If you have narcolepsy, your doctor may suggest treatment with Wakix.

Wakix is a prescription medication used to treat the following narcolepsy symptoms in adults:

  • cataplexy (sudden episodes of muscle weakness or limpness while awake, which is triggered by strong emotions such as laughing, crying, or anger)
  • excessive daytime sleepiness (a sudden, overwhelming urge to sleep that makes it hard to function during the day)

Wakix basics

Wakix contains the active drug pitolisant. (The active drug is the ingredient that makes a medication work.) It’s not available as a generic.

Wakix comes as tablets that you swallow.

Keep reading to learn more about Wakix’s side effects, cost, uses, and more.

Like most drugs, Wakix may cause mild or serious side effects. The lists below describe some of its more common side effects. These lists don’t include all possible side effects.

Keep in mind that side effects of a drug can depend on:

  • your age
  • other health conditions you have
  • other medications you take

Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you more about the potential side effects of Wakix. They can also suggest ways to help reduce side effects.

Mild side effects

Here’s a list of some of the mild side effects Wakix can cause. To learn about other mild side effects, talk with your doctor or pharmacist, or read Wakix’s prescribing information.

Mild side effects of Wakix that have been reported include:

Mild side effects of many drugs may go away within a few days to a couple of weeks. But if they become bothersome, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Allergic reaction” section below.

Serious side effects

Serious side effects from Wakix can occur, but they aren’t common. If you have serious side effects from Wakix, call your doctor right away. But if you think you’re having a medical emergency, you should call 911 or your local emergency number.

Serious side effects of Wakix that have been reported include:

* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Allergic reaction” section below.

SUICIDE PREVENTION

If you think someone is at immediate risk of self-harm or hurting another person:

  • Call 911 or your local emergency number.
  • Stay with the person until help arrives.
  • Remove any guns, knives, medications, or other things that may cause harm.
  • Listen, but don’t judge, argue, threaten, or yell.

If you or someone you know is considering suicide, get help from a crisis or suicide prevention hotline. Try the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255.

Allergic reaction

Some people may have an allergic reaction to Wakix. While allergic reaction wasn’t reported in clinical studies of Wakix, it has occurred since the drug was approved for use.

Symptoms of a mild allergic reaction can include:

A more severe allergic reaction is rare but possible. Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction can include swelling under your skin, typically in your eyelids, lips, hands, or feet. They can also include swelling of your tongue, mouth, or throat, which can cause trouble breathing.

Call your doctor right away if you have an allergic reaction to Wakix. But if you think you’re having a medical emergency, call 911 or your local emergency number.

Costs of prescription drugs can vary depending on many factors. These factors include what your insurance plan covers and which pharmacy you use. To find current prices for Wakix, visit WellRx.com.

If you have questions about how to pay for your prescription, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. You can also visit the Wakix manufacturer’s website to see if they have support options.

You can check out this article to learn more about saving money on prescriptions.

Find answers to some commonly asked questions about Wakix.

How does Wakix compare to the alternative drugs modafinil and Adderall?

Wakix, modafinil (Provigil), and amphetamine/dextroamphetamine (Adderall) are all prescription drugs used to treat narcolepsy symptoms in adults.

Modafinil and Adderall are both stimulants. These are medications that excite your nervous system. They release chemicals in your body that make you feel energetic. But they can also raise your blood pressure and heart rate. Wakix isn’t a stimulant. It works in a different way to treat narcolepsy symptoms.

To learn more about how Wakix compares with other drugs used for narcolepsy, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

What is Wakix’s mechanism of action?

How a drug works is sometimes referred to as its mechanism of action.

Wakix’s mechanism of action for treating narcolepsy symptoms isn’t fully understood. It’s thought that it may block certain chemicals in your brain that cause narcolepsy symptoms such as excessive daytime sleepiness and cataplexy.

Is Wakix classified as a controlled substance?

No, Wakix isn’t a controlled substance.

A controlled substance is a medication that has additional regulations under federal law. The Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) classifies medications as controlled substances based on their potential for misuse, dependence, and addiction.

Wakix is the first medication approved to treat narcolepsy that isn’t considered a controlled substance.

Can Wakix cause weight loss?

No, Wakix doesn’t cause weight loss. This wasn’t a side effect reported in studies of the drug.

But in rare cases, Wakix can cause decreased appetite, which could lead to weight loss in some people.

If you’re concerned about your appetite or weight while taking Wakix, talk with your doctor.

Wakix is a prescription medication used to treat the following narcolepsy symptoms in adults:

  • cataplexy (sudden episodes of muscle weakness or limpness while awake, which is triggered by strong emotions such as laughing, crying, or anger)
  • excessive daytime sleepiness (a sudden, overwhelming urge to sleep that makes it hard to function during the day)

Narcolepsy is a nervous system condition that causes abnormal sleep. Daytime sleepiness and “sleep attacks” (an overwhelming urge to fall asleep) are common symptoms of narcolepsy. Some people also experience cataplexy.

It’s not fully known how Wakix works to treat narcolepsy symptoms. It’s thought that it may block certain chemicals in your brain that cause narcolepsy symptoms.

Your doctor will recommend the Wakix dosing that’s right for you. Below are commonly used dosages, but always take the dosage your doctor prescribes.

Forms

Wakix comes as tablets that you swallow. They’re available in two strengths: 4.45 milligrams (mg) and 17.8 mg.

Recommended dosages

Wakix is usually started at a lower dosage that’s slowly increased over the course of a few weeks. The dosage of Wakix that your doctor prescribes is taken once per day when you wake up.

Questions about Wakix’s dosage

Below are some common questions about Wakix’s dosage.

  • What if I miss a dose of Wakix? If you miss a dose of Wakix, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at its regular time when you wake up. You should not take more than one dose of Wakix at once. Doing so could raise your risk of side effects.
  • Will I need to use Wakix long term? You’ll likely use Wakix long term, if you and your doctor agree it’s safe and working well for you.
  • How long does Wakix take to work? Wakix begins working as soon as you take a dose, but it may take a while before you notice a change in your symptoms. In some cases, it can take up to 8 weeks before symptoms are eased.

If you’re prescribed Wakix, you may also be interested in learning more about alternatives such as Sunosi.

Both Wakix and Sunosi are prescribed for adults with excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) due to narcolepsy. Wakix also treats cataplexy associated with narcolepsy, and Sunosi treats EDS caused by obstructive sleep apnea.

If you’d like to learn more about these drugs, see this detailed comparison. Also, talk with your doctor about the treatment option that’s right for you.

Wakix and Xyrem are both used to treat excessive daytime sleepiness or cataplexy due to narcolepsy. Wakix is only used in adults, but Xyrem may be used in adults and in children ages 7 years and older.

If you’d like to learn more about how these drugs compare, see this article. Also, talk with your doctor about the treatment option that’s right for you.

Your doctor will explain how you should take Wakix. They will also explain how much to take and how often. Be sure to follow your doctor’s instructions.

Taking Wakix

Wakix comes as a tablet that you take by mouth once per day.

Accessible medication containers and labels

If it’s hard for you to read the label on your prescription, tell your doctor or pharmacist. Certain pharmacies may provide medication labels that:

  • have large print
  • use braille
  • contain a code you can scan with a smartphone to change the text into audio

Your doctor or pharmacist may be able to recommend a pharmacy that offers these options if your current pharmacy doesn’t.

Also, if you’re having trouble opening your medication bottles, let your pharmacist know. They may be able to put Wakix in an easy-open container. Your pharmacist may also recommend tools to help make it simpler to open the drug’s container.

Questions about taking Wakix

Below are some common questions about taking Wakix.

  • Can Wakix be chewed, crushed, or split? The manufacturer of Wakix hasn’t stated whether the tablets are safe to chew, crush, or split. If you’re having trouble swallowing pills, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
  • Should I take Wakix with food? You can take Wakix with or without food.
Questions for your doctor

You may have questions about Wakix and your treatment plan. It’s important to discuss all your concerns with your doctor.

Here are a few tips that might help guide your discussion:

  • Before your appointment, write down questions such as:
    • How will Wakix affect my body, mood, or lifestyle?
  • Bring someone with you to your appointment if doing so will help you feel more comfortable.
  • If you don’t understand something related to your condition or treatment, ask your doctor to explain it to you.

Remember, your doctor and other healthcare professionals are available to help you. And they want you to get the best care possible. So, don’t be afraid to ask questions or offer feedback on your treatment.

There are important considerations to discuss with your doctor before beginning treatment with Wakix. It’s important that you tell your doctor about your overall health and any medical conditions you may have.

You should also tell your doctor about all medications you take, including any over-the-counter medications. They’ll want to check for any interactions with Wakix.

Interactions

Taking a medication with certain vaccines, foods, and other things can affect how the medication works. These effects are called interactions.

Before taking Wakix, be sure to tell your doctor about all medications you take, including prescription and over-the-counter types. Also describe any vitamins, herbs, or supplements you use. Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you about any interactions these items may cause with Wakix.

Interactions with drugs or supplements

Wakix can interact with several types of drugs. These drugs include:

This list does not contain all types of drugs that may interact with Wakix. Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you more about these interactions and any others that may occur with use of Wakix.

Warnings

Wakix may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors that affect your health. Talk with your doctor about your health history before you take Wakix. Factors to consider include those in the list below.

  • Abnormal heart rhythm, including long QT syndrome. Wakix can cause a heart rhythm problem called long QT syndrome. You may have a higher risk for this side effect if you have existing heart rhythm problems. And if you already have long QT syndrome, taking Wakix could make it worse. Your doctor can help determine if Wakix is safe for you to take.
  • Electrolyte problems. Wakix can cause a heart rhythm problem called long QT syndrome. If you have electrolyte problems, such as low levels of potassium or magnesium, you may have a higher risk of long QT syndrome from Wakix. Your doctor can help determine if Wakix is safe for you. If they decide to prescribe Wakix for you, they may closely monitor your electrolyte levels using blood tests.
  • Kidney or liver problems. Having kidney or liver problems can make it harder for your body to get rid of Wakix after you take a dose. This can raise your risk of side effects. Due to this risk, doctors typically will not prescribe Wakix if you have severe liver disease, end-stage kidney disease, or if you’re on dialysis. Your doctor can help determine whether Wakix is safe for you.
  • Allergic reaction. If you’ve had an allergic reaction to Wakix or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe Wakix. Ask them what other medications are better options for you.

Wakix and alcohol

It should be safe to drink alcohol during Wakix treatment.

But research has shown that drinking alcohol can affect sleep quality. So it’s possible that drinking alcohol could worsen your narcolepsy symptoms.

If you drink alcohol, talk with your doctor about how much may be safe to drink while taking Wakix.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

It’s not known if it’s safe to take Wakix during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant or to breastfeed, talk with your doctor before taking Wakix.

If you and your doctor agree that you’ll use Wakix while pregnant, consider joining the pregnancy registry for Wakix. Pregnancy registries help doctors learn about the safety of medications such as Wakix when used during pregnancy. You can learn more and sign up for the registry by calling 877-302-2813.

If you can become pregnant, talk with your doctor about your birth control needs during your Wakix treatment. Wakix can make hormonal birth control (such as birth control pills, Depo-Provera, or NuvaRing) less effective. Because of this, you should use nonhormonal birth control while taking Wakix, and for at least 21 days after your last dose.

If you have questions about using birth control during your Wakix treatment, talk with your doctor.

Do not take more Wakix than your doctor prescribes. Using more than this can lead to serious side effects.

What to do in case you take too much Wakix

Call your doctor if you think you’ve taken too much Wakix. You can also call 800-222-1222 to reach the American Association of Poison Control Centers or use its online resource. But if you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number. Or go to the nearest emergency room.

Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you’re considering treatment with Wakix. Ask questions to help you feel comfortable about the risks and benefits of taking this drug. Some example questions to help you get started include:

  • Does my medical history raise my risk of side effects from Wakix?
  • Will I have withdrawal symptoms if I stop taking Wakix?
  • What should I know about other treatments for narcolepsy besides Wakix?

You may also be interested in learning more about narcolepsy treatment options or cataplexy treatment options.

Q:

Is it safe for older adults to take Wakix?

Anonymous

A:

In general, yes. In studies, older adults (ages 65 years and older) who took Wakix weren’t more likely to have side effects than younger people taking the drug. There also wasn’t any difference in how well the drug worked to treat narcolepsy symptoms in older adults.

In general, older adults are more likely to have certain health factors that could raise their risk of side effects from Wakix. Examples of these risk factors include:

  • heart problems
  • kidney problems
  • liver problems
  • taking other medications that can interact with Wakix

If you’re age 65 years or older and are interested in taking Wakix, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can help determine whether it’s safe for you to take Wakix, or if another drug may be a better option.

The Healthline Pharmacist TeamAnswers represent the opinions of our medical experts. All content is strictly informational and should not be considered medical advice.

Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.