Why is this medication prescribed?

Daridorexant is a medication prescribed primarily for the treatment of insomnia in adults. It belongs to a class of drugs known as dual orexin receptor antagonists. Orexin receptors are involved in regulating wakefulness and sleep, and by blocking these receptors, daridorexant helps promote sleep.

How should this medicine be used?

Daridorexant is typically used to treat insomnia in adults. The dosage and usage instructions for daridorexant may vary depending on individual factors such as age, medical condition, and response to treatment. However, here are some general guidelines:

• Dosage: The usual recommended dose of daridorexant is 25 mg taken orally once daily, just before bedtime. It’s important to take it exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider.
• Administration: Daridorexant should be swallowed whole with water. It can be taken with or without food.
• Consistency: Try to take daridorexant at the same time each night to maintain a consistent level of the medication in your body.
• Avoid Alcohol: Avoid consuming alcohol while taking daridorexant, as it can increase the risk of side effects and impair your ability to perform tasks that require alertness, such as driving.
• Follow-up: Follow up with your healthcare provider regularly to monitor your response to daridorexant and to adjust the dosage if necessary.
• Duration: Use daridorexant for the duration prescribed by your doctor. Do not stop taking it abruptly without consulting your healthcare provider, as this can lead to withdrawal symptoms.
• Safety Precautions: Be cautious when engaging in activities that require mental alertness, such as driving or operating machinery, until you know how daridorexant affects you.

Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized dosage recommendations and usage instructions based on your specific medical condition and needs.

Other uses for this medicine

Daridorexant is primarily prescribed for the treatment of insomnia in adults and is not typically used for other purposes. Its mechanism of action targets the orexin system, which regulates wakefulness and sleep. Therefore, it’s specifically designed to address sleep-related issues.

What special precautions should I follow?

As for special precautions when using daridorexant:

• Medical History: Inform your healthcare provider about your medical history, especially if you have a history of substance abuse, depression, mental illness, or any other medical conditions.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, discuss the risks and benefits of using daridorexant with your doctor. It’s essential to weigh the potential risks to the fetus or infant against the benefits of treatment.
• Alcohol and Other Medications: Avoid consuming alcohol while taking daridorexant, as it can increase the risk of side effects. Inform your doctor about all other medications, supplements, or herbal products you are currently taking, as they may interact with daridorexant.
• Driving and Operating Machinery: Daridorexant may cause drowsiness or dizziness, which can impair your ability to drive or operate machinery. Use caution when engaging in activities that require mental alertness until you know how daridorexant affects you.
• Allergic Reactions: If you have had an allergic reaction to daridorexant or any of its ingredients in the past, inform your healthcare provider before starting treatment.
• Withdrawal Symptoms: Avoid suddenly stopping daridorexant without consulting your doctor, as it may lead to withdrawal symptoms such as rebound insomnia or anxiety.
• Liver Function: Daridorexant is metabolized in the liver, so individuals with liver impairment may require dosage adjustments or closer monitoring while taking this medication.

Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions and guidance regarding the use of daridorexant, and report any concerning side effects or reactions promptly.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

Regarding special dietary instructions, daridorexant can be taken with or without food. There are no specific dietary restrictions associated with its use.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

If you forget to take a dose of daridorexant, take it as soon as you remember, but only if you can still get at least 7 hours of sleep before you need to be active again. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the regular time. Do not take two doses at the same time to make up for a missed dose. If you are unsure about what to do, consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist for advice.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Daridorexant, like any medication, can cause side effects. Common side effects of daridorexant may include:

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Somnolence (drowsiness)
• Fatigue
• Dry mouth
• Diarrhea
• Abnormal dreams
• Upper respiratory tract infection

These side effects are usually mild to moderate and may improve as your body adjusts to the medication. However, if any of these side effects persist or worsen, or if you experience any other concerning symptoms, it’s important to inform your healthcare provider.

In rare cases, daridorexant may cause more serious side effects such as allergic reactions, including rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue, or difficulty breathing. If you experience any severe or concerning side effects, seek medical attention immediately.

This list of side effects is not exhaustive, and other side effects may occur. Always consult your healthcare provider for advice if you have any questions or concerns about the side effects of daridorexant.

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

For storage and disposal of daridorexant:

• Storage: Store daridorexant at room temperature away from light and moisture. Keep it out of reach of children and pets.
• Disposal: Dispose of daridorexant properly according to local regulations or guidelines. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for proper disposal methods.

In case of emergency/overdose

If you or someone else has taken too much daridorexant or is experiencing severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing, seizures, loss of consciousness, or severe drowsiness, seek emergency medical attention immediately. Call your local emergency services or go to the nearest emergency room.

What other information should I know?

• Follow-up: Attend all follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider to monitor your response to daridorexant and make any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan.
• Lab Tests: Your doctor may order periodic lab tests to monitor your liver function while you are taking daridorexant.
• Missed Doses: If you miss a dose of daridorexant, take it as soon as you remember, but only if you can still get at least 7 hours of sleep before you need to be active again. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.
• Regular Use: Use daridorexant regularly to get the most benefit from it. Do not stop taking daridorexant suddenly without consulting your doctor, as it may cause withdrawal symptoms.
• Interaction with Other Medications: Inform your healthcare provider about all medications, supplements, or herbal products you are taking, as they may interact with daridorexant.
• Alcohol: Avoid alcohol while taking daridorexant, as it can increase the risk of side effects.

Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions and guidance regarding the use of daridorexant, and don’t hesitate to ask if you have any questions or concerns.