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Compare Wakix vs. Adderall

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Wakix (pitolisant) and Adderall (dextroamphetamine/amphetamine salts) are both used to treat narcolepsy, but they work in different ways and have different uses. Wakix is a histamine-3 (H3) receptor antagonist/inverse agonist that helps with excessive daytime sleepiness and cataplexy in adults with narcolepsy. It is not a controlled substance and is taken once a day in the morning. Common side effects include headache, nausea, and trouble sleeping. On the other hand, Adderall is a stimulant that treats both ADHD and narcolepsy in adults and children. Adderall is a Schedule II controlled substance, meaning it has a high risk of misuse and dependence. It’s taken once a day and common side effects include trouble sleeping and loss of appetite. Unlike Wakix, Adderall has a generic form available, making it a lower-cost option.

  • Wakix (pitolisant)
    Adderall
  • Wakix (pitolisant)
    Adderall

  • Summary of Wakix vs. Adderall

    Summary for Histamine-3 (H3) receptor antagonist / Inverse agonist
    Prescription only

    Wakix (pitolisant) is a medication that treats excessive daytime sleepiness in adults and children ages 6 and older with narcolepsy. It's also used to treat cataplexy, or sudden muscle weakness after having strong emotions, in adults with narcolepsy. This medication is taken by mouth once a day in the morning. You'll typically start the medication at a lower dose and then slowly raise the dose over time. Side effects include headache, nausea, and trouble sleeping.

    Summary for Stimulant
    Prescription only

    Adderall is a stimulant medication that's used to treat attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy in adults and children. It contains the instant-release (IR) forms of dextroamphetamine and amphetamine salts. Adderall is available as a brand-name and lower-cost generic tablet that's taken by mouth. Your psychiatrist will adjust the dosage for you based on how well the medication works for you. Common side effects include trouble sleeping and loss of appetite.

  • Indications of Wakix vs. Adderall

    Indications for
    •Excessive daytime sleepiness or cataplexy (sudden muscle weakness) in adults with narcolepsy
    •Excessive daytime sleepiness in children ages 6 and older with narcolepsy
    Indications for
    •Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
    •Narcolepsy (daytime sleepiness)

  • Pros and Cons of Wakix vs. Adderall

    Pros and Const for Histamine-3 (H3) receptor antagonist / Inverse agonist
    Pros
    •Lowers how many cataplexy attacks you get per week
    •A narcolepsy treatment that's not a controlled substance
    •Only need to take it once a day
    Cons
    •Not the best medication if you have liver or kidney problems
    •Might need to take more than one tablet for your dose
    •Can take a couple months to see the full effects of this medication
    Pros and Const for Stimulant
    Pros
    •First-choice option for ADHD in children and adults
    •Starts working within an hour after taking
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    •Can use together with behavioral counseling or other non-medication therapies to treat ADHD
    Cons
    •Has a risk of misuse and dependency
    •A controlled medication, so there are special requirements for getting the prescription filled
    •Dose needs to be raised and lowered slowly to avoid side effects and withdrawal symptoms
    •Not available as a liquid or patch form (unlike methylphenidate (Ritalin))

  • Common Side Effects of Wakix vs. Adderall

    Common Side Effects for

    Adults:

    •Headache (18%)
    •Trouble sleeping (6%)
    •Nausea (6%)
    •Anxiety (5%)

    Children:

    •Headache (19%)
    •Trouble sleeping (7%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Upset stomach
    •Lower appetite
    •Weight loss
    •Nervousness
    •Changes in mood
    •Trouble sleeping

  • Warnings of Wakix vs. Adderall

    Common Side Effects for
    •Life-threatening abnormal heart rhythm (QT prolongation)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Misuse and addiction
    •Dependence and withdrawal
    •Serious heart problems
    •Aggressive behavior and psychosis
    •Slowed growth in children
    •Seizures
    •Blood circulation problems (such as Raynaud's phenomenon)
    •Serotonin syndrome
    •Drug interactions

  • Prices with our coupons for Wakix vs. Adderall

    Learn more about Wakix
    Learn more about Adderall

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