Wakix® (pitolisant) for Narcolepsy: Uses, Dosage, and Safety

What Wakix® Is and How It Works

Wakix (pitolisant) is a histamine-3 (H3) receptor antagonist/inverse agonist that increases histamine release in the brain to promote wakefulness. It treats excessive daytime sleepiness and helps reduce cataplexy in adults with Narcolepsy. If comparing options such as Wakix price or exploring access to Wakix without insurance, YouDrugstore offers transparent, competitive pricing and support with ordering.

YouDrugstore is a licensed Canadian pharmacy headquartered in Manitoba; prescriptions are reviewed by licensed pharmacists before dispensing.

We work with licensed, vetted international partner pharmacies to supply authentic brand medications, offer a broad selection, and keep pricing affordable. Wakix is a once-daily oral tablet taken in the morning. Dose is titrated over 1 to 3 weeks based on response and tolerability. By enhancing histaminergic signaling, pitolisant improves alertness without being a stimulant or a controlled substance. It can be used for both Excessive Daytime Sleepiness Eds and Cataplexy related to narcolepsy.

Dosage and Usage

• Start: 8.9 mg once daily in the morning. This is typically two 4.45 mg tablets taken together.
• Week 2: Increase to 17.8 mg once daily if needed.
• Week 3: May increase to a maximum of 35.6 mg once daily (two 17.8 mg tablets) based on response.
• Take with or without food, preferably with breakfast.
• Avoid afternoon or evening dosing to reduce the risk of insomnia.
• Swallow tablets whole with water; do not crush or split tablets.
• Missed dose: skip the missed dose and take the next dose the following morning. Do not double up.
• Hepatic or renal considerations: certain liver or kidney impairments require lower maximum doses; severe impairment may be a contraindication.
• CYP2D6 poor metabolizers or patients on strong CYP2D6 inhibitors may need lower doses; discuss dosing adjustments with a clinician.

• Store at 20–25 °C (68–77 °F). Short excursions 15–30 °C (59–86 °F) are acceptable.
• Keep tablets dry, in the original container with the child-resistant cap.
• Protect from moisture and excessive heat; avoid storing in bathrooms or cars.
• For travel, carry in original labeled container in your hand luggage.
• Bring a copy of the prescription for security checks and customs.
• Do not use past the labeled expiration date.

Benefits and Savings

Wakix improves daytime wakefulness and can reduce cataplexy attacks. It is non-sedating and is not a controlled substance, which may simplify travel and refills. Once-daily morning dosing is convenient. Many people report steadier alertness during the day without the peaks associated with stimulants, and fewer sleepiness lapses at work or school.

Ordering through our online pharmacy can deliver 60–80% savings versus typical US prices. Compare Wakix cost, review options for a multi-month supply, and see if a bulk promotion lowers the monthly average. Reorder reminders help you stay on schedule. Patients paying cash can check the Wakix cash price, and those managing expenses may prefer options for Wakix without insurance.

For current promotions, visit our Wakix coupon page for available deals.

Shipping is prompt and express within the US. You can place the order online, upload a valid prescription, and track progress from your account during our posted office hours. Customer-service chat is available for questions about availability or documentation.

Side Effects and Safety

• Common effects: insomnia, headache, nausea, vomiting, anxiety, irritability, decreased appetite, dizziness, dry mouth.
• Digestive: abdominal pain, dyspepsia, constipation.
• Neurologic: tremor, vertigo, restlessness.
• Psychiatric: nervousness, abnormal dreams.
• Infections: upper respiratory tract symptoms may occur.
• Most effects are mild to moderate and often improve after dose titration.

Serious or rare risks include QT interval prolongation (especially with higher exposure), hypersensitivity reactions, and potential psychiatric symptoms in susceptible individuals. Avoid combining with other QT-prolonging drugs when possible. Strong CYP2D6 inhibitors can raise pitolisant levels; strong CYP3A4 inducers can reduce effectiveness. Pitolisant may reduce the effectiveness of hormonal contraceptives; consider non-hormonal contraception during treatment and for 21 days after the last dose. People with severe hepatic impairment or end-stage renal disease may not be candidates.

Onset Time

Some improvement in daytime wakefulness may be noticed during the first one to two weeks as the dose is titrated. Benefits can continue to build through weeks 3 to 8. Cataplexy reduction often emerges after several weeks at a stable dose. If response is limited at week 2, clinicians may increase to 35.6 mg daily, as tolerated, to achieve full effect.

Compare With Alternatives

Modafinil or armodafinil are wake-promoting agents that enhance dopaminergic signaling. They are taken once daily and may have a faster initial effect but can cause headache, decreased appetite, or anxiety. Unlike pitolisant, they are Schedule IV controlled substances in the US, which may affect refilling and travel in some cases.

Solriamfetol is a norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitor. It can improve wakefulness but may increase heart rate and blood pressure more prominently, which matters for people with cardiovascular risks. Dose is once daily with titration based on effect and tolerance.

Sodium oxybate or low-sodium oxybate, taken at night, can improve daytime alertness and cataplexy by consolidating nocturnal sleep. These products have specific safety and distribution requirements and are taken in two nighttime doses. Some patients use a nighttime oxybate with a daytime agent to cover both sleep consolidation and wakefulness.

Choosing among these depends on response, comorbidities, drug interactions, and personal preferences. You can also review background information on sleep conditions in How To Treat The Most Common Sleep Disorders for additional context.

Combination Therapy

• Wakix with nighttime oxybate for combined wakefulness support and cataplexy control.
• Wakix with modafinil or armodafinil when partial response remains; monitor for additive insomnia or anxiety.
• Wakix with scheduled naps and behavioral sleep strategies for daytime structure.
• Adjust doses if adding strong CYP2D6 inhibitors or CYP3A4 inducers to maintain safety and effect.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

Wakix is intended for adults with narcolepsy who need daytime wakefulness support and cataplexy reduction. It may suit people who prefer a non-stimulant option or wish to avoid controlled substances. Those with a history of significant QT prolongation, severe hepatic impairment, or end-stage renal disease may not be candidates. Use caution in patients with psychiatric conditions, arrhythmias, or electrolyte abnormalities.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding data are limited. Discuss plans for pregnancy and appropriate contraception. Because pitolisant can reduce hormonal contraceptive effectiveness, consider a non-hormonal method during therapy and for 21 days after stopping.

To manage costs, compare strengths and pack sizes to see if a multi-month supply reduces the per-month average. Bulk promotions can help. Activate reorder reminders so refills are placed before you run out. If paying out of pocket, review Wakix out of pocket options and compare the posted Wakix cost across available strengths. You can buy Wakix online or place an order by phone during office hours if that is easier.

Authoritative Sources

WAKIX (pitolisant) Prescribing Information — FDA

WAKIX Official Patient Site

WAKIX Healthcare Professional Dosing Information

Order Wakix® from YouDrugstore: add to cart, upload your prescription, and we ship with prompt, express shipping.

This content is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always speak with a licensed healthcare professional about medications, dosing, and safety for your situation.