Quviviq vs. Belsomra: 5 Things to Know When Comparing These Insomnia Medications

If you’re living with insomnia, you’re not alone — and you’re not without options. Insomnia is very common, affecting up to 40% of U.S. adults each year.

Quviviq (daridorexant) and Belsomra (suvorexant) are two medications used to treat insomnia. They belong to the same medication class and work the same way to help you sleep. But despite their similarities, Quviviq and Belsomra have some differences.

Quviviq vs. Belsomra at a glance

Sometimes, it’s helpful to have information side by side when you’re comparing medications. Below is a chart highlighting what you should know when it comes to Quviviq versus Belsomra.

Let’s discuss five things to keep in mind if you’re comparing Quviviq versus Belsomra.

1. Quviviq and Belsomra work in the same way

Quviviq and Belsomra are both orexin receptor antagonists. They work by blocking proteins in your brain called orexins. These proteins play a role in keeping you awake. By blocking orexins, Quviviq and Belsomra help you fall and stay asleep.

Even though they work the same way, Belsomra stays in your body longer than Quviviq. There may be small amounts of Belsomra in your body for 2 to 3 days after your last dose. Your body should fully clear Quviviq about 1 to 2 days after taking a dose.

2. Quviviq and Belsomra are approved for the same use

Quviviq and Belsomra are both FDA approved to treat insomnia. This includes people who have trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or both. Quviviq and Belsomra are approved only for use by adults. They haven’t been studied for safety or effectiveness in children under age 18.

EXPERT PICKS: WHAT TO READ NEXT

• Is Quviviq a benzodiazepine? Get the answer to this and other frequently asked questions about Quviviq (daridorexant).

• Compare your options: Quviviq and Belsomra (suvorexant) are just two of several insomnia treatments available.

• Beating insomnia: Learn about three people’s experiences with insomnia and how they were able to get the sleep they needed.

3. The dosages for Quviviq and Belsomra are similar

How you take Quviviq or Belsomra is similar. You should take 1 tablet by mouth within 30 minutes of bedtime. It’s recommended to take Quviviq or Belsomra on an empty stomach. These medications may take longer to work if you take them with food.

You should take Quviviq or Belsomra only if you can devote at least 7 hours to sleep. If you try to wake up sooner than this, there’s a higher risk of experiencing next-day drowsiness.

There are differences when it comes to the specific doses of Quviviq and Belsomra. The table below highlights those differences.

Quviviq vs. Belsomra in people considered obese

Belsomra’s labeling includes a dosage warning for people considered obese.

People with higher body weights have higher blood levels of Belsomra compared with people who have lower body weights. This raises the risk of side effects. This is especially true for women considered obese.

If you have a larger body size, your prescriber may start you with a lower Belsomra dose. Quviviq doesn’t have this warning. So it’s also possible that your prescriber may prefer you try Quviviq instead of Belsomra.

4. Quviviq and Belsomra have slightly different side effects

Quviviq’s side effects are similar to Belsomra’s side effects. But you may tolerate one better than the other.

Common or mild side effects of Quviviq or Belsomra include:

• Drowsiness, including next-day drowsiness

• Dizziness

• Headache

• Digestive side effects, such as nausea or diarrhea

• Unusual or vivid dreams

Serious side effects are rare but may include:

• Severe drowsiness

• Performing activities in your sleep, such as sleepwalking

• Feeling like you can’t move or talk when you first wake up (sleep paralysis)

• Hallucinations when you’re falling asleep or waking up

• Suicidal thoughts

Quviviq and Belsomra are also controlled substances. This means they have a risk of dependence or misuse. And there are restrictions on how they can be prescribed and dispensed. If you have a history of substance use, tell your prescriber before you start Quviviq or Belsomra.

These aren’t all the possible side effects of these medications. Tell your prescriber if you experience excessive or bothersome issues while taking Quviviq or Belsomra — even if they’re not listed here.

If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, you’re not alone, and help is available. Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988, or text HOME to 741-741 to reach the Crisis Text Line.

5. Quviviq and Belsomra interact with different medications

Quviviq and Belsomra have similar interactions. This is because your body breaks them down in the same way. Some interactions can be managed with dosage changes. Others may require you to stop one of the interacting medications.

You shouldn’t drink alcohol with Quviviq or Belsomra. Alcohol can raise the risk of side effects with these medications. Drinking can also worsen insomnia. No amount of alcohol is considered safe to drink with Quviviq or Belsomra.

Other notable medications and foods that interact with Quviviq and Belsomra include:

• Anti-seizure medications, such as phenytoin (Dilantin)

• Certain antibiotics, such as clarithromycin (Biaxin XL)

• Certain calcium channel blockers, such as amlodipine (Norvasc)

• Oral antifungals, such as fluconazole (Diflucan)

• Other prescription sleep medications, such as zolpidem (Ambien)

• Over-the-counter (OTC) sleep aids, such as doxylamine (Unisom SleepTabs)

• Other medications that cause drowsiness, such as opioids and muscle relaxers

• St. John’s wort, an OTC supplement

• Grapefruit juice

This is not a comprehensive list of interactions for Quviviq or Belsomra. Share a medication list with your prescriber and pharmacist before starting either medication. They can review this list to make sure you can safely combine Quviviq or Belsomra with your other medications.

Can you combine Quviviq and Belsomra?

No, you shouldn’t take Quviviq and Belsomra together. They interact with other sleeping medications. This includes each other.

Taking Quviviq and Belsomra together raises your risk for side effects. This may include serious side effects, such as severe drowsiness.

If Quviviq or Belsomra isn’t working well enough on its own, tell your prescriber. They may want to try an insomnia medication that works differently, such as zolpidem.

How to save on Quviviq and Belsomra

There are ways to save on Quviviq and Belsomra, which are available as brand-name medications. GoodRx can help you navigate between GoodRx coupons, copay savings cards, and patient assistance programs to save money on your prescription.

• Save with GoodRx: Anyone with a valid prescription, regardless of insurance status, can use GoodRx to purchase a 30-day supply of Quviviq at an exclusive cash price of $135.

• Save with a copay savings card: If you have commercial insurance, you may be eligible to pay as little as $0 for Quviviq using a savings card from the manufacturer (refills may cost as little as $25). You may also be eligible to pay as little as $30 for Belsomra using a similar savings card.

• Save with a free trial: Regardless of insurance status, you can obtain up to three free trials of Belsomra. This offer provides up to three 10-tablet fills of the 10 mg, 15 mg, or 20 mg doses.

• Save with patient assistance programs: If you’re uninsured or underinsured, you may be eligible for Belsomra’s patient assistance program, which offers the medication free of charge.

Why trust our experts?

Written by:

Dima Cheetany, PharmD

Dima Cheetany is a clinical pharmacist, clinical instructor, and academic detailer at the University of Illinois at Chicago. She graduated with her Doctor of Pharmacy from Roosevelt University College of Pharmacy in 2016.

Edited by:

Christina Aungst, PharmD

Christina Aungst, PharmD, is a pharmacy editor for GoodRx. She began writing for GoodRx Health in 2019, transitioning from freelance writer to editor in 2021.

Reviewed by:

Austin Ulrich, PharmD, BCACP

Austin Ulrich, PharmD, BCACP, is a board-certified ambulatory care clinical pharmacist. In his early career, he provided direct patient care in a variety of settings, including hospital and community pharmacies, and in a primary care clinic as a clinical pharmacist.

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