At SolRx, we believe in equipping pharmacists and students with the knowledge to stay current on emerging therapies. In this week’s spotlight, Dr. Farah takes a closer look at Dayvigo (lemborexant) — a medication approved in Canada for the treatment of insomnia.
Whether you’re a healthcare professional preparing for licensing exams or looking to strengthen your clinical knowledge, this video offers a clear, concise breakdown of how Dayvigo works and what pharmacists need to know.
What is Dayvigo?
Dayvigo (lemborexant) is a dual orexin receptor antagonist (DORA) used for the treatment of insomnia characterized by difficulties with sleep onset and/or sleep maintenance in adults. Unlike traditional sedative-hypnotics that act on GABA receptors, Dayvigo works by blocking orexin, a neurotransmitter that promotes wakefulness — offering a different mechanism of action with a lower risk of dependence.
Key Points Covered in the Video:
In her video, Dr. Farah explains:
- Mechanism of Action: How orexin antagonism promotes natural sleep
- Who It’s For: Appropriate patient populations and when to consider Dayvigo
- Side Effects & Monitoring: Common adverse effects such as somnolence, fatigue, and sleep paralysis; considerations for elderly patients
- Counselling Tips: Importance of taking Dayvigo on an empty stomach, avoiding alcohol or CNS depressants, and ensuring 7+ hours of sleep after dosing
Why Pharmacists Should Know This
Insomnia is a common complaint in both community and hospital pharmacy settings. With more patients seeking alternatives to benzodiazepines or z-drugs, medications like Dayvigo offer a new approach grounded in sleep physiology. Pharmacists must be prepared to:
- Differentiate among available treatments
- Counsel on administration and side effect expectations
- Recognize red flags for referral
- Address potential interactions (especially CNS depressants)
About Dr. Farah
Dr. Farah is a lead faculty member at SolRx, known for her ability to simplify complex topics and deliver practice-ready insights for pharmacy professionals. She brings real-world experience and a passion for patient-centered care into every lecture and video.
Looking to upgrade your pharmacy knowledge?
Whether you’re preparing for the PEBC, strengthening your clinical skills, or simply staying current — SolRx has a program for you.