From the Guidelines
Dayvigo (lemborexant) is a suitable treatment option for insomnia, as it has been shown to reduce sleep onset time and increase total sleep time, with a lower risk of physical dependence and next-day impairment compared to older sleep medications. The medication works by blocking orexin receptors in the brain, which helps regulate the sleep-wake cycle. According to the most recent and highest quality study available, Dayvigo is available in 5mg and 10mg doses, with the lower dose recommended for most adults, especially older patients 1. Common side effects include headache, drowsiness the next day, and abnormal dreams. However, it should be used cautiously in patients with respiratory conditions as it may worsen breathing problems during sleep. The medication typically remains effective without significant tolerance development over 12 months of use, making it suitable for longer-term insomnia management when appropriate.
Some key points to consider when prescribing Dayvigo include:
- The medication has been shown to be effective in reducing sleep onset time and increasing total sleep time in clinical trials 1
- The lower dose (5mg) is recommended for most adults, especially older patients, to minimize the risk of adverse effects 1
- Dayvigo has a lower risk of physical dependence and next-day impairment compared to older sleep medications 1
- The medication should be used cautiously in patients with respiratory conditions, as it may worsen breathing problems during sleep 1
Overall, Dayvigo is a viable treatment option for insomnia, and its efficacy and safety profile make it a suitable choice for patients who require pharmacologic treatment for their condition. However, as with any medication, it is essential to carefully weigh the potential benefits and risks and to monitor patients closely for adverse effects.
From the FDA Drug Label
The FDA drug label does not answer the question.
From the Research
Overview of Dayvigo and Sleep Health
- Dayvigo, also known as lemborexant, is a dual orexin receptor antagonist used for the treatment of insomnia 2, 3, 4.
- It works by inhibiting the orexin system, which regulates wakefulness and arousal, thus facilitating increased sleep onset and maintenance of sleep 3, 4.
Efficacy of Dayvigo
- Studies have shown that lemborexant is effective in decreasing sleep onset latency and wake after sleep onset, and improving sleep efficiency 2, 3.
- A systematic review and meta-analysis of 1976 patients found that lemborexant was superior to placebo in improving sleep onset latency, wake after sleep onset, and sleep efficiency 3.
- Lemborexant has been shown to be effective in patients with insomnia with comorbidities, such as depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and alcohol dependency 4, 5.
Safety of Dayvigo
- Lemborexant has been found to be generally well-tolerated, with minimal residual effects on morning alertness or next day function 2, 4.
- However, somnolence has been reported as a treatment-related adverse event in a dose-dependent manner 3, 4.
- The effects of lemborexant on body sway and driving skills 8-9 hours after administration have been found to be similar to those in the placebo group, suggesting little next morning residual effects 4.
Comparison with Other Treatments
- Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) is a non-pharmacological treatment that has been found to be effective in improving sleep onset latency, wake after sleep onset, and sleep efficiency 5, 6.
- CBT-I has been recommended as the first-line treatment for insomnia, and has been found to be effective in patients with insomnia with comorbidities, such as depression and post-traumatic stress disorder 5, 6.