If you have excessive daytime sleepiness, your doctor may recommend treatment with Sunosi.

Sunosi is a prescription drug used to treat excessive daytime sleepiness related to narcolepsy or obstructive sleep apnea in adults.

In certain cases, Sunosi shouldn’t be prescribed for people with obstructive sleep apnea. To learn more, see the “What is Sunosi prescribed for?” section below.

Sunosi basics

solriamfetol is the active ingredient in Sunosi. An active ingredient is what makes a drug work.

Sunosi comes as tablets that you swallow. It’s not available as a generic drug.

Sunosi has side effects, uses, and compares with similar medications, so keep reading to learn more.

Sunosi may cause mild or serious side effects. Some of the more common side effects of Sunosi are described in the lists below. All possible side effects are not included in these lists.

Side effects of a drug can depend on other factors.

  • Your age.
  • You have other health conditions.
  • You take other drugs.

The doctor or the pharmacy can tell you more about the side effects of Sunosi. They can suggest ways to reduce side effects.

Mild side effects

Here’s a short list of some of the mild side effects that Sunosi can cause. To learn about other mild side effects of the drug, talk with your doctor or pharmacist, or read Sunosi’s prescribing information.

Mild side effects of Sunosi have been reported.

The side effects of many drugs can be gone in a few days. If they become intolerable, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

Serious side effects

Sunosi can have serious side effects, but they are not common. If you have serious side effects from Sunosi, call your doctor. If you think you have a medical emergency, call the emergency number.

Sunosi has been reported to have serious side effects.

The side effect is described in the section “Allergic reaction”.

Allergic reaction

Some people may have an allergic reaction to Sunosi. While allergic reactions weren’t reported in studies of the drug, they have happened since the drug became available on the market.

A mild allergic reaction can include some symptoms.

A more severe allergic reaction is not uncommon. A severe allergic reaction can cause swelling under your skin, usually in your lips, hands, or feet. They can include swelling of your mouth, throat, and tongue, which can cause trouble breathing.

If you have an allergic reaction to Sunosi, call your doctor. If you think you have a medical emergency, call the emergency number.

If you’re prescribed Sunosi, you may wonder how it compares with similar medications, such as Adderall.

People with rops can be prescribed Adderall and Sunosi to ease daytime sleepiness. Adderall can be prescribed to treat this condition in adults and some children.

The active ingredients in Adderall and Sunosi are amphetamine and dextroamphetamine. Drugs work with active ingredients.

Sunosi and Adderall may cause some of the same side effects, including “It’s difficult to sleep.” and appetite loss. But they can cause some different ones as well.

To learn more about how Sunosi and Adderall compare, see this article. Your doctor can also tell you more about these drugs.

Find out what the questions about Sunosi are.

Does Sunosi cause weight loss or weight gain?

Sunosi is not known to cause weight gain. The drug may cause weight loss, but it is not known for certain.

Though rare, weight loss was reported in some studies of Sunosi. But it’s not known for sure if the drug causes this side effect.

Sunosi can cause appetite loss, which can lead to weight loss.

Talk to your doctor if you are concerned about your weight. They can help you maintain a healthy weight.

Is Sunosi a stimulant?

“Sunosi isn’t a smelk.”

Stimulants are medications that work by increasing levels of the hormones dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. For example, amphetamines, such as amphetamine and dextroamphetamine (Adderall) and methylphenidate (Ritalin, Ritalin LA), are kinds of stimulants.

Sunosi works in a different way to affect dopamine and norepinephrine in your brain, though its mechanism of action is not clear.

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about how Sunosi compares to other drugs to treat your condition.

What should I know about Sunosi vs. Nuvigil?

You may wonder how Sunosi compares to other drugs.

Both Sunosi and Nuvigil are prescribed to treat excessive daytime sleepiness related to narcolepsy or obstructive sleep apnea in adults. In addition, Nuvigil may be used to treat excessive daytime sleepiness related to shift work disorder.

The active ingredient in Sunosi is solriamfetol, while the active ingredient in Nuvigil is armodafinil. An active ingredient is what makes a drug work.

These drugs can cause similar side effects, including There is a throbbing head., nausea, and appetite loss. But they can cause some different side effects as well.

If you want to learn more about Sunosi and Nuvigil, you should talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

Is Sunosi a controlled substance?

Yes, Sunosi is a controlled substance. This means the U.S. government has special regulations for how this drug is prescribed and taken. Sunosi is regulated this way because it has the potential to be misused. With misuse, a drug is used in a way other than how it’s prescribed.

To learn more, see the “Can Sunosi be misused?” section below. You can also talk with your doctor or pharmacist for more information about the risk of misuse with Sunosi.

Is Sunosi used for depression?

No, Sunosi isn’t used to treat depression.

People with narcolepsy are more likely to have depression. But it’s not certain why or whether the conditions are related.

Narcolepsy can affect your ability to function in work and social settings. This can lead to symptoms of depression, such as feeling sad or hopeless and trouble concentrating. Treating narcolepsy with medications such as Sunosi may ease these symptoms and help improve your mood.

If you have symptoms of depression, especially if you have narcolepsy, talk with your doctor. These conditions can have overlapping symptoms. Treating narcolepsy may help ease symptoms of depression. Your doctor can also discuss whether treatments for depression, such as antidepressants or talk therapy, may be right for you.

Sunosi and modafinil are similar medications. They’re both prescribed to treat excessive daytime sleepiness related to narcolepsy or obstructive sleep apnea in adults. In addition, modafinil may be used to treat excessive daytime sleepiness related to shift work disorder.

The active ingredient in Sunosi is solriamfetol. (An active ingredient is what makes a drug work.) Modafinil is the active ingredient in Provigil. It’s also the generic version of Provigil.

Sunosi and modafinil can cause similar side effects, including There is a throbbing head., nausea, and anxiety. But they may cause some different side effects as well. They also have different interactions with other medications. (For information about possible drug interactions with Sunosi, see the “What should be considered before taking Sunosi?” section below.)

To learn more about how Sunosi and Provigil (the brand-name version of modafinil) are alike and different, see this detailed comparison. Your doctor can also discuss which might be a better treatment option for you.

Sunosi is used to treat excessive daytime sleepiness related to narcolepsy or obstructive sleep apnea in adults.

What is narcolepsy?

Narcolepsy is a condition that causes abnormal sleep. This can lead to excessive daytime sleepiness and “sleep attacks” (an overwhelming urge to fall asleep).

There are symptoms of narcolepsy.

What is obstructive sleep apnea?

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is caused by narrowing of the airways during sleep, which cuts off breathing. This causes poor sleep quality, leading to excessive daytime sleepiness.

Symptoms of the disease can include:

Note: Sunosi is not used to treat the airway obstruction that causes OSA. Before taking Sunosi, people with OSA should receive airway obstruction treatment for at least 1 month. An example of this kind of treatment is continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). Treatment for airway obstruction should continue while taking Sunosi.

How Sunosi works

Sunosi is a kind of drug called a dopamine and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. This means it blocks the hormones dopamine and norepinephrine from being stored in the brain. Sunosi’s mechanism of action (the way a drug works) for treating excessive daytime sleepiness isn’t fully understood. But it’s believed that it helps improve wakefulness and energy by increasing the levels of these hormones in the body.

Your doctor will recommend the dosage of Sunosi that’s right for you. Below are commonly prescribed dosages, but always take the dosage your doctor prescribes.

Form

Sunosi is a tablet that you swallow.

Recommended Sunosi dosing

Sunosi will be taken once per day. It is recommended that you take it as soon as you wake up.

Questions about Sunosi’s dosage

“There are many questions about Sunosi’s dosage.”

  • What if I miss a dose of Sunosi? If you miss a dose of Sunosi, just skip the missed dose. Taking Sunosi too late in your day could cause difficulty sleeping. Take your next dose the next day as usual. Do not take more than one dose of Sunosi to make up for a missed dose.
  • Will I need to take Sunosi long term? If you and your doctor agree that Sunosi is safe and effective for you, you’ll likely take the medication long term.
  • How long does it take for Sunosi to work? Sunosi begins working as soon as you take a dose. In studies, people saw their symptoms easing within the first week of taking the drug.

It is important to discuss your health with your doctor before you start treatment. Any medical conditions and any medications you take are included. This information helps them decide if Sunosi is a good option for you.

Interactions

Taking a medication with certain vaccines, foods, and other things can affect how the medication works. These effects are called interactions.

Before taking Sunosi, you should tell your doctor about all your medication. You should describe any vitamins, herbs, or supplements you use. Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you about any interactions that may occur.

The “Warnings” section contains information about drug-condition interactions.

Interactions with drugs or supplements

Sunosi can interact with drugs. These include:

The list does not contain all the drugs that may interact with Sunosi. Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you more about these interactions.

Warnings

Sunosi may not be right for you if you have a medical condition. These are drug-condition interactions. Sunosi is a good treatment option if you have other factors to consider.

Before you take Sunosi, talk to your doctor about your health history. The factors to consider are listed below.

  • Heart problems or high blood pressure.. Treatment with Sunosi can cause an increase in blood pressure. If you already have high blood pressure. or heart problems, taking Sunosi may worsen your condition. Tell your doctor if you have high blood pressure. or heart problems. This can help them determine whether Sunosi is safe for you to take. If you do take Sunosi, your doctor will likely monitor your blood pressure or heart problems closely during treatment.
  • Kidney problems. People with kidney problems have a higher risk of side effects from Sunosi, including those affecting mental health and blood pressure. This is because kidney problems can affect the body’s ability to get rid of Sunosi. This increases the level of Sunosi in the body, which can raise the risk of side effects. If you have kidney problems, let your doctor know. They may recommend that you take a lower dosage of Sunosi. Or they may suggest that you try a different treatment for your condition.
  • Diabetes. Sunosi can cause increased blood pressure. People with diabetes have an increased risk of heart problems, so taking Sunosi may worsen this risk. If you have diabetes, your doctor can determine whether Sunosi is safe for you to take.
  • High cholesterol. People with high cholesterol have a higher risk of heart problems. Because Sunosi can increase blood pressure, Sunosi may worsen this risk. Let your doctor know if you have high cholesterol. This can help them determine whether Sunosi is safe for you to take.
  • Mental health conditions, including bipolar disorder. Sunosi can cause side effects related to mental health, including irritability, anxiety, and sleep problems. You may have a higher risk of mental health problems from Sunosi if you already have a mental health condition, such as bipolar disorder. In addition, taking Sunosi could worsen your condition. Tell your doctor about any mental health problems you have. This can help them determine whether Sunosi is a good treatment option for you.
  • Allergic reaction. If you’ve had an allergic reaction to Sunosi or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe Sunosi. Ask them what other medications are better options for you.

Sunosi and alcohol

There is no known interaction between drinking alcohol and taking Sunosi.

If you have questions about consuming alcohol while taking Sunosi, talk to your doctor.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

It is not known if Sunosi is safe to take during pregnancy.

If you and your doctor decide you’ll take Sunosi while pregnant, consider joining the Sunosi pregnancy registry. Pregnancy registries help collect information on the safety of using medications while pregnant. You can learn more about the Sunosi pregnancy registry by calling 877-283-6220 or visiting this website.

It is not known if Sunosi passes into breast milk. It is not known if it causes side effects in a child who is breastfed. If you are planning to breastfeeding or are considering breastfeeding, you should talk to your doctor about safe feeding options.

“Your doctor will explain how Sunosi works. They will explain how much to take and how often. Follow your doctor’s instructions.”

Taking Sunosi

Sunosi is a tablet that you swallow. It’s recommended that you take it as soon as you wake up.

Accessible medication containers and labels

“If you can’t read the label on your prescription, tell your doctor or pharmacist. Some pharmacies may provide medication labels.”

  • Have a large print.
  • Use the visual aids.
  • You can use a code on a phone to change the text into audio.

“If your current pharmacy doesn’t offer these options, your doctor or pharmacist may be able to recommend a new pharmacy.”

“If you have trouble opening your bottles, please let your doctor know. They may be able to put Sunosi in a container. The drug’s container may be easier to open with the help of your pharmacist.”

Questions about taking Sunosi

Some questions about taking Sunosi are listed below.

  • Can Sunosi be chewed, crushed, or split? Sunosi tablets can be split in half. But the manufacturer hasn’t stated whether the tablets can be chewed or crushed. If you’re having trouble swallowing Sunosi tablets after splitting them in half, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. You can also try these tips for swallowing pills.
  • Should I take Sunosi with food? You can take Sunosi with or without food.
  • Is there a best time of day to take Sunosi? You should take Sunosi first thing after waking up. Taking Sunosi too late in the day can cause difficulty sleeping.

Questions for your doctor

You may have questions about Sunosi. Discuss your concerns with your doctor.

Here are a few tips that might help you.

  • Before your appointment, write down questions such as:
    • How will Sunosi affect me?
  • Bring someone with you to your appointment to make you feel more comfortable.
  • “If you don’t understand something, ask your doctor to explain it.”

“Your doctor and other healthcare professionals are available to help you. They want you to get the best care possible. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or give feedback on your treatment”

There are many factors that affect the cost of prescription drugs. What your insurance plan covers is one of the factors.

If you have questions about how to pay for your prescription, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. You may also be eligible for a savings card that can lower the price you pay for Sunosi.

To learn more about saving money on prescriptions, check out this article.

According to studies, Sunosi has a risk of misuse. Misuse means to use a drug in a way other than how it’s prescribed. This is different from dependence, in which the body needs a drug in order to function correctly. Sunosi isn’t known to cause dependence. The drug is also not known to cause withdrawal symptoms in people who stop the drug suddenly.

People who took more Sunosi reported feeling relaxed. This suggests that the drug may be used to feel high.

Due to this risk, it’s important to let your doctor know if you have a substance use disorder or have been treated for one in the past. They’ll discuss with you whether it’s safe for you to take Sunosi. If you do take Sunosi, they’ll monitor you more closely for any signs of Sunosi misuse.

Do not take more Sunosi than your doctor tells you to. Taking more than this may cause serious side effects.

What to do in case you take too much Sunosi

Call your doctor if you think you’ve taken too much Sunosi. You can also call 800-222-1222 to reach the American Association of Poison Control Centers or use its online resource. But if you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number. Or go to the nearest emergency room.

Sunosi is a prescription drug used to treat excessive daytime sleepiness related to narcolepsy or obstructive sleep apnea in adults.

If you are considering treatment with Sunosi, you should talk to your doctor. Asking questions that help you weigh the risks and benefits of taking Sunosi is a good idea. Here are a few examples to help you get started.

  • Will Sunosi make me feel high?
  • Is Wakix a drug that could treat my condition?
  • Will I experience withdrawal if I stop taking Sunosi?

Sunosi helps to treat a lot of the conditions.

Q:

Is it safe for older adults to take Sunosi?

Anonymous

A:

It depends on a few things. You may have or take certain medical conditions.

In studies, Sunosi was found to be equally safe and effective for treating excessive daytime sleepiness in adults ages 65 years and older as it is in younger adults. No differences in side effects, including frequency or severity, were noted.

But older adults may still have a higher risk of side effects with Sunosi. This is because our bodies depend on our kidneys to get rid of Sunosi, and kidney function declines as we age. Having kidney problems can increase the risk of side effects from Sunosi. It may even be unsafe to take Sunosi if kidney problems are severe enough.

Your doctor will evaluate your health before you get Sunosi. If you are older, you should check your kidneys function.

If you are 65 years old or older, you should talk to your doctor about whether your kidneys are healthy enough for Sunosi.

The Healthline Pharmacist TeamAnswers represent the opinions of our medical experts. All content is strictly informational and should not be considered medical advice.

Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.