Dayvigo and dosage: Strengths, form, when to take, and more

Dayvigo (lemborexant) is a brand-name drug that's prescribed for insomnia in adults. Dayvigo comes as an oral tablet that's typically taken once per day. The dosage can vary depending on your body's response to the medication.

Dayvigo belongs to a drug class called dual orexin receptor antagonists. Dayvigo isn't available in a generic version.

Keep reading for specific information about the dosage of Dayvigo, including its strengths and how to take the medication. For a comprehensive look at Dayvigo, see this article.

Note: This article describes typical dosages for Dayvigo provided by the drug's manufacturer. When taking Dayvigo, always follow the dosage prescribed by your doctor.

The information below describes Dayvigo's dosage for insomnia in adults.

Dayvigo comes as an oral tablet.

Dayvigo comes in two strengths:

Typically, your doctor will start by prescribing a low dosage of Dayvigo. Then they’ll adjust it over time to reach the amount that's right for you. Your doctor will ultimately prescribe the smallest dosage that provides the desired effect.

The following information describes dosages that are commonly prescribed or recommended. However, be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. Your doctor will determine the best dosage to fit your needs.

Dayvigo's dosage for insomnia in adults is typically 5 mg per day at bedtime. If this dose isn't effective for your condition, your doctor may increase it. The maximum dosage is 10 mg per day.

For other details about dose timing, see the "How to take Dayvigo" section below.

Dayvigo may be taken as a short-term or long-term treatment. Your doctor will help determine if you need to take the drug short term or long term.

Talk with your doctor if you have questions about your Dayvigo dosage and treatment plan.

Below are some frequently asked questions about Dayvigo's dosage.

Yes, the recommended dosage of Dayvigo for insomnia is similar to the dosage of Ambien. Both Dayvigo and Ambien are taken at bedtime when you have at least 7 hours available to sleep.

Dayvigo is prescribed short term or long term to treat difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or both. However, Ambien is prescribed only short term to treat difficulty falling asleep. Ambien CR* is prescribed short term or long term, similar to Dayvigo.

To view Dayvigo's typical dosages, refer to the "Dayvigo dosage" section above. To learn about recommended dosages of Ambien and Ambien CR, talk with your doctor. You can also read this article.

* "CR" stands for controlled release, which means the drug releases slowly in the body over time.

How long it takes for a dose of Dayvigo to work may depend on whether you take your dose with food. People who took Dayvigo in clinical trials fell asleep about 15 to 30 minutes after taking a dose. But if you take Dayvigo soon after eating, it may take longer for you to fall asleep.

To help Dayvigo work effectively, try to take your dose about 2 hours after eating. For more information, see the "How to take Dayvigo" section.

If your insomnia symptoms continue after 7 to 10 days of taking Dayvigo, let your doctor know. They may adjust your dosage or recommend a different treatment.

The Dayvigo dosage your doctor prescribes will depend on several factors. These include:

Other medical conditions you have can also affect your Dayvigo dosage.

Your doctor may need to adjust your dosage if you take certain medications, such as CYP3A* inhibitors or inducers. These drugs can affect the level of Dayvigo in your body. To find out what drugs may interact with Dayvigo, see this article.

Your doctor may also need to adjust your dosage if you have certain liver problems or if you’re age 65 years or over.

Be sure to tell your doctor about all medications you take and any health conditions you may have.

* CYP3A4 is an enzyme (a special type of protein) in the liver that breaks down medications.

Dayvigo comes as an oral tablet that you’ll swallow. Take your dose within minutes of your typical bedtime. This should be when you have at least 7 hours available to sleep. Aim to take the medication on an empty stomach, or about 2 hours after eating a meal. If you take Dayvigo with food, it may take longer for the drug to work.

Talk with your doctor if you have questions about when to take Dayvigo.

If you have trouble swallowing tablets, see this article for tips on how to take this form of medication. You can also talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Some pharmacies offer labels with large print, braille, or a code you scan with a smartphone to convert text to speech. If your local pharmacy doesn't have these options, your doctor or pharmacist might be able to recommend a pharmacy that does.

If you’re having trouble opening medication bottles, ask your pharmacist about putting Dayvigo in an easy-open container. They also may recommend tools that can make it easier to open bottles.

If you miss a dose of Dayvigo, take it only if you have at least 7 hours available to sleep. If you have fewer than 7 hours, skip the missed dose.

Your doctor can advise you about other treatment options in case of a missed dose. It may be helpful to ask your doctor about these options ahead of time. This way, you’ll be prepared in case you miss a dose.

To help make sure that you don't miss a dose, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm or putting a note where you’ll see it, such as on your bathroom mirror or bedside table. You could also download a reminder app on your phone.

Dayvigo is a controlled substance* due to the risk of misuse. With misuse, a drug is taken in a way other than how it's prescribed. The risk of misuse is higher in people who’ve experienced misuse of drugs. Due to this risk, Dayvigo isn't recommended for people who’ve ever misused medications or other drugs.

If you’ve ever experienced drug misuse, tell your doctor before taking Dayvigo. Your doctor can help determine if the medication is right for you. They may also be able to recommend a different treatment that may be a better fit for you.

* A controlled substance is a drug the government regulates due to the risk of dependence or misuse. (With dependence, your body needs the drug to function as it typically does.)

If you take more Dayvigo than your doctor prescribes, you may develop serious side effects. To learn about side effects of Dayvigo, see this article.

It's important that you do not take more Dayvigo than your doctor advises.

Overdose symptoms of Dayvigo can include drowsiness.

Call your doctor right away if you believe you’ve taken too much Dayvigo. Another option is to call the America's Poison Centers at 800-222-1222 or use its online tool. If you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency room.

The dosages in this article are typical dosages provided by the drug manufacturer. If your doctor recommends Dayvigo for you, they’ll prescribe the dosage that's right for you. Always follow the dosage that your doctor prescribes.

As with any drug, never change your dosage of Dayvigo without your doctor's recommendation. If you have questions about the dosage of Dayvigo that's best for you, talk with your doctor.

Besides learning about dosage, you may want other information about Dayvigo. These additional articles might be helpful:

Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.