Wakix (pitolisant) is a prescription drug used to treat specific symptoms of the sleep disorder narcolepsy. The drug comes as an oral tablet that you usually take once per day.
Wakix is used in adults to treat certain symptoms associated with narcolepsy. Specifically, these are excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) and cataplexy.
The active ingredient in Wakix is pitolisant. (An active ingredient is what makes a drug work.) Wakix belongs to a group of drugs called histamine-3 receptor blockers and inverse agonists.
This article describes the dosage of Wakix, as well as its strengths and how to take it. To learn more about Wakix, see this in-depth article.
The table below highlights the basics of Wakix’s typical dosage. All doses are listed in milligrams (mg).
| Schedule | Dosage |
|---|---|
| Week 1 | 8.9 mg once daily |
| Week 2 | 17.8 mg once daily |
| Week 3 | 35.6 mg once daily |
Keep reading for more details about Wakix’s dosage.
What is Wakix’s form?
Wakix is available as an oral tablet.
What strengths does Wakix come in?
Wakix comes in two strengths: 4.45 mg and 17.8 mg.
What is the usual dosage of Wakix?
Your doctor likely will start you on a low dosage and adjust it over time to reach the right amount for you. They’ll ultimately prescribe the smallest dosage that provides the desired effect.
The information below describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. But be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. They’ll determine the best dosage to fit your needs.
Dosage for narcolepsy
Wakix is used in adults to treat certain symptoms associated with narcolepsy. Specifically, these are excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) and cataplexy.
The typical Wakix dosage for adults is 17.8 to 35.6 mg once daily. Doctors will usually prescribe a low dosage of 8.9 mg once daily for the first week.
The maximum dosage is 35.6 mg once daily.
Is Wakix taken long term?
Yes, Wakix is usually taken as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that it’s safe and effective for your condition, you’ll likely take it long term.
Dosage adjustments
Doctors may need to adjust the dosage of Wakix for people with liver failure or kidney failure. The maximum dosage for people with liver or kidney failure is lower than the usual recommended maximum dosage.
Doctors also may increase the dosage of Wakix slowly for people who have liver or kidney problems.
Also, people whose livers eliminate certain medications slowly may require lower dosages of Wakix.
The dosage of Wakix you’re prescribed may depend on several factors. These include:
- the type and severity of the condition you’re using the drug to treat
- other medications you’re taking long-term
- other conditions you may have (see the “Dosage adjustments” section above)
You’ll swallow Wakix once daily in the morning immediately after you wake up. You can take Wakix with or without food.
If you have difficulty swallowing tablets, see this article for tips on how to take this form of medication.
For information on the expiration, storage, and disposal of Wakix, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Accessible drug containers and labels
Some pharmacies provide medication labels that:
- have large print
- use braille
- feature a code you can scan with a smartphone to change the text to audio
Your doctor or pharmacist may be able to recommend pharmacies that offer these accessibility features if your current pharmacy doesn’t.
Let your pharmacist know if you have difficulty opening medication bottles. They may have tips to help, or they may be able to supply Wakix in an easy-open container.
If you miss a dose of Wakix, do not take the missed dose. Instead, take your next dose the following morning after you wake up. (Taking a missed dose too late could keep you awake later when you’re ready to sleep.)
If you need help remembering to take your dose of Wakix on time, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm or downloading a reminder app on your phone.
Do not take more Wakix than your doctor prescribes, as this can lead to harmful effects.
What to do in case you take too much Wakix
Call your doctor right away if you think you’ve taken too much Wakix. You can also call 800-222-1222 to reach America’s Poison 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.
Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about Wakix’s dosage.
Is Wakix’s dosage similar to the dosages of Sunosi or Xyrem?
The forms and how often you take each drug vary. Wakix and Sunosi (solriamfetol) both are oral tablets. Xyrem (sodium oxybate) comes as an oral solution. While doctors prescribe Wakix and Sunosi to take once daily, they prescribe Xyrem to take twice daily.
The dose in milligrams for each drug differs. Wakix comes in two strengths: 4.45 milligrams (mg) and 17.8 mg. Sunosi also comes in two strengths: 75 mg and 150 mg. Xyrem is available in an oral solution that contains 0.5 grams of sodium oxybate per milliliter.
Your doctor will prescribe the drug and the dosage that’s right for you.
To learn more about how these drugs compare, talk with your doctor.
How long does it take for Wakix to start working?
Wakix starts to work after your first dose. You may not feel the drug working in your body for up to 8 weeks after starting treatment. This is because of how the drug works. Your doctor will monitor you during treatment to check whether the drug is working for your condition.
If you have other questions about what to expect from your Wakix treatment, talk with your doctor.
The sections above describe the usual dosage provided by the drugmaker. If your doctor recommends this drug, they’ll prescribe the dosage that’s right for you.
Remember, you should not change your dosage of Wakix without your doctor’s recommendation. Only take Wakix exactly as prescribed. Talk with your doctor if you have questions or concerns about your current dosage.
Here are some examples of questions you may want to ask your doctor:
- Will my risk of side effects increase with higher doses of Wakix?
- If I eat a breakfast that’s high in fat, do I need to adjust my dosage of Wakix?
- Does my dosage of Wakix need to be adjusted if I’m taking antibiotics?
To learn more about Wakix, see this “All About Wakix” article.
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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.