9 Quviviq Side Effects: How to Manage Headaches, Nausea, and More

In the past decade, a new class of sleep medications known as orexin receptor antagonists (ORAs) has come onto the market. These medications include Quviviq (daridorexant), which was FDA-approved to treat insomnia in adults in 2022. 

One factor you may consider when selecting a sleep medication is side effects. Similar to many other options, Quviviq is a controlled substance, which means there’s a potential risk of misuse. But what other side effects can you expect while taking it?

Quviviq side effects at a glance

In clinical studies, Quvivq was well-tolerated, and serious side effects were rare. 

Promotion disclosure

Manufacturer exclusive discount

Quviviq

Avg retail price

$603.14(Save 77.62%)

GoodRx discount

$135.00

See all discounts

How it works

Use GoodRx to find medications, pharmacies, and discounts.

GoodRx discounts can help you pay less for your prescription.

Bring your free coupon or savings card to the pharmacy.

Common Quviviq side effects (reported by at least 2% of people who take it) include:

• Headache

• Drowsiness

• Daytime sleepiness

• Dizziness

• Nausea

Less common Quviviq side effects include:

• Sleep paralysis

• Hallucinations

• Nightmares or abnormal dreams

• Complex sleep behaviors

• Severe allergic reactions

Below, we’ll go into more detail about nine Quviviq side effects and ways you can manage them.

1. Headache

Headaches are the most common Quviviq side effect. These can include tension headaches, migraines, or just general head discomfort. But to make things confusing, sleep and headaches are closely related. That means not getting a full night’s rest could trigger a headache. There are many other things that could cause a headache, too.

It can be difficult to know if your headaches are caused by Quviviq or something else, but there are some things you can try to get some relief. Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) might help. Adequate hydration and stress relief can also play a large role in treating and preventing headaches.

Talk to your prescriber if you’re experiencing headaches that are unbearable or not going away.

2. Drowsiness

Like other sleep medications, Quviviq makes you feel drowsy. Take Quviviq 30 minutes before going to bed, since it kicks in pretty quickly. And plan on staying in bed for at least 7 hours after taking it, since the drowsiness effect can last all night.

Contact your prescriber if you’re uncomfortable with how Quviviq makes you feel. They might be able to lower your dose or recommend a different medication.

3. Daytime sleepiness

Because of how it works, Quviviq may have a lower risk of next-day side effects compared with other sleep medications. But, it’s still possible to feel sleepy and less alert the next day after taking it. And these effects may last for a few days after you stop taking Quviviq.

Your risk of daytime sleepiness from Quviviq is higher if you take it when you’re not able to get a full night’s sleep. As mentioned above, be sure to take it when you can get at least 7 hours of sleep at night.

If you’re still feeling sleepy the next day, taking other medications that can cause drowsiness (e.g., sedatives, certain antihistamines) or drinking alcohol might make things worse. If possible, avoid taking anything that might make you more sleepy. Don’t drive or perform activities that could be dangerous for you or others. Contact your prescriber if next-day sleepiness from Quviviq interferes with your normal daily activities.

4. Dizziness

Some people taking Quviviq report dizziness as a side effect. Dizziness isn’t usually an issue while you’re asleep. But if you need to get out of bed after taking your dose, sit up slowly. If you can, hold on to something sturdy while standing up. If you feel dizzy, sit or lie back down until the feeling passes.

Next-day dizziness may affect your ability to drive or perform your usual daily activities. Tell your prescriber if you feel dizzy the next day after taking Quviviq.

5. Nausea

Nausea is another possible Quviviq side effect. But it seems to be more common with the higher dose (50 mg). 

Sometimes, taking a medication with food can help if it upsets your stomach. But taking Quviviq with or soon after a high-calorie and high-fat meal can actually delay its effects. This could mean waiting a longer time in bed until you fall asleep. And going to bed with a full stomach can also make you nauseous. Instead, reach for a lighter snack that might help settle your stomach.

Talk to your healthcare team if you’re experiencing bothersome nausea with Quviviq.

6. Sleep paralysis

Sleep paralysis is the inability to move or talk during the transition from being awake and asleep. A small number of people taking Quviviq reported experiencing this sensation during clinical studies. If this happens, you might not be able to speak or move for up to several minutes. 

Sleep paralysis isn’t dangerous, but it could be frightening. Be sure to educate your loved ones about the possibility of sleep paralysis so they can support you if it happens. If you’re concerned about this potential side effect, have a conversation with your prescriber.

7. Hallucinations

Another possible side effect of Quviviq is hallucinations that happen when you’re either falling asleep or waking up. This means you could see, hear, smell, or feel something that seems very real to you but isn’t actually there. 

As with sleep paralysis, it’s a good idea for you to alert those who sleep in the same room as you in case you experience a hallucination. Contact your prescriber if this becomes bothersome for you.

8. Nightmares or abnormal dreams

Rarely, Quviviq could cause nightmares or abnormal dreams. This wasn’t reported in clinical studies, but some people reported this side effect after Quviviq came on the market. If you start having nightmares or abnormal dreams that disturb you after taking Quviviq, tell your prescriber.

9. Complex sleep behaviors

A common concern with many sleep medications is performing activities while not fully awake. This is known as complex sleep behaviors. Many times, you won’t remember doing these things the next morning after you’ve taken Quviviq. 

Complex sleep behaviors include:

• Sleepwalking

• Sleep driving

• Preparing or eating food

• Making phone calls

• Having sex

This side effect wasn’t reported by people taking Quviviq in clinical studies or in a 40-week study looking at the long-term safety of this medication. But these activities during sleep have been reported by people taking similar medications, and they could happen with Quviviq, too. If you experience this, tell your prescriber right away.

When should you contact your prescriber about Quviviq side effects?

As mentioned above, serious side effects from Quvivq are rare. But there are some situations where you should either get emergency medical help or notify your prescriber right away.

After Quviviq came onto the market, there were some reports of serious allergic reactions. If you experience hives, trouble breathing, or swelling of your face or throat, call 911 or get medical attention immediately.

If someone you know tells you about an activity you performed while not fully awake that you don’t remember, be sure to let your prescriber know. This is serious and could put you or someone else in danger.

Why trust our experts?

Written by:

Kristianne Hannemann, PharmD

Kristianne Hannemann, PharmD, is a licensed pharmacist in California. She has been a retail pharmacy manager and staff pharmacist for over 7 years and has contributed drug information content to different health companies.

Edited by:

Alyssa Billingsley, PharmD

Alyssa Billingsley, PharmD, is the director of pharmacy content for GoodRx. She has over a decade of experience as a pharmacist and has worked in clinical, academic, and administrative roles.

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.

Our editorial standards

Meet our experts