Insomniais a common sleep disorder.
Quviviq and Ambien belong to two different classes of medications with varying mechanisms of action.
Quviviq contains the active ingredient daridorexant, classified as a dual orexin receptor antagonist (DORAs).
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Ambien includes the active ingredient zolpidem, anon-benzodiazepine hypnotic agent.
These drugs differ in categorization, dosing regimens, specific uses, and potential side effects.
Their only significant similarity is that they both treat insomnia.
The following outlines how each drug works to help with sleep onset or staying asleep through the night.
Both Quviviq and Ambien are orally administered (taken by mouth) medications.
Quviviq
Quviviq contains the novel drug daridorexant, a DORA product.
Ambien
Ambien and another version, Ambien CR, contain the same active ingredient, zolpidem.
Zolpidem, as a non-benzodiazepine hypnotic agent, works like that of a gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) agonist.
Like Quviviq, Ambien is only available as a brand-name drug with no generic equivalent.
Efficacy: Quviviq vs. Ambien
Quviviq and Ambien are both effective at treating problems associated with insomnia.
Head-to-head clinical studies are yet to be performed comparing the effectiveness of these drugs.
But both drugs are more effective than the placebo, according to the results of clinical trials.
Quviviq is considered safe, with no clinically significant side effects, including the absence of next-morning residual effects.
In comparison, Ambien is a short-acting, non-benzodiazepine hypnotic and is one of the most-used supplemental treatments.
Administration: Quviviq vs. Ambien
Quviviq and Ambien are available in different dosage forms and dosage regimens.
Despite the following guidelines, both these drugs should be taken only as prescribed by your healthcare provider.
Taking Quviviq:
Quviviq oral tablets are available in 25 mg and 50 mg strengths.
The recommended dosage range of Quviviq is 25 mg to 50 mg once per night.
When taking Quviviq, be sure to take it within 30 minutes of going to bed.
Be sure to take the tablets as a whole.
Don’t chew, crush, or break them.
Quviviq is not recommended for people with severe liver impairment.
A change in dose may be required when taken for specific health conditions and with certain other drugs.
Always take the prescribed dose.
The safety and effectiveness of Quviviq have yet to be established in people under 18.
Ambien CR extended-release (ER) dissolves slowly inside the body.
It has a longer-lasting impact and lessens the need for more doses.
The IR tablets are used to treat symptoms related to delayed sleep onset.
The ER tablets treat both delayed sleep onset and decreased sleep latency.
Ambien has a relatively shorter duration of action when compared to Ambien CR.
Which Drug Lasts Longer in the Body?
Ambien CR and Ambien are rapidly absorbed upon consumption and start working quickly after taking them.
Both formulations reach the mean peak plasma concentration in 1.5 hours.
Side Effects
Quviviq and Ambien are generally safe drugs when taken according to the prescribed dose.
However, both share common, mild side effects and rare, severe side effects.
Tell your healthcare provider about any unusual sleep behavior while taking Ambien.
Who Should Not Take Quviviq or Ambien?
Quviviq is discouraged from use in people withnarcolepsy.
Ambien should be avoided by those with a natural hypersensitivity to zolpidem, the active ingredient in Ambien.
It is also not approved in people who experience complex sleep behaviors after taking this medicine.
As mentioned earlier, those with severe liver impairment should not use Quviviq or Ambien.
No data are available on the safety of Quviviq or Ambien in pregnant or breastfeeding people.
Therefore, your healthcare provider will determine the risk-to-benefit ratio of using Quviviq or Ambien while pregnant or breastfeeding.
Interactions: Quviviq vs. Ambien
Drug-drug interactions may result when taking Ambien and Quviviq with other drugs.
Quviviq and Ambien interact with the following medicines.
CYP3A4 inducers:
A CYP3A4 inducer drug significantly reduced the exposure and efficacy of Ambient and Quviviq.
Therefore, using a CYP3A4 inducer medication is not recommended with either of these drugs.
Your healthcare provider will determine the need and best suitable dose of Ambien for you.
Summary
Quviviq and Ambien are effective treatment options when used for insomnia.
While generally tolerable, they must only be used as prescribed.
Long-term use of these drugs may lead to dependency and addiction.
Various medicines interact with Quviviq and Ambien, particularly the ones acting on the CNS.
Thus, always tell your healthcare provider about all your medications before taking Quviviq or Ambien.
Frequently Asked Questions
Keep Quviviq and Ambien in the container they came in.
Store at room temperature, away from heat and moisture, and tightly closed.
Do not store either drug in a bathroom.
Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Quviviq 25 or 50 mg oral tablets cost about $500 for 30 tablets.
Generic zolpidem costs about $20 to $50 monthly for 30 tablets.
Also, insurance plans typically cover generic zolpidem.
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