Key takeaways
Sunosi (solriamfetol) and Adderall (dextroamphetamine/amphetamine salts) are both used to treat narcolepsy, a condition that causes excessive daytime sleepiness. However, they belong to different medication classes. Sunosi is a dopamine and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, while Adderall is a stimulant. Sunosi is also approved for treating excessive daytime sleepiness due to obstructive sleep apnea, whereas Adderall is also approved for attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Sunosi is taken once daily when you first wake up, while Adderall is typically taken 1 to 2 times per day. Sunosi is only available as a brand-name medication, whereas Adderall is available as a lower-cost generic. Common side effects of Sunosi include headache, loss of appetite, and nausea, while Adderall can cause upset stomach, trouble sleeping, and loss of appetite. Both medications can raise blood pressure and lead to misuse and dependency. Both medications can also increase your risk for serotonin syndrome, especially if taken with other medications that affect serotonin.
