Wakix vs. Xyrem

• Are Wakix and Xyrem the Same Thing?
• What Are Possible Side Effects of Wakix?
• What Are Possible Side Effects of Xyrem?
• What Is Wakix?
• What Is Xyrem?
• What Drugs Interact With Wakix?
• What Drugs Interact With Xyrem?
• How Should Wakix Be Taken?
• How Should Xyrem Be Taken?

Wakix (pitolisant) and Xyrem (sodium oxybate) are indicated for the treatment of excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) in adult patients with narcolepsy.

Wakix and Xyrem belong to different drug classes. Wakix is a histamine-3 (H3) receptor antagonist/inverse agonist and Xyrem is a central nervous system depressant.

Side effects of Wakix and Xyrem that are similar include nausea.

Side effects of Wakix that are different from Xyrem include insomnia and anxiety.

Side effects of Xyrem that are different from Wakix include dizziness, vomiting, diarrhea, and shallow breathing.

Both Wakix and Xyrem may interact with antidepressants and seizure medications.

Wakix may also interact with rifampin, antihistamines, antiarrhythmics, some antibiotics, hormonal contraceptives, midazolam, and cyclosporine.

Xyrem may also interact with alcohol or other drugs used for sleep or sedation, including cold medicines, narcotics, muscle relaxers, or medicines for anxiety.

Do not stop using Xyrem suddenly, or you could have unpleasant withdrawal symptoms.

Common side effects of Wakix include:

• insomnia,
• nausea, and
• anxiety

• dizziness,
• nausea,
• vomiting,
• diarrhea, or
• shallow breathing.

Tell your doctor if you have serious side effects of Xyrem including:

• mental/mood changes (e.g., confusion, psychosis, hallucinations, agitation, depression, rare thoughts of suicide),
• bedwetting,
• weakness,
• ringing in the ears, or
• sleepwalking.

Wakix (pitolisant) is a histamine-3 (H3) receptor antagonist/inverse agonist indicated for the treatment of excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) in adult patients with narcolepsy.

Xyrem (sodium oxybate) is a central nervous system depressant drug indicated for the treatment of excessive daytime sleepiness and cataplexy in patients with narcolepsy.

Wakix may interact with certain antidepressants, seizure medications, rifampin, antihistamines, antiarrhythmics, hormonal contraceptives, midazolam, and cyclosporine. Tell your doctor all medications and supplements you use.

Xyrem may interact with alcohol or other drugs used for sleep or sedation, including cold medicines, narcotics, muscle relaxers, or medicines for anxiety, depression, or seizures. Tell your doctor all medications and supplements you use.

The recommended dosage range for Wakix is 17.8 mg to 35.6 mg daily.

The recommended starting dose of Xyrem is 4.5 grams per night administered orally in two equal, divided doses: 2.25 g at bedtime and 2.25 g taken 2.5 to 4 hours later.