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Compare Wakix vs. Nuvigil

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

Key takeaways

Wakix (pitolisant) and armodafinil (Nuvigil) are both used to treat excessive daytime sleepiness from narcolepsy, but they work in different ways and have different uses. Wakix is a histamine-3 (H3) receptor antagonist/inverse agonist that treats narcolepsy-related cataplexy and daytime sleepiness. Armodafinil, on the other hand, is used for narcolepsy, obstructive sleep apnea, and shift work disorder. Wakix is not a controlled substance, while armodafinil is a Schedule IV controlled substance, indicating a potential for abuse. Wakix is taken once daily in the morning, and its effects can take a couple of months to fully develop, whereas armodafinil also requires once-daily dosing but starts to work in about an hour. Both medications can interact with hormonal birth control, but Wakix is specifically noted for its potential to cause life-threatening heart rhythm changes, especially if you’re taking other medications that cause changes in heart rhythm. Additionally, armodafinil carries risks of serious allergic reactions and mental health issues, such as worsening depression or mania.

  • Wakix (pitolisant)
    Armodafinil (Nuvigil)
  • Wakix (pitolisant)
    Armodafinil (Nuvigil)

  • Summary of Wakix vs. Nuvigil

    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 Wakefulness-promoting agent
    Prescription only

    Armodafinil (Nuvigil) is a medication used to improve wakefulness in people who have extreme sleepiness due to narcolepsy, obstructive sleep apnea, or shift work disorder. It's similar to the medication modafinil (Provigil).

  • Indications of Wakix vs. Nuvigil

    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
    •Excessive sleepiness due to narcolepsy, shift work disorder, or obstructive sleep apnea

  • Pros and Cons of Wakix vs. Nuvigil

    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 Wakefulness-promoting agent
    Pros
    •Starts to work in about an hour
    •Only needs to be taken once a day
    •Less likely to be abused compared to amphetamine stimulants
    •Your provider can prescribe refills, unlike other controlled stimulant medications
    •Available as generic, which can be more affordable
    Cons
    •Can interact with other medications, including hormonal birth control
    •Not proven to be safe or effective for children age 16 or younger
    •Older adults and people with severe liver problems might need a lower dose
    •Should be used with caution in people with a history of certain mental health conditions
    •Generally not recommended if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
    •May not be a good choice for some people with heart problems

  • Common Side Effects of Wakix vs. Nuvigil

    Common Side Effects for

    Adults:

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

    Children:

    •Headache (19%)
    •Trouble sleeping (7%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Headache (17%)
    •Nausea (7%)
    •Dizziness (5%)
    •Trouble sleeping (5%)
    •Anxiety (4%)
    •Diarrhea (4%)
    •Dry mouth (4%)

  • Warnings of Wakix vs. Nuvigil

    Common Side Effects for
    •Life-threatening abnormal heart rhythm (QT prolongation)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Serious allergic reactions
    •Serious skin reactions
    •Driving impairment
    •Heart problems
    •Mental health disorder symptoms

  • Prices with our coupons for Wakix vs. Nuvigil

    Learn more about Wakix
    Learn more about Armodafinil

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