From the Guidelines
Dayvigo (Lemborexant) is an orexin receptor antagonist used for the treatment of insomnia.
Key Characteristics
- It works by blocking the orexin receptors, which play a role in regulating sleep and wakefulness 1.
- Lemborexant has been studied in driving simulator and on-the-road tests to evaluate its effects on driving performance, with results showing that it can impair driving ability, similar to other hypnotics 1.
- The standard deviation of lateral position (SDLP) is used as a primary endpoint in driving studies to assess the degree of weaving during driving, and lemborexant has been shown to increase SDLP in healthy individuals 1.
- As an orexin receptor antagonist, lemborexant has a different mechanism of action compared to traditional hypnotics, such as benzodiazepines and non-benzodiazepine GABA receptor agonists 1.
Clinical Use
- Lemborexant is approved for the treatment of insomnia, characterized by difficulties with sleep initiation and/or maintenance 1.
- The recommended dose of lemborexant is 5 mg or 10 mg once daily, taken immediately before bedtime [not explicitly stated in (1), but based on general medical knowledge].
- It is essential to use lemborexant with caution, as it can impair driving ability and increase the risk of falls, particularly in older adults 1.
From the Research
What is Dayvigo (Lemborexant)?
- Dayvigo, also known as Lemborexant, is a dual orexin receptor antagonist used for the treatment of insomnia in adults 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- It works by blocking the action of orexin, a neurotransmitter that regulates wakefulness, thereby promoting sleep 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
Mechanism of Action
- Lemborexant has a high affinity for both orexin receptor subtypes, OX1R and OX2R, which are involved in the regulation of sleep-wake cycles 6.
- By blocking these receptors, Lemborexant decreases the activity of orexin neurons, leading to increased sleepiness and reduced wakefulness 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
Efficacy and Safety
- Clinical trials have shown that Lemborexant is effective in improving sleep onset and sleep maintenance in adults with insomnia disorder 2, 3, 4.
- Lemborexant has also been shown to improve daytime functioning and reduce symptoms of insomnia, such as fatigue and sleepiness 4, 5.
- The safety profile of Lemborexant is generally well-tolerated, with common adverse events including somnolence, headache, and dizziness 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.