Dayvigo (lemborexant) is a prescription medicine used to treat insomnia. It may help people fall asleep faster, stay asleep longer, or both.
Like most medicines, Dayvigo may cause side effects. Not everyone has side effects, but it is a good idea to learn what to watch for, what you can do to prevent side effects, and when to contact your health care provider.
This article does not include all possible side effects of Dayvigo. Tell your health care provider if you have side effects that are ongoing or bother you, even if they are not listed.
Dayvigo Side Effects
The most common side effect of Dayvigo is sleepiness.
Other mild or nonserious side effects reported in studies include:
- Feeling tired or sluggish
- Headache
- Unusual dreams
- Temporary inability to move or speak when falling asleep or waking up (sleep paralysis)
In most cases, these side effects are temporary and improve on their own. However, contact your health care provider if your symptoms are severe, do not improve, or start interfering with your daily activities. Do not stop taking Dayvigo without consulting your doctor.
Serious Side Effects of Dayvigo
Serious Dayvigo side effects are less common and include:
- Increased risk of falls or accidents
- Trouble staying alert during the day
- Temporary weakness in the legs
- Complex sleep behaviors, such as sleepwalking or doing other activities while asleep
- Allergic reactions
If you think you may be having a serious side effect, contact your health care provider right away. In some cases, severe symptoms may require urgent medical care.
Tips for Managing Dayvigo Side Effects
Below, we’ll cover five Dayvigo side effects in more detail, including what you can do to help prevent or ease them.
1. Sleepiness
Sleepiness (somnolence) is the most common side effect of Dayvigo. In studies, it was more common with a higher dose (10 mg) than with a lower dose (5 mg).
Other possible symptoms include:
- Feeling groggy after waking up
- Trouble concentrating
- Slower reaction times
Dayvigo can also affect balance, attention, and memory if you wake up during the night before the medicine has fully worn off. Older adults may be especially vulnerable to falls.
Some people may feel sleepy or less alert the next day, even when Dayvigo is taken exactly as prescribed. In some cases, these effects may last several days even after stopping the medicine. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do other activities that require alertness until you know how Dayvigo affects you.
To help lower your risk of next-day sleepiness:
- Take Dayvigo only when you can get at least seven hours of sleep.
- Take it immediately before going to bed.
- Avoid alcohol, which can worsen drowsiness.
Tell your health care provider if sleepiness is severe, continues throughout the day, or interferes with your normal activities. They may recommend lowering your dose or trying a different treatment. Do not change your dose on your own.
2. Headache
Headache is a possible side effect of Dayvigo.
Most headaches are mild and improve on their own. To help manage headaches:
- Rest in a quiet, dark room if needed.
- Stay well hydrated and avoid skipping meals.
- Try relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing.
An over-the-counter (OTC) pain reliever may help ease headache pain, but check with your health care provider or pharmacist first to make sure it is safe for you.
3. Unusual dreams
Some people taking Dayvigo report having nightmares or unusual dreams. These dreams may feel more realistic, intense, or vivid than normal.
Although abnormal dreams can be unsettling, they are usually not dangerous. The following tips may help:
- Maintain a regular sleep schedule.
- Keep a sleep diary to track when these dreams occur.
- Avoid late-night snacking, which may trigger nightmares and/or disrupt your sleep.
Tell your health care provider if unusual dreams become distressing, frequent, or interfere with your sleep quality. They may adjust your dose or suggest a different treatment.
4. Sleep paralysis
Sleep paralysis is a temporary inability to move or speak when falling asleep or waking up. In studies, it was reported in fewer than 2% of people taking Dayvigo.
During an episode of sleep paralysis, you may briefly be unable to move or speak when falling asleep or waking up. You may also have leg weakness or hallucinations when falling asleep or waking up, which can be intense or disturbing.
Although the experience can be scary, it usually lasts only a few seconds or minutes and goes away on its own. If you experience sleep paralysis, try to remind yourself that the episode is temporary. Focus on slow, steady breathing until it passes.
Tell your health care provider if these episodes become frequent, severe, or especially bothersome. They may recommend another treatment option.
5. Mood changes, depression, or suicidal thoughts
Although uncommon, some people taking Dayvigo have reported worsening depression, mood changes, or thoughts of self-harm. In studies, these events were rare but occurred slightly more often in people taking Dayvigo than in those taking a placebo (a pill with no active medicine).
Possible warning signs include:
- New or worsening depression
- Increased anxiety, irritability, or agitation
- Unusual changes in mood or behavior
- Thoughts of self-harm or suicide
- Talking about death or feeling hopeless
Tell your health care provider right away if you notice any of these symptoms. Household members and caregivers should also watch for sudden changes in mood, behavior, or personality, especially when you start Dayvigo or after a dose change.
In some cases, sleep problems may be caused by an underlying medical or mental health condition. If your insomnia does not improve after 7-10 days of Dayvigo treatment, gets worse, or is accompanied by new mood, memory, or behavior changes, talk to your health care provider. They may want to check for other health conditions that could be causing your symptoms.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dayvigo Side Effects
Is Dayvigo safe for older people?
Yes. Dayvigo has been studied in older adults, including people aged 65 or older, and it appears to work similarly in younger and older adults. However, older adults may be more likely to have sleepiness and drowsiness. Health care providers may suggest starting with or staying on a low dose to help reduce the risk of drowsiness and falls.
Does Dayvigo cause addiction?
Dayvigo is a Schedule IV controlled substance, which means it carries some risk for misuse and addiction. However, studies did not find evidence that Dayvigo causes physical dependence. People who stopped taking Dayvigo did not have withdrawal symptoms, even after taking it for a while.
If you have a history of substance use disorder or drug addiction, tell your health care provider. They can help figure out whether Dayvigo is a safe choice for you.
Reducing Your Risk of Dayvigo Side Effects
You can reduce your risk of side effects by:
- Taking Dayvigo exactly as prescribed
- Taking it only when you can get at least seven hours of sleep
- Avoiding alcohol and other medicines that can cause drowsiness unless approved by your health care provider
- Keeping track of any new or changing symptoms and sharing them with your health care provider
Tell your health care provider about any side effects that do not improve or start interfering with daily activities. They can work with you to find the best next steps.
