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Compare Wakix vs. Xyrem

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

Key takeaways

Wakix (pitolisant) and sodium oxybate (Xyrem, Lumryz) are both used to treat cataplexy and excessive daytime sleepiness in people with narcolepsy, but they have some key differences. Wakix is a histamine-3 (H3) receptor antagonist/inverse agonist taken once daily in the morning. Sodium oxybate is a central nervous system depressant with immediate-release (Xyrem) and extended-release (Lumryz) forms, with the immediate-release version requiring two doses per night and the extended-release version taken once at bedtime. Wakix is not a controlled substance and does not carry a risk of addiction, whereas sodium oxybate is a Schedule III controlled substance with potential for misuse and dependence. Common side effects of Wakix include headache, nausea, and trouble sleeping, while sodium oxybate can cause nausea, dizziness, and bedwetting. Additionally, sodium oxybate contains a high amount of sodium, which can be problematic for people with certain health conditions. Unlike Wakix, sodium oxybate is available as a low-cost generic.

  • Wakix (pitolisant)
    Sodium oxybate (Xyrem)
  • Wakix (pitolisant)
    Sodium oxybate (Xyrem)

  • Summary of Wakix vs. Xyrem

    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 CNS depressant
    Prescription only

    Sodium oxybate (Xyrem) is for people 7 years and older with narcolepsy. It's used to treat cataplexy (sudden muscle weakness after strong emotions) and excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS). This medication works as a central nervous system depressant. It's a liquid solution that you have to mix with water before you take it. The dosage is taken by mouth two times at night, once at bedtime, and then again 2.5 to 4 hours later. Side effects include nausea and dizziness. Some people, but especially children, might wet the bed. Sodium oxybate (Xyrem) is available with a prescription as a brand-name and generic medication.

  • Indications of Wakix vs. Xyrem

    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 daytime sleepiness (EDS) or cataplexy in people with narcolepsy

  • Pros and Cons of Wakix vs. Xyrem

    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 CNS depressant
    Pros
    •A first-choice medication for narcolepsy
    •Okay for children 7 years and older with narcolepsy to take
    •Is a liquid mixture, so no need to swallow whole pills
    •Dose can be adjusted if needed
    Cons
    •Need to take two doses each night (one at bedtime, and another in the middle of the night)
    •Need to mix the medication with water before taking
    •Is a controlled substance, so there are special requirements to getting the medication filled
    •Can't take with sedatives

  • Common Side Effects of Wakix vs. Xyrem

    Common Side Effects for

    Adults:

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

    Children:

    •Headache (19%)
    •Trouble sleeping (7%)
    Common Side Effects for

    Adults:

    •Nausea (up to 20%)
    •Dizziness (up to 15%)
    •Vomiting (up to 11%)
    •Sleepiness (up to 8%)
    •Bedwetting (up to 7%)
    •Tremor or shakiness (up to 5%)

    Children:

    •Nausea (20%)
    •Bedwetting (19%)
    •Vomiting (18%)
    •Headache (17%)
    •Weight loss (13%)
    •Poor appetite (9%)
    •Dizziness (8%)
    •Sleepwalking (6%)

  • Warnings of Wakix vs. Xyrem

    Common Side Effects for
    •Life-threatening abnormal heart rhythm (QT prolongation)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Potential for misuse
    •Changes in mental alertness
    •Dangerously slowed breathing
    •Only available through the Xyrem REMS program
    •Behavior changes, including depression and suicidal thoughts
    •Unusual sleep behaviors (e.g., sleepwalking)
    •Contains a high amount of sodium

  • Prices with our coupons for Wakix vs. Xyrem

    Learn more about Wakix
    Learn more about Sodium oxybate

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