Skip to main content

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)

Get free coupons

Sodium oxybate

(Xyrem)

Get free coupons

Summary for Wakix

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.

Indications for Wakix

Pros and Cons for Wakix

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

Common Side Effects for Wakix

Adults:

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

Children:

  • Headache (19%)
  • Trouble sleeping (7%)

Warnings for Wakix

  • Life-threatening abnormal heart rhythm (QT prolongation)

Summary for Xyrem

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 for Xyrem

Pros and Cons for Xyrem

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 for Xyrem

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 for Xyrem

  • 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

Price Card Drug Icon
Wakix60 tablets / 17.8mg
--
Get free coupons
More Information
Price Card Drug Icon
Sodium Oxybate3 bottles / 180ml of 500mg/ml
$6,079.29$21,239.97
Get free coupons
More Information

Compare other Narcolepsy drugs

Wakix vs. AdderallWakix vs. NuvigilWakix vs. SunosiWakix vs. XyremAdderall vs. Concerta
Adderall vs. StratteraAdderall vs. XanaxAdderall-xr vs. AdderallArmodafinil vs. AdderallAtivan vs. AdderallAzstarys vs. AdderallDaytrana vs. AdderallDesoxyn vs. AdderallDexedrine vs. AdderallDextroamphetamine vs. AdderallEvekeo vs. AdderallFocalin vs. AdderallGuanfacine vs. AdderallIntuniv vs. AdderallKapvay vs. AdderallLexapro vs. AdderallModafinil vs. AdderallMydayis vs. AdderallNamenda vs. AdderallPhentermine vs. AdderallProzac vs. AdderallQelbree vs. AdderallRitalin vs. AdderallSunosi vs. AdderallVyvanse vs. Adderall

Browse medications by letter

Show All

Browse prescription and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.