fulfilling NHS prescriptions or helping people find the right treatments, we aim to offer our customers dependable, economical and convenient access to medicines with a personal and discreet service.
Related Treatments
Nytol Original 25mg Caplets
Nytol Original 25mg Caplets£5.59
Kalms Nights One-A-Night
Kalms Nights One-A-Night£5.99
Nytol One-A-Night 50mg Caplets
Nytol One-A-Night 50mg Caplets£7.99
Kalms Night Sleep Aid Tablets
Kalms Night Sleep Aid Tablets£5.69
We stock 5 other treatments for Insomnia
Visit our Insomnia page for treatments, advice and FAQs.
Ordering as easy as 1, 2, 3
1. Find the ideal treatment
2. Get a free consultation
3. Enjoy speedy delivery
