Wakix ratings & reviews

Pitolisant
Company: Harmony
Brand: Wakix
Drug class: Central and Peripheral Nervous System
+3 more
Central and Peripheral Nervous System, Psychoanaleptics Excluding Anti-obesity Agents, Narcolepsy Agents, Histamine-Receptor Modulators

Sermo AI Overview

  • Wakix is well-tolerated by patients, and its classification as a non-controlled substance makes it appealing for treating narcolepsy, avoiding some challenges associated with controlled medications.
  • Overall satisfaction with Wakix varies among professionals; some endorse its safety and non-controlled status, while others express concerns over inconsistent efficacy and accessibility challenges for patients.
  • While many healthcare providers appreciate Wakix for its effectiveness and safety, access issues persist, with reports of difficulty obtaining the medication due to variability in healthcare systems and insurance coverage.
  • Wakix is generally regarded as effective for managing both cataplexy and narcolepsy symptoms, with numerous physicians highlighting its good efficacy and tolerability, often rating it positively compared to other medications.
Based on insights from Sermo’s triple verified physicians

Description

Wakix contains the active ingredient pitolisant hydrochloride, which is an antagonist/inverse agonist of the histamine-3 receptor. It is available in tablet form for oral administration with dosage strengths of 5 mg and 20 mg. Key inactive ingredients include colloidal silicon dioxide, crospovidone, magnesium stearate, and microcrystalline cellulose.

Source: This information is sourced from FDA and powered by AI

Dosage & Administration

How should I use this medication?

Take this medication by mouth with water. Take it as directed on the prescription label at the same time every day. You can take it with or without food. If it upsets your stomach, take it with food. Keep taking it unless your care team tells you to stop. Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While it may be prescribed for children as young as 6 years for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once. NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, skip it. Take your next dose at the normal time. Do not take extra or 2 doses at the same time to make up for the missed dose.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children and pets. Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Get rid of any unused medication after the expiration date. To get rid of medications that are no longer needed or have expired: -Take the medication to a medication take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location. -If you cannot return the medication, check the label or package insert to see if the medication should be thrown out in the garbage or flushed down the toilet. If you are not sure, ask your care team. If it is safe to put it in the trash, empty the medication out of the container. Mix the medication with cat litter, dirt, or other unwanted substance. Seal the mixture in a bag or container. Put it in the trash.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

Side Effects

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible: -Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat -Heart rhythm changes—fast or irregular heartbeat, dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, chest pain, trouble breathing Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome): -Anxiety, nervousness -Headache -Nausea -Trouble sleeping

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings & Precautions

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions: -Heart disease -History of irregular heartbeat -Kidney disease -Liver disease -Low levels of potassium in the blood -Low levels of magnesium in the blood -An unusual or allergic reaction to pitolisant, other medications, foods, dyes or preservatives -Pregnant or trying to get pregnant -Breastfeeding

What may interact with this medication?

Do not take this medication with any of the following: -Cisapride -Dronedarone -Pimozide -Thioridazine This medication may also interact with the following: -Antihistamines for allergy, cough and cold -Certain medications for irregular heartbeat, such as amiodarone, dofetilide, encainide, flecainide, propafenone, quinidine -Certain medications for depression, anxiety, or other mental health conditions -Certain medications for seizures, such as carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin -Cyclosporine -Estrogen or progestin hormones -Midazolam -Other medications that cause heart rhythm changes -Promethazine -Rifampin -St. John's wort

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Tell your care team if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse. Your mouth may get dry. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking hard candy and drinking plenty of water may help. Contact your care team if the problem does not go away or is severe. Estrogen and progestin hormones may not work as well while you are taking this medication. If you are using these hormones for contraception, talk to your care team about using a second type of contraception. A barrier contraceptive, such as a condom or diaphragm, is recommended.

Source: This information is sourced from Elsevier Inc.

Disclaimer

The reviews, ratings, comments, and opinions expressed on this platform are solely those of the individual medical professionals who posted them and do not reflect the views or positions of Sermo, Inc. Sermo does not endorse, verify, or validate the content of individual reviews. The information provided is user-generated and reflects personal clinical experiences, which may not be complete, accurate, or applicable to your specific health needs. It is not intended as medical advice.

Prescription medications affect individuals differently, and what works for one person may not work for another. Always consult your doctor, pharmacist, or other qualified healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed applies to your personal circumstances. Only a licensed healthcare provider can advise you on what is safe and effective for you.

Keep all medications out of the reach of children, never share your medicine with others, and use each medication only as prescribed. Your reliance on any information provided on this platform is at your own risk.

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