How Does Wakix Work for Narcolepsy? Plus, 5 More Wakix FAQs

Narcolepsy is a chronic condition that causes excessive daytime sleepiness and sleep attacks that can occur without warning. Wakix (pitolisant) is an oral medication that’s FDA-approved for narcolepsy symptoms in adults and kids 6 years and older. But how does Wakix work, and what makes it different from other narcolepsy medications?

1. How does Wakix work for narcolepsy?

Wakix affects certain histamine receptors (binding sites) in your brain to help keep you awake. Histamine is commonly associated with allergy symptoms. But it also plays a role in regulating your sleep/wake cycle.

Some antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl), block histamine in your brain. This can make you drowsy. Wakix seems to have the opposite effect. It helps increase histamine levels in your brain so you feel more alert and awake. Wakix may also increase other chemicals in the brain to help keep sleep attacks at bay.

2. Is Wakix a stimulant like Adderall?

No. Wakix isn’t considered a stimulant medication. Stimulants speed up your body’s processes by increasing levels of chemicals such as dopamine and norepinephrine in your brain. They work differently than Wakix and carry different risks.

Stimulants such as Adderall (amphetamine salt combo) and Ritalin (methylphenidate) are often used to treat narcolepsy. They’re effective, but unlike Wakix they also carry a risk of dependence and misuse — more on that next.

3. Is Wakix a controlled substance?

No. Wakix isn’t a controlled substance. In fact, it’s currently the only FDA-approved medication for narcolepsy that is not a controlled substance.

Medications are classified as controlled substances if they carry a risk for dependence and misuse. There are stricter laws regarding how they’re prescribed, and they’re often sought for illicit use. Most prescription stimulants are also controlled substances.

Wakix, on the other hand, was found to have a very low risk for misuse. This may make it a more appealing narcolepsy treatment option for children or for adults with a history of substance use disorder.

4. How long does it take Wakix to work?

It can take up to 8 weeks to get the full benefits of Wakix. You’ll typically start with a low dosage and slowly increase it over 3 to 4 weeks. This helps minimize side effects, but it also means that it takes a bit longer to start feeling results.

EXPERT PICKS: WHAT TO READ NEXT

• Do you have narcolepsy? Your daytime sleepiness could be a sign of something more serious.

• What does narcolepsy feel like? Here’s a firsthand account of what it’s like to live with narcolepsy and how to advocate for your health.

• What’s the right dose of Wakix? Understanding Wakix dosages can help you get the most from your medication and avoid unwanted side effects.

If you don’t notice any difference in your narcolepsy symptoms at first, don’t stop taking Wakix. Talk to your prescriber to make sure you’re taking the right dosage. And be sure to give Wakix a full 8 weeks to work before talking to your healthcare team about a different treatment option.

5. Who shouldn’t take Wakix?

Wakix isn’t recommended for those with severe liver or kidney problems. It can also increase the risk of a heart condition called long QT syndrome. So Wakix isn’t recommended if you have a history of this condition or are at risk for it. Be sure to review your medical history with your prescriber to make sure Wakix is a safe option for you.

Wakix can also interact with other medications, including birth control pills. Sharing your medication list with your healthcare team can help them identify any potential interactions in advance.

6. Are there alternatives to Wakix for narcolepsy?

Yes. There are other medications that are approved for narcolepsy. They include:

• Provigil (modafinil)

• Nuvigil (armodafinil)

• Xyrem (sodium oxybate)

• Adderall

• Ritalin

As mentioned, these options are all controlled substances, so they may not be the best choice for everyone. Wakix doesn’t seem to interact with stimulants, since it works differently. So it’s possible that your prescriber may suggest taking more than one medication for narcolepsy if needed.

There are also things you can do at home to help manage your narcolepsy. Set a routine sleep schedule, which can include naps during the day when you usually feel sleepiest. Practicing good sleep hygiene can help improve the quality of your sleep. This includes avoiding alcohol and caffeine before bedtime, avoiding screens for one hour before bedtime, and exercising regularly.

How to save on Wakix

There are ways to save on Wakix, which is only available as a brand-name medication. If you have commercial insurance, you may be eligible to pay as little as $0 for Wakix using a savings program from the manufacturer.

Wakix is a limited distribution medication. This means it may not be available at your local pharmacy. In most cases, your prescriber will work with a specialty pharmacy to fill your prescription and ship it to you. Their staff is trained to help you find the best price for your Wakix prescription.

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Written by:

Alex Evans, PharmD, MBA

Alex Evans, PharmD, MBA, has been a pharmacist for 12 years. His first job was floating in a community chain pharmacy.

Edited by:

Stacia Woodcock, PharmD

Stacia Woodcock, PharmD, is a pharmacy editor for GoodRx. She earned her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Kentucky and is licensed in New York and Massachusetts.

Reviewed by:

Austin Ulrich, PharmD, BCACP

Austin Ulrich, PharmD, BCACP, is a board-certified ambulatory care clinical pharmacist. In his early career, he provided direct patient care in a variety of settings, including hospital and community pharmacies, and in a primary care clinic as a clinical pharmacist.

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