Wakix

Generic name: pitolisant
Drug class: CNS stimulants

Medically reviewed by A Ras MD.

What is Wakix?

Wakix is a prescription medicine that is used to treat a lot of sleepiness during the day in patients with narcolepsy.

Description

WAKIX tablets contain pitolisant hydrochloride. Pitolisant is an antagonist/inverse agonist of the histamine-3 (H3) receptor. Pitolisant hydrochloride is a white or almost white crystalline powder with a molecular formula of C17H26ClNO·HCl and a molecular weight of 332.31. Pitolisant hydrochloride is soluble in water, ethanol, and methylene chloride and practically insoluble in cyclohexane. The chemical name of pitolisant hydrochloride is 1-{3-[3-(4-chlorophenyl)propoxy]propyl}piperidine, hydrochloride and its structural formula is:

The molecular formula of the pitolisant free base is C17H26ClNO and its molecular weight is 295.85.

WAKIX tablets are for oral administration and each film-coated tablet contains 5 mg or 20 mg of pitolisant hydrochloride (equivalent to 4.45 mg or 17.8 mg of pitolisant free base, respectively) and the following inactive ingredients: colloidal silicon dioxide, crospovidone, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, polyethylene glycol, polyvinyl alcohol, talc, and titanium dioxide.

Mechanism of Action

The mechanism of action of pitolisant in excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) or cataplexy in adult patients with narcolepsy is unclear. However, its efficacy could be mediated through its activity as an antagonist/inverse agonist at histamine-3 (H3) receptors.

Before taking Wakix, tell your doctor:

If you are allergic to Wakix; any part of this medicine; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
If you have any of these health problems: Kidney disease or liver disease.
If you have any of these health problems: Low magnesium levels, low potassium levels, or slow heartbeat.
If you have ever had a long QT on ECG or other heartbeat that is not normal.
If you are taking any drugs that can cause a certain type of heartbeat that is not normal (prolonged QT interval). There are many drugs that can do this. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure.
If you are taking any of these drugs: Clomipramine, diphenhydramine, imipramine, mirtazapine, pheniramine, or promethazine.

This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with this medicine.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take Wakix with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while I take Wakix?

Tell all of your health care providers that you take Wakix. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
It may take several weeks to see the full effects.
Birth control pills and other hormone-based birth control may not work as well to prevent pregnancy. Use some other kind of birth control also like a condom when taking Wakix and for 3 weeks after stopping Wakix.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan on getting pregnant, or are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks to you and the baby.

How is Wakix best taken?

Use Wakix as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

Take in the morning.
Take Wakix when you wake up.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

Skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time.
Do not take 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.

What are the side effects of Wakix that I need to call my doctor about immediately?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
A type of abnormal heartbeat (prolonged QT interval) can happen with Wakix. Call your doctor right away if you have a fast heartbeat, a heartbeat that does not feel normal, or if you pass out.

What are some other side effects of Wakix?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

Headache.
Trouble sleeping.
Upset stomach.
Anxiety.
Signs of a common cold.
Muscle pain.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If overdose is suspected:

If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

How do I store and/or throw out Wakix?

Store at room temperature.
Store in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom.
Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.