Dayvigo vs. Ambien: What’s The Difference and Which One Should I Take?

Sleep difficulties can impact every aspect of your life, leaving you depleted, irritable, and groggy each day you go without sufficient rest. 

Dayvigo and Ambien are medications from different drug classes that are often prescribed to treat insomnia. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what each medication offers so that you can make informed decisions about your health to get the relief you need. 

Skip the inconvenient commute and long wait times of traditional clinics and let the licensed healthcare providers on Klarity help you find the right insomnia treatment for you. To consult with a medical provider about your sleep issues, schedule an appointment, and Klarity will connect you with an insomnia specialist within 48 hours. 

This article discusses suicide, suicidal ideation, and self-harm. If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts or is in crisis, contact the Suicide Prevention Lifeline immediately at 800-273-8255.

What is Dayvigo?

Dayvigo, also known as lemborexant, is one of the prescription drugs that falls under the orexin receptor antagonist class of drugs. This medication is a controlled substance that blocks orexin, a neuropeptide that regulates arousal, wakefulness, and appetite. 

Dayvigo Forms and Doses

Dayvigo is a tablet taken orally once a day and is typically prescribed in doses of 5 mg, with a maximum dosage of 10 mg based on your healthcare provider’s recommendation. It’s best to take Dayvigo when you can get at least seven hours of sleep before having to wake up. 

Conditions Dayvigo Treats

Dayvigo is a prescription drug used to help those who are 18 and older who have issues with sleep maintenance and sleep efficiency like insomnia. 

Insomnia

Insomnia is a sleep disorder that can cause issues falling asleep, maintaining sleep, or going back to sleep after waking up earlier than anticipated. While it can impact your energy and mood the following day, insomnia can also negatively affect your health and job performance. Sleep aids are one form of treatment for alleviating symptoms of insomnia.

Dayvigo Costs

If you’re uninsured, the cost will depend on the current list price, around $300, and any pharmacy-related fees. If you have commercial insurance, most can expect to pay between $30 and $38 for a Dayvigo prescription. For those with Medicare Part D coverage, the average cost is about $27 per month, whereas those with Medicaid pay around $48.  

Dayvigo Side Effects

Dayvigo is considered one of the federally controlled substances and can have serious adverse effects like:

• Sleep paralysis
• Headaches
• Worsening depression or suicidal ideation
• Unusual sleep behaviors like sleep-walking or sexual activity that you don’t remember
• Muscle weakness
• Nightmares
• Drowsiness

If you experience persistent side effects or shifts in mood and behavior, contact your healthcare provider immediately. 

Dayvigo Warnings for Use

Medication misuse warning: Dayvigo—like all orexin receptor antagonists—is a controlled substance, which means it carries a high risk for dependency and is regulated by the Drug Enforcement Administration. 

That’s why it’s so important that you take it exactly as your healthcare provider prescribes it. While it can be effective in treating insomnia, it does carry a risk of dependence and addiction if it’s used improperly or for extended periods of time. 

However, the risk is generally considered to be relatively low compared to some other sleep medication because it targets specific receptors in the brain, reducing the likelihood of tolerance development and abuse potential.

If you struggle with alcohol or substance use, your healthcare provider may suggest a different option for treatment. You should not mix Dayvigo and alcohol, as it can increase the risk of negative side effects. It’s also important to note that abruptly stopping the medication after prolonged use may lead to withdrawal symptoms.

If you have concerns about the risk of addiction associated with Dayvigo, your healthcare provider can provide you with personalized information and treatment based on your specific medical history and needs.

Before taking Dayvigo, it’s crucial that you tell your healthcare provider about any medications, vitamins, or supplements that you’re taking. It may not be right for you if you have certain conditions or other factors that affect your health. For instance, you should avoid taking Dayvigo if you have liver problems, narcolepsy, pulmonary issues, or are over 65 years old. 

Dayvigo Interactions

As always, you should consult your doctor before taking any new medication. Dayvigo has 404 known drug interactions, with 139 major interactions, 262 moderate, and three minor. Those can include:

• Central nervous system depressants 
• Certain blood pressure medications
• Some antibiotics 
• Antifungals or antimicrobial drugs
• St. John’s Wort
• Narcolepsy medications
• Wellbutrin
• Methadone
• Carbamazepine
• HIV antiviral medications

Dayvigo also has major interactions with alcohol and grapefruit juice, which can increase the risk of negative side effects like drowsiness, central nervous system depression, abnormal sleep behaviors, suicidal ideation, headaches, and changes in heart rate. 

Additionally, Dayvigo moderately interacts with nicotine, which can make the intended results of the medication less effective. 

You should avoid using Dayvigo if you have any of the following diseases:: 

• alcoholism 
• depression 
• liver disease
• compromised respiratory function 

What is Ambien?

Ambien, also called zolpidem in its generic form, is a sedative or hypnotic used for treating insomnia. It’s a controlled substance that corrects chemical imbalances if you’re experiencing sleep issues to help you fall asleep.

Ambien Forms and Doses

Ambien comes in different forms, including a spray, immediate-release tablet, and extended-release tablet. Dosage varies from person to person, typically between 10-12.5 mg, so you should always take Ambien exactly as your doctor prescribes and never share your prescription with anyone else.

Conditions Ambien Treats

Ambien is prescribed to those 18 and older to treat sleep issues like insomnia. If you’re prescribed immediate-release tablets, this form of Ambien will help you fall asleep quickly. The extended-release tablets have an outer layer that dissolves first, allowing you to fall asleep, and then another layer that dissolves over time, which helps you stay asleep.  

Insomnia

If you experience insomnia, you have difficulty sleeping. That could mean it’s hard for you to fall asleep, stay asleep, or go back to sleep if you’ve woken up before you’re ready to be active. Insomnia can be extremely frustrating, as it can leave you feeling drained and moody and negatively impact other areas of your life. 

Ambien Costs

Most insurance plans, including Medicare, cover the generic version of Ambien, Zolpidem. Depending on the pharmacy and your coverage, you could pay anywhere from $8.30-$58 per month. If you’re paying cash without insurance, each pill can cost about $21.64. 

Ambien Side Effects

Like Dayvigo, side effects of Ambien can include headaches and drowsiness. Additionally, you may experience:

• Dizziness
• Lightheadedness
• Loss of coordination or balance
• Congestion
• Nausea
• Dry mouth
• Constipation
• Diarrhea 
• Confusion
• Stomach ache
• Euphoria
• Muscle pain
• Visual changes

More severe side effects can include memory loss or changes in behavior or mental state. These changes could look like suicidal ideation, depression, anxiety, or aggression. While these side effects are rare, you should contact your doctor immediately if they arise. 

Additionally, Ambien may contain lactose and can cause a more severe allergic reaction. If you experience shortness of breath, chest pains, or difficulty swallowing, stop taking Ambien immediately and call your doctor.

If you stop taking Ambien, you could experience withdrawal symptoms like muscle cramps, sweats, shaking, and seizures. Always consult your doctor for the best ways to stop taking any medication you’ve been prescribed. 

Ambien Warnings for Use

Medication misuse warning: Ambien is a Schedule IV controlled substance. While Schedule IV drugs carry less risk of addiction than II or III, precautions are still necessary to avoid abuse. You should only take Ambien for a limited duration—typically 7 to 10 days—to avoid the development of dependence and addiction. 

Prolonged or excessive use of Ambien can lead to tolerance, meaning higher doses may be needed to achieve the same sleep-inducing effects. This can increase the risk of dependency.

To minimize the risk of dependence and addiction, it’s crucial to follow the prescribed dosage and duration of treatment provided by your healthcare provider. If you have concerns about the potential risks associated with Ambien or if you’re experiencing difficulty with its use, consult with your healthcare provider for personalized guidance and support.

Suddenly stopping Ambien after prolonged use can result in withdrawal symptoms, including rebound insomnia, anxiety, and agitation. It’s important to gradually reduce the dosage under the guidance of a healthcare professional when discontinuing Ambien.

Before taking Ambien, make sure that you tell your healthcare provider if you’ve ever been depressed, suicidal, mentally ill, experienced addiction, breathing problems, liver or kidney disease, or sleep apnea. It may not be safe to take Ambien if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, so consult your doctor before use. 

You always want to make sure you have 7-8 hours of sleep before you need to be active when taking Ambien. The sedative can be stronger for elderly patients. Still, everyone should be sure to wait until fully awake before operating a vehicle, machinery, or any activity that requires alertness. 

Ambien Interactions

Taking prescription sleep aids with other drugs that make you sleepy can intensify the effects. You should talk to your doctor if you’re also using opioids, sleeping pills, muscle relaxers, anxiety medications, or anti-seizure medications before taking Ambien. 

There are 434 drugs that interact with Zolpidem. Within those medications, the most frequently checked include a major interaction with Tramadol and moderate interactions with the following:

• Ativan
• Clonazepam
• Cymbalta
• Flexeril
• Gabapentin
• Klonopin
• Lexapro
• Lisinopril
• Lyrica
• Trazodone
• Xanax
• Zoloft

Ambien interacts with eight diseases, including major interactions with:

• Alcohol intoxication
• Depression
• Drug dependence
• Liver disease

Moderate interactions include:

• Glaucoma
• Renal dysfunction
• Liver disease 
• Respiratory depression

Which Insomnia Medication Should I Take?

Each medication has a different effect based on your individual body chemistry.  If you experience issues with substance dependency, Dayvigo and Ambien may not be right for you. Dayvigo in particular has a major interaction with alcohol and you should consult your healthcare provider before determining which medication is best for you.

Both Dayvigo and Ambien are considered short-term medications and sleep hygiene should be the first-line treatment before trying either medication, including finding out what is the underlying cause of your insomnia.

Dayvigo and Ambien Frequently Asked Questions

Are Dayvigo and Ambien the same class of drug?

No. Dayvigo is an orexin receptor antagonist, whereas Ambien is a sedative or hypnotic. Dayvigo blocks the production of orexin to help you fall asleep, while Ambien works to alleviate chemical imbalances so that you can fall and stay asleep.

What’s better for insomnia? Dayvigo or Ambien?

Both Dayvigo and Ambien work to treat insomnia. The kind you take depends on your current health, your health history, and your doctor’s recommendation. 

Can Dayvigo cause depression? Can Ambien?

Both Dayvigo and Ambien can result in worsening depression or thoughts about self-harm. You should always talk to your doctor if you’re experiencing any changes in your mood or behavior.

Can I drive on Dayvigo or Ambien?

You should not drive if you’re drowsy or haven’t gotten at least 7-8 hours of sleep since taking Dayvigo or Ambien. Both drugs can act shortly after taking them, so you should only take them before bed and not before any other activity. Do not operate a vehicle or any machinery if you’re not fully alert. 

Can I drink alcohol when taking Dayvigo or Ambien?

Both Dayvigo and Ambien interact with alcohol, and you should consult your doctor before taking either drug if you drink. Drinking while taking Dayvigo can increase the possibility of side effects like dizziness, memory issues, and sleepiness throughout the day. If you drink alcohol while taking Ambien, you could experience confusion, dizziness, sleep apnea, or even overdose. 

Does it matter what time of day I take Dayvigo or Ambien?

You should only take Dayvigo or Ambien before bed when you have 7-8 hours before you need to be awake and active again. 

Start Your Insomnia Treatment Today with Healthcare Providers on Klarity 

Feeling drained from an insomnia disorder? Trying to find a healthcare provider who will listen to your needs and guide you to the right treatment can be difficult and stressful. Not to mention, waiting for appointments and follow-ups to receive your medication takes up time you don’t have. 

At Klarity, you’ll have access to medical providers who can diagnose illnesses and prescribe clinical sleep medicine if necessary. No more waiting weeks to be seen and inconvenient commutes. 

Take the first step to feeling reenergized and refreshed by scheduling an appointment. We’ll connect you with an insomnia provider in 48 hours or less who will create a plan of care tailored to you and your needs.