Quviviq for sleep online prescriptions

Quviviq is a dual orexin receptor antagonist (DORA). It works by attaching to 2 orexin receptors (OX1R and OX2R), blocking the activity of orexin, a neurotransmitter (brain chemical) responsible for wakefulness. Orexin helps keep you awake and alert. Inhibiting orexin signals decreases overactive wakefulness without sedating you too much, which encourages a more natural sleep cycle.

Clinical studies found that Quviviq can help adults get a full night of sleep and function better the next day. In 1 study, adults taking Quviviq reduced the amount of time they spent awake each night by an average of 29 minutes. People who received the placebo saw a reduction of 11 minutes. After 3 months, the study showed that adults taking a 50-milligram dose fell asleep 35 minutes faster than they did before starting Quviviq. 

By blocking orexin, Quviviq works to not only reduce wakefulness and address a cause of insomnia but also improve sleep onset and reduce potential drowsiness or daytime sleepiness the next day. 

Quviviq works differently than other medications, like sedatives or benzodiazepines, that are commonly prescribed for sleep. Benzodiazepines and some sedatives affect how much gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is in your central nervous system (CNS), which can lead to sleep. GABA is a brain chemical that promotes calm and relaxation.

Quviviq is available as a tablet in 25- and 50-milligram strengths. The starting dose is typically 25 milligrams taken once a night within 30 minutes of bedtime when you have at least 7 hours available to sleep. The maximum recommended dose per night is 50 milligrams. Your provider may prescribe a higher dose based on your unique needs.

For Quviviq to be effective for sleep, take it within 30 minutes of bedtime. Don’t take it if you have less than 7 hours of total sleep time available. Taking Quviviq with food may delay its taking effect. 

If you miss a dose of Quviviq, don’t take it if you need to wake up in less than 7 hours. If you have 7 hours to allow for sleep, you can take your dose. Don’t double your dose. Follow the prescribing information and instructions of your healthcare provider.

You want to store Quviviq at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Talk to your provider or pharmacists or check the medication guide for additional storage and usage information.

When compared with other sleep medications like benzodiazepines, research shows that Quviviq has a better safety profile and may not cause as much drowsiness the next day. There is a lower risk of tolerance, dependence, misuse, and withdrawal effects. It’s also well-tolerated. So you may have fewer side effects like fatigue, dizziness, or falls. 

Quviviq works differently than other sleep medications. Ambien (zolpidem) is a sedative/hypnotic medication that’s FDA-approved for short-term (7 to 10 days) insomnia treatment. It slows your brain activity to induce drowsiness. Trazodone is an antidepressant that’s approved for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) and is often prescribed off-label for sleep because it can have a sedative effect. 

Silenor (doxepin) is an FDA-approved tricyclic antidepressant for depression, anxiety, insomnia, and skin pruritus (itchy skin). It works by increasing brain chemicals that can help regulate sleep. The brand name is specifically used for the treatment of insomnia for people who have difficulty with sleep maintenance. The generic doxepin is used for the same reason but is also approved to treat depression. 

The side effects of Ambien, trazodone, and Silenor are similar and commonly include headache, drowsiness, dizziness, and nausea. They may also include gastrointestinal issues like constipation. Silenor doesn’t have a boxed warning, but Ambien and trazodone do. Trazodone has an FDA-boxed warning because it can increase the risk of suicidal thoughts. Quviviq and Ambien have a boxed warning because they may lead to complex sleep behaviors like sleepwalking as a serious side effect. 

The medication that will work best for you depends on a number of factors, including your needs, medical history, and how well you tolerate it. 

The best way to find out which insomnia medication, if any,  is best for you is to talk to an insomnia specialist.