Quviviq and Ambien are prescription medications for treating insomnia, a sleep disorder characterized by difficulty falling or staying asleep and frequent awakenings. Both medications should be taken according to the doctor’s instructions. Typically, such guidelines entail swallowing the pill a few minutes before bed and ensuring at least 7 hours of sleep.
Although both drugs improve sleep symptoms, they have significant differences that you should understand before taking them. Let’s examine the similarities and differences between Ambien vs. Quviviq.
Is Quviviq Like Ambien?
Similarities
Both Ambien and Quviviq are brand names of sleep medications taken by mouth. Ambien is the brand name of zolpidem, while Quviviq is the brand name of the recently approved daridorexant.
The FDA approves both drugs for treating sleep disturbance in adults. However, their use is controlled due to their abuse potential. Ambien and Quviviq fall under schedule IV of the controlled substance classification, and you can only obtain the medications with a doctor’s prescription. You can receive a prescription for the most suitable sleeping pills online from the comfort of your home.
Quviviq vs Ambien: Differences
- Drug Classes and Mechanisms of Action
Ambien (zolpidem) belongs to a class of sleep medications known as non-benzodiazepine sedative-hypnotics. It depresses the central nervous system by modulating the effects of a neurotransmitter, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), in the brain. This action produces a calming effect that helps you to fall asleep faster and prevents frequent awakenings at night.
On the other hand, Quviviq (daridorexant) belongs to a class of drugs called dual orexin receptor antagonists (DORA). It blocks orexin, a brain chemical responsible for staying awake. Thus, Quviviq helps you fall or stay asleep by inhibiting the action of orexins. Other drugs belonging to the DORA group include Dayvigo (approved in 2020) and Merck’s Belsomra, which has been on the market for several years.
- Generics Availability and Costs
The newly-approved Quviviq (daridorexant) is only available as brand-name medication with no generic forms. On the contrary, Ambien’s generic zolpidem tartrate is manufactured by several companies, including ACME LABS and APOTEX INC. Since Quviviq (daridorexant) lacks generics, its cost is much higher than Ambien, which has several generics.
- Dosages and Intake Schedule
Quviviq comes in 25 and 50 mg tablets; it is also the range of the recommended starting doses. The medicine should be taken by mouth once daily before bed. Those with liver problems should not take more than 25 mg of Quviviq per day to lower the risk of adverse effects.
On the other hand, Ambien is available in 5 and 10 mg tablets. The typical initial dose is 5 mg for women and 5 mg to 10 mg for men, taken by mouth 30 minutes before bed. However, the healthcare provider can prescribe lower doses if you have particular conditions, including the risk of falls, age above 65, and liver disease.
Is Quviviq a Controlled Substance?
The FDA approved Quviviq (daridorexant) for treating insomnia in adults on January 10, 2022. But is Quviviq addictive? In fact, the DEA listed the drug as a controlled medication, categorized as Schedule IV, because of the associated potential for abuse and dependence. Abuse occurs when a drug is used for non-medical reasons because of its psychological or physical effects. Individuals with addiction or alcohol dependence are at higher risk of abusing Quviviq.
Although Quviviq might have a lower abuse potential than Ambien, do not take it for a longer period or in higher doses than what’s recommended, as you are likely to develop dependence.
Is Ambien a Controlled Substance?
Ambien has been one of the most commonly prescribed sleep medications since its FDA approval in 1992. But studies also show that zolpidem carries significant abuse risk. This is attributable to its sedative effects and high dependence risk. The DEA has classified Ambien as a Schedule IV controlled drug, implying it has a higher potential for abuse than Schedule V medicines but lower than Schedule I, II, and III controlled medications.
Ambien Side Effects vs. Quviviq Side Effects
Like other medications, Ambien and Quviviq can produce unwanted effects despite using the meds in the correct dosage and frequency.
The common Ambien side effects include:
- Drowsiness and daytime sleepiness
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Drugged feeling, especially with regular, long-term use
- Tiredness and fatigue
- Lightheadedness
Although rare, Ambien sleep medication can cause serious undesired effects, especially when taken with other CNS depressants. Users should beware of the potential for decreased mental alertness, behavioral changes, allergic reactions, coordination difficulties, and risk of falls.
Similarly, Quviviq commonly causes undesired effects such as:
- Headache
- Sleepiness
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Tiredness
The common side effects are often mild. However, Quviviq sleep medication can cause serious effects that warrant discontinuation. Severe Quviviq side effects include decreased alertness and awareness, depression and suicidal thoughts, and sleep paralysis.
Call your doctor immediately if you experience any serious effects of these best sleeping pills.
Drug Interactions
Ambien and Quviviq can interact with other medications, affecting how they work or increasing the risk of their side effects.
Ambien interacts with opioid pain relievers, anxiety medications, and alcohol leading to more severe adverse effects. On the other hand, Quviviq interacts with medications such as CYP3A4 inducers, CYP3A4 inhibitors, and CNS depressants.
Due to the risk of drug interactions, always tell your doctor about all the medications you’re taking before using Ambien or Quviviq.
Quviviq and Ambien Alternatives
The FDA has also approved other medications for treating insomnia. Instead of Quviviq or Ambien, your doctor can prescribe the following alternative drugs in case you’re struggling with difficulty falling or staying asleep:
- Sonata (Zaleplon)
- Lunesta (Eszopiclone)
- Belsomra (Suvorexant)
- Restoril (Temazepam)
- Silenor (Doxepin)
- Halcion (Triazolam)
Conclusion
Quviviq and Ambien are FDA-approved sleep medications for the short-term treatment of insomnia in adults. They help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep if you have insomnia. However, Quviviq varies from Ambien in working mechanism, drug class, and even cost. Consult a licensed doctor to know which of these medications will help you best.
