Long-term outcomes of daridorexant in those with comorbid insomnia

Daridorexant is a dual orexin receptor antagonist recently licensed for chronic insomnia disorder. Guidelines recommend it as a second-line treatment for insomnia, after cognitive-behavioural therapy. Initial trials excluded common comorbidities despite comorbid insomnia being the norm, not the exception. The long-term benefit from daridorexant remains unclear, with few long-term trials. We aimed to assess long-term outcomes in those with comorbid insomnia.This was a retrospective analysis of 38 patients with insomnia who commenced daridorexant. Mental health disorders were common in those referred. Adverse events and a range of insomnia outcomes were assessed.

The mean follow-up period was 10.5 months. Of the 38 patients in the study, 95% had comorbid insomnia; 55% experienced benefit from the daridorexant, but 24% discontinued because of side-effects, including vivid dreams, fatigue and worsening anxiety. Three patients experienced worsening mood, one of which included suicidality.

Daridorexant can be effective for those with comorbid insomnia, but side-effects may be more common than previously reported.