Information
WAKIX, known generically as pitolisant, is a prescription medication approved for the treatment of excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) in adult patients with narcolepsy. As a selective histamine 3 (H3) receptor antagonist/inverse agonist, WAKIX works by increasing the release of histamine, a wake-promoting neurotransmitter in the brain, thereby helping to improve wakefulness during the day. Unlike many other treatments for narcolepsy, WAKIX is notable for its unique mechanism of action and does not belong to the class of medications that are controlled substances. This aspect can make it a preferred option for some patients and healthcare providers. It was first approved for use in the European Union before receiving approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2019.