I. Dosing Time

Daridorexant should be taken 30 minutes before bedtime. Ensure at least 7 hours of time in bed after dosing to avoid next-day residual drowsiness affecting driving or operating machinery. Taking it at a fixed time every night is recommended to establish a routine.

II. Empty Stomach or With Food?

Daridorexant can be taken with food or on an empty stomach, but note the following differences:

Taking it after a high-fat, high-calorie meal delays the time to peak concentration (by about 1.3 hours) and lowers the peak concentration, which may slow the onset of sleep-inducing effects.

If rapid onset is desired, taking it on an empty stomach or after a light meal is recommended.

The key is to keep the daily dosing method relatively consistent, avoiding fluctuations in efficacy caused by alternating between empty stomach and full stomach.

III. Missed Dose Management

If you remember before bedtime and it is not long past the scheduled time, you may take the missed dose immediately.

If it is already close to wake-up time (less than 7 hours in bed), it is recommended to skip this dose; do not delay getting up in order to take the missed dose.

Never double the dose to make up for a missed one, as this may increase the risk of next-day drowsiness, dizziness, and other effects.

IV. Discontinuation Recommendations

Daridorexant is not recommended to be stopped abruptly on your own, especially for long-term users; dose should be gradually reduced after consulting a doctor.

Rebound insomnia that may occur upon discontinuation is usually mild but still requires monitoring.

During discontinuation, sleep hygiene measures (regular schedule, reduced screen exposure before bed, avoiding caffeine) are recommended to consolidate efficacy.

If insomnia recurs after discontinuation, seek follow-up promptly rather than resuming the medication on your own.

V. Precautions

Avoid alcohol during treatment, as alcohol can worsen central nervous system depression.

If abnormal sleep-walking or sleep-walking-like behaviors occur, stop the medication immediately and seek medical attention.

Contraindicated in pregnant women and patients with severe hepatic impairment; inform your doctor of all concomitant medications before use.

Note: This guide is for reference only; please follow your doctor's instructions for specific medication use.