Quviviq vs. Ambien: Differences, similarities & side effects

In this article:

• Key differences
• Conditions treated
• Is Quviviq better than Ambien?
• Can you take Quviviq and Ambien together?
• Insurance coverage and cost
• Side effects
• Drug interactions
• Drug warnings

In this article

• Key differences
• Conditions treated
• Is Quviviq better than Ambien?
• Can you take Quviviq and Ambien together?
• Insurance coverage and cost
• Side effects
• Drug interactions
• Drug warnings

Sleep disorders involve problems with sleep quality, amount, and timing, often resulting in daytime issues like sleepiness and problems functioning. Insomnia is the most common sleep disorder, involving problems falling asleep, staying asleep, or both. 

Quviviq and Ambien are two brand-name medications used to treat insomnia. Quviviq is classified in a group of drugs called orexin receptor antagonists, also known as dual orexin receptor antagonists (DORAs). It works by blocking the action of orexin, a substance produced by the brain that helps you stay awake. Other drugs in this class include Belsomra (suvorexant) and Dayvigo (lemborexant). 

Ambien is classified as a sedative-hypnotic, or more specifically, a gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptor-positive modulator. This sleep medicine works by slowing brain activity, allowing you to fall asleep. Other drugs in this class include Lunesta (eszopiclone) and Sonata (zaleplon). These sleeping pills are often referred to as z-drugs. 

Although both medications help people who have trouble sleeping, there are notable differences. Continue reading to learn more about Quviviq and Ambien. 

Quviviq vs. Ambien: Key differences

Quviviq contains the active ingredient daridorexant, but there is no generic version. Quviviq is available as an oral tablet and is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in adults only. 

Ambien contains the active ingredient zolpidem and is available in both brand and generic formulations. Additionally, there is an extended-release formulation of Ambien which is also available in brand and generic, called Ambien CR. 

Both drugs are classified as Schedule IV drugs due to the risk of abuse and dependence. If you take Quviviq or Ambien, take it exactly as directed by your healthcare provider. Do not take more medication than prescribed, as it could cause dangerous side effects. Store your medication in a safe place out of reach and out of sight of children and pets.

Quviviq vs. Ambien: Conditions treated

Quviviq is FDA approved to treat adults with insomnia. This includes difficulty falling asleep (sleep onset), staying asleep (sleep maintenance), or both. 

Ambien (immediate-release) is FDA approved for the short-term treatment of insomnia in adults who have difficulty falling asleep. 

Ambien CR (extended-release) is FDA approved for the short-term treatment of insomnia in adults who have difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or both. The Ambien CR tablet has two layers: The first layer releases the medicine right away, while the second layer releases the medicine slowly over time, which is why it can be used to help people stay asleep.

Is Quviviq better than Ambien?

The American Academy of Family Physicians recommends cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for insomnia, noting that psychological and behavioral interventions are considered first-line treatment. However, if CBT alone is not effective, then short-term medication may be considered. The guidelines state that Ambien, Lunesta (eszopiclone), and Belsomra have the strongest evidence of effectiveness. However, the guidelines do not recommend one medication over the other, and these guidelines were written before Quviviq was FDA approved. With medication for insomnia, it is recommended that if symptoms do not begin to improve after seven to 10 days of treatment, further evaluation is usually required. 

RELATED: Quviviq vs. Belsomra

A review of clinical studies found that Quviviq was better tolerated than Ambien in terms of side effects, as well as having a lower rate of abuse (although higher doses of Quviviq are more likely to be associated with abuse). The review notes that some research has found Quviviq to significantly improve sleep with minimal side effects and next-morning drowsiness compared to Ambien and placebo (inactive medicine). 

Also, nonmedicinal measures can be used along with prescription drugs to help you sleep better. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends cognitive behavioral therapy along with some sleep hygiene (good sleep habits) tips:

• Keep a consistent bedtime and wake-up time on weekdays and weekends.
• Establish a good sleep environment. Keep your bedroom quiet, relaxing, and at a comfortable sleeping temperature. 
• Keep electronics out of your bedroom. This includes not only televisions but also computers, smartphones, and tablets. 
• Avoid consuming large meals, caffeine, and alcohol before bedtime, and always avoid alcohol if you take Quviviq or Ambien. Also, avoid drinking a lot of fluids, in general, before you go to sleep. 
• Establish and maintain a regular exercise routine. Check with your healthcare provider before beginning a new exercise program.

The best medication for you can only be determined by your healthcare provider, who can take into account individual factors such as your medical conditions, medical history, medications you take that may interact with Quviviq or Ambien, and any other determining factors. 

Can you take Quviviq and Ambien together?

No, you should not take Quviviq and Ambien together. According to the prescribing information for both Quviviq and Ambien, both drugs cause central nervous system (CNS) depression, a slowing down of the nervous system. Combining these two drugs can worsen side effects, including next-day drowsiness and impairment, as well as respiratory depression, which may cause breathing to slow or stop, unconsciousness, coma, or even death. This warning applies to combining any drugs or substances, such as alcohol, opioids, or anxiety medications (benzodiazepines), that cause CNS depression.

Quviviq vs. Ambien: Insurance coverage and cost comparison

Quviviq may or may not be covered by commercial health insurance plans but is generally not covered by Medicare prescription plans. The manufacturer offers some savings options; contact Idorsia Pharmaceuticals for more information. For people without insurance, the out-of-pocket price for a one-month supply of Quviviq is about $635, but using a free SingleCare card or coupon can bring the price down to about $487.

Generic Ambien is generally covered by insurance plans and Medicare prescription plans, while generic Ambien CR is covered by most insurance plans and may or may not be covered by Medicare, depending on the plan. Most plans that cover this medication will cover the generic formulation. The brand-name drug may be covered with a higher copay or may not be covered at all. For those without insurance, the out-of-pocket price for a one-month supply of brand-name Ambien is about $791, but you can use a free SingleCare card to pay as low as $2 for generic zolpidem.

*Cost at the time of publication. Drug prices vary by pharmacy.

Quviviq vs. Ambien side effects

Common side effects of both Quviviq and Ambien include headache, drowsiness, and dizziness, among others.

Serious side effects can occur with either drug. For example, people with symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, should seek emergency medical attention. 

Information about common side effects is summarized in the table below, with the range representing various doses. This is not a full list of side effects, and others may occur. Consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information.

Source: DailyMed

Quviviq and Ambien drug interactions

Before you take Quviviq or Ambien, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medications, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and supplements (such as melatonin).

Quviviq and Ambien have many of the same drug interactions. Some interactions will require avoiding the combination of medications, while others may require caution and/or a dosage adjustment. Talk to your healthcare provider about drug interactions and how they may affect you. Your healthcare provider can also give you a full list of drug interactions, as this is not a complete list of every possible interaction.

Quviviq and Ambien drug warnings

• Before you take Quviviq or Ambien, tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and medical history, including if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. 
• Complex sleep behaviors may occur after taking Quviviq or Ambien. These include activities that occur while you are not fully awake, such as sleepwalking, sleep-driving, eating, having sex, or other activities. Complex sleep behaviors can be dangerous and result in serious injuries or death. If any of these complex sleep behaviors occur, stop taking Quviviq or Ambien and consult your healthcare professional.
• Quviviq and Ambien can cause CNS depression and daytime impairment. These medications affect alertness and coordination, including morning impairment. When taking Quviviq or Ambien, you should avoid alcohol and other CNS depressants, as they increase the risk of these problems. The morning after taking Quviviq or Ambien, you may not be completely alert and may not be able to think clearly or drive. Ask your healthcare provider for more information and recommendations, as these medications can affect people differently. 
• Quviviq and Ambien can cause a worsening of depression and suicidal thoughts. People who take Quviviq or Ambien should be closely monitored for mood and behavior changes.
• If insomnia persists after seven to 10 days of taking Quviviq or Ambien, or if you have chronic insomnia (insomnia that occurs three or more nights per week, lasts more than three months, and cannot be explained by another medical condition), your healthcare provider will evaluate you for other medical conditions. Changes in thinking, bizarre behavior, or agitation may be signs of another condition.
• Quviviq and Ambien may affect breathing and cause respiratory depression. Your healthcare provider will assess your risk before you start taking Quviviq or Ambien. People with respiratory conditions may not be appropriate candidates for Quviviq or Ambien. 
• Quviviq may cause sleep paralysis (being unable to move or speak for several minutes after waking up), hallucinations (including vivid, disturbing perceptions), and cataplexy-like symptoms (periods of leg weakness that may last up to several minutes). Report any of these adverse effects to your healthcare provider.
• People with narcolepsy should not take Quviviq.
• Ambien should not be used in people with severe liver problems. 
• Ambien CR tablets should be swallowed whole; do not crush, chew, or divide.
• Stopping Ambien suddenly or quickly decreasing the dose could cause withdrawal symptoms. If you want to stop Ambien, consult your healthcare provider for a tapering schedule that can help you stop the medication gradually and safely.

Consult your healthcare provider about whether Quviviq, Ambien, or another treatment would be best for you.