Why is this medication prescribed?

Dayvigo is a prescription medication primarily used to treat insomnia, particularly difficulty with sleep onset and maintenance. It contains the active ingredient lemborexant, which works by targeting the orexin system in the brain, helping to regulate the sleep-wake cycle.

How should this medicine be used?

Dayvigo is a prescription medication used to treat insomnia in adults. Here’s a general guide on how it should be used:

• Follow Prescribed Dosage: Take Dayvigo exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. The typical starting dose is 5 mg, taken once daily, administered orally, and within 30 minutes of going to bed. Your doctor may adjust the dosage based on your response and tolerability.
• Take at Bedtime: Dayvigo should be taken at bedtime, within 30 minutes of going to bed. Taking it at this time helps ensure its effectiveness in helping you fall asleep and stay asleep throughout the night.
• Avoid Food Close to Bedtime: To ensure the medication’s effectiveness, it’s recommended not to take Dayvigo with or immediately after a meal. Eating close to bedtime can delay the onset of action of the medication.
• Avoid Alcohol and Sedating Medications: To reduce the risk of excessive drowsiness or other adverse effects, it’s advisable to avoid alcohol and other sedating medications while taking Dayvigo.
• Regular Use: Use Dayvigo regularly as prescribed by your doctor. Consistent use can help maintain its effectiveness in managing insomnia symptoms.
• Do Not Crush or Chew: Swallow the Dayvigo tablet whole with water. Do not crush, chew, or break the tablet before swallowing it.
• Follow Up with Your Doctor: Keep your follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider. They may want to monitor your response to the medication and make any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan.
• Read the Medication Guide: Make sure to read the medication guide provided by your pharmacist before starting Dayvigo. It contains important information about the medication, including potential side effects and precautions.

Remember, always consult your healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns about how to use Dayvigo properly.

Other uses for this medicine

Dayvigo (lemborexant) is primarily prescribed for the treatment of insomnia in adults who have difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep. However, it’s essential to note that Dayvigo is specifically approved for this use and should not be used for other conditions unless prescribed by a healthcare professional. Off-label use of medications should be avoided without proper medical supervision.

What special precautions should I follow?

As for special precautions to follow when using Dayvigo:

• Medical History: Before starting Dayvigo, inform your healthcare provider about your medical history, especially if you have a history of psychiatric disorders, substance abuse, sleep disorders, or if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
• Allergies: Inform your doctor if you have any allergies, particularly to lemborexant or any other medications.
• Alcohol and Sedatives: Avoid consuming alcohol or taking other sedating medications while using Dayvigo, as it can increase the risk of excessive drowsiness and impair your ability to perform tasks that require alertness, such as driving or operating machinery.
• Drowsiness: Dayvigo may cause drowsiness, especially when starting the treatment or when the dosage is increased. Avoid activities that require mental alertness, such as driving, until you know how Dayvigo affects you.
• Complex Sleep Behaviors: Some individuals may experience complex sleep behaviors, such as sleepwalking, sleep-driving, or engaging in other activities while not fully awake, when using Dayvigo. If you experience any unusual behaviors while taking Dayvigo, consult your healthcare provider immediately.
• Liver Impairment: Inform your doctor if you have liver problems, as dosage adjustments may be necessary for individuals with liver impairment.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Inform your healthcare provider if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. The safety of Dayvigo during pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been established, and your doctor will weigh the potential benefits and risks before prescribing it.
• Drug Interactions: Inform your doctor about all the medications, vitamins, and supplements you are currently taking, as Dayvigo may interact with certain medications, including other sleep medications, antidepressants, antipsychotics, and medications that affect liver enzymes.

Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions and discuss any questions or concerns you may have about using Dayvigo safely and effectively.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

There are no specific dietary instructions for Dayvigo. However, to ensure its effectiveness, it’s recommended not to take Dayvigo with or immediately after a meal, as this may delay the onset of action of the medication. It’s advisable to take Dayvigo at bedtime, within 30 minutes of going to bed, with a glass of water.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

If you forget to take a dose of Dayvigo at bedtime, skip the missed dose and take your regular dose the next night. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. Taking more than the prescribed dose of Dayvigo can increase the risk of adverse effects. If you have any concerns about missed doses or need further guidance, consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Dayvigo (lemborexant) may cause side effects, although not everyone will experience them. Common side effects of Dayvigo include:

• Headache: Some individuals may experience headaches while taking Dayvigo.
• Somnolence (Drowsiness): Dayvigo can cause drowsiness, especially when starting the treatment or when the dosage is increased. This may impair your ability to perform tasks that require mental alertness.
• Fatigue: Feeling tired or fatigued may occur as a side effect of Dayvigo.
• Dry Mouth: Dry mouth, or xerostomia, is another common side effect reported by some individuals using Dayvigo.
• Abnormal Dreams: Some people may experience abnormal or vivid dreams while taking Dayvigo.
• Dizziness: Dayvigo may cause dizziness in some individuals.
• Upper Respiratory Tract Infection: An upper respiratory tract infection, such as a common cold, may occur as a side effect of Dayvigo.
• Nausea: Some individuals may experience nausea while taking Dayvigo.
• Sleep Paralysis or Hallucinations: In rare cases, Dayvigo may cause sleep paralysis or hallucinations.
• Complex Sleep Behaviors: Some individuals may engage in complex sleep behaviors, such as sleepwalking or sleep-driving, while taking Dayvigo.

It’s essential to discuss any side effects you experience with your healthcare provider. They can provide guidance on managing side effects and may adjust your treatment plan if necessary. Additionally, if you experience any severe or persistent side effects, such as difficulty breathing, chest pain, or swelling of the face or throat, seek immediate medical attention.

What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication?

Here’s what you should know about storage and disposal of Dayvigo:

Storage:

• Store Dayvigo tablets at room temperature, away from moisture and heat.
• Keep the medication in its original container, tightly closed, and out of reach of children and pets.
• Do not store Dayvigo in the bathroom or in locations where it may be exposed to excessive moisture or light.

Disposal:

• Dispose of Dayvigo tablets properly according to local regulations or guidelines for medication disposal.
• Do not flush Dayvigo down the toilet or pour it down the drain unless instructed to do so by your healthcare provider or pharmacist.
• If you have unused or expired Dayvigo tablets, consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal authority for guidance on safe disposal methods.

In case of emergency/overdose

• If you suspect an overdose of Dayvigo or experience severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing, loss of consciousness, or seizures, seek immediate medical attention or contact your local poison control center.
• Be prepared to provide information about the medication, including the dosage and timing of ingestion, to healthcare professionals or emergency responders.
• Do not attempt to treat an overdose of Dayvigo at home without medical supervision.

What other information should I know?

• Inform your healthcare provider about all medications, vitamins, and supplements you are currently taking before starting Dayvigo, as it may interact with other medications.
• Avoid consuming alcohol or taking other sedating medications while using Dayvigo, as it can increase the risk of excessive drowsiness and other adverse effects.
• Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions carefully regarding the dosage and administration of Dayvigo.
• Keep all appointments with your healthcare provider for monitoring and follow-up during your treatment with Dayvigo.
• Report any unusual or severe side effects experienced while taking Dayvigo to your healthcare provider promptly.
• Do not share Dayvigo with others, even if they have similar symptoms, as it is prescribed specifically for individual use.

Following these guidelines can help ensure the safe and effective use of Dayvigo for the treatment of insomnia. If you have any questions or concerns about Dayvigo, consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist for further guidance.