Daridorexant (brand name Darixo) is a prescription medication used to treat adult insomnia by blocking wake-promoting brain chemicals called orexins. Uses and Mechanism Treats chronic insomnia characterized by trouble falling asleep or staying asleep. Acts as a dual orexin receptor antagonist (DORA) to reduce the brain's wake drive instead of broadly depressing central nervous system activity. Allows for natural sleep stages without the heavy morning hangover effect typical of older sedatives.