Quviviq vs. Restoril
See how Quviviq and Restoril compare on approved uses, dosing, side effects, and cost.
Key Takeaways
Quviviq is a newer dual orexin receptor antagonist with no boxed warning for abuse or dependence, while Restoril is a benzodiazepine that carries one.
Restoril is approved only for short-term insomnia treatment of about 7 to 10 nights, while Quviviq is approved for ongoing nightly use.
Restoril's FDA boxed warnings cover abuse, addiction, and dangerous interactions with opioids; stopping it abruptly can also cause withdrawal seizures.
Quviviq vs. Restoril Drug Summary
Quviviq
Quviviq (daridorexant) is a dual orexin receptor antagonist that treats insomnia by blocking wake-promoting brain signals rather than broadly sedating the nervous system. It comes as a single 25 mg or 50 mg tablet taken within 30 minutes of bedtime. It is approved for ongoing nightly use in adults with trouble falling or staying asleep.
Restoril
Restoril (temazepam) is a benzodiazepine hypnotic that treats insomnia by boosting GABA activity in the brain to produce sedation. It comes as a single capsule taken at bedtime, with doses ranging from 7.5 mg to 30 mg. It is approved only for short-term use, typically 7 to 10 nights.
Quviviq vs. Restoril Side Effects
Quviviq
Restoril
Quviviq vs. Restoril Dosage
Quviviq
Restoril
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 25 mg once nightly | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 50 mg once nightly | If needed |
| Dose changes | 1 increase | As tolerated |
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 7.5 mg once daily | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 30 mg once daily | If needed |
| Dose changes | 3 increases | As tolerated |
Quviviq
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 25 mg once nightly | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 50 mg once nightly | If needed |
| Dose changes | 1 increase | As tolerated |
Restoril
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 7.5 mg once daily | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 30 mg once daily | If needed |
| Dose changes | 3 increases | As tolerated |
Quviviq vs. Restoril Indications
Quviviq
Quviviq is FDA-approved to treat insomnia in adults who have trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or both. It works differently from older sleep medications by blocking orexin receptors instead of broadly sedating the brain. It is not approved for narcolepsy.
Difficulty falling asleep
Difficulty staying asleep
Approved for long-term nightly use
Not approved for narcolepsy
Restoril
Restoril is FDA-approved only for the short-term treatment of insomnia, generally limited to 7 to 10 nights. It is not intended for routine long-term use or for treating anxiety disorders. Longer courses raise the risk of dependence and withdrawal.
Difficulty falling or staying asleep
Approved for short-term use only (7-10 nights)
Not approved for anxiety disorders
Not intended for long-term routine use
Quviviq vs. Restoril Pros and Cons
Quviviq
Quviviq's targeted mechanism means it does not carry a boxed warning for abuse or dependence, and clinical trials showed no evidence of withdrawal after stopping. As a newer brand-name drug, it tends to cost less than Restoril but may face stricter insurance requirements since it lacks a generic version.
Pros
No boxed warning for abuse or dependence
No evidence of withdrawal after stopping in trials
Approved for regular, ongoing nightly use
Cons
No generic version available yet
Not studied for anxiety-related insomnia
Dose reduction required in moderate liver impairment
Not approved for narcolepsy despite affecting similar brain pathways
Restoril
Restoril has decades of clinical use and comes as a lower-cost generic, but it carries an FDA boxed warning for abuse, addiction, and dangerous interactions with opioids. Its benzodiazepine mechanism also means physical dependence and withdrawal, including seizures, are possible with continued or abruptly stopped use.
Pros
Available as a lower-cost generic (temazepam)
Long track record of clinical use since 1981
Flexible dosing range from 7.5 mg to 30 mg
Cons
Boxed warning for abuse, misuse, and addiction
Boxed warning for danger when combined with opioids
Risk of withdrawal seizures if stopped abruptly
Higher monthly list price than Quviviq: roughly $920-$1,270 vs $520-$685
Common Symptoms and Related Diseases You Can Explore
Explore a range of common symptoms the Doctronic Symptom Checker can help you understand.