From the FDA Drug Label
The FDA drug label does not answer the question.
From the Research
Dayvigo (lemborexant) is a highly effective treatment for insomnia in adults, with a recommended dosage of 5 mg taken once per night immediately before bedtime, as evidenced by the most recent study 1.
Key Points
- The medication works by blocking orexin receptors in the brain, which helps regulate the sleep-wake cycle.
- Dayvigo has a relatively favorable side effect profile, though common side effects include headache, drowsiness the next day, and abnormal dreams, as reported in a study published in 2019 2.
- Patients should avoid alcohol while taking Dayvigo, as this can increase sedative effects.
- The medication should be taken only when able to get a full night's sleep, as it may cause impairment the following morning.
Dosage and Administration
- The recommended dosage is 5 mg taken once per night immediately before bedtime, with at least 7 hours remaining before planned awakening.
- The dose may be increased to 10 mg if needed, but lower doses (2.5 mg) are recommended for elderly patients or those with moderate hepatic impairment, as suggested by a study published in 2024 1.
Safety and Efficacy
- Dayvigo is classified as a controlled substance (Schedule IV) due to its potential for dependence, so it's typically prescribed for short-term use, though some patients may use it for longer periods under medical supervision.
- The medication has been shown to be well tolerated in subjects aged ≥ 65 years, with benefits on sleep variables without next-morning residual effects, as reported in a study published in 2024 1.
- A study published in 2019 found that lemborexant therapy significantly improved both sleep onset and sleep maintenance, including in the second half of the night, compared with both placebo and zolpidem measured objectively using polysomnography 2.