What you need to know about Pitolisant (Wakix) tablets

Do you also experience uncontrollable daytime sleepiness? Do you sometimes feel like you are about to faint and fall to the ground when you suddenly laugh or get angry? In medical terms, we call this condition Narcolepsy. So, a special medicine that is prescribed to treat this condition is called Pitolisant. You may have bought it from your doctor under the brand name Wakix. Today, we will talk about this medicine in a simple way that you can understand.

Simply put, what is Pitolisant?

This is a medicine that is given to treat a condition called `Narcolepsy`. This mainly helps to reduce excessive sleepiness during the day. Also, this medicine helps to control a condition called `(Cataplexy)` where the muscles of the body suddenly lose their strength. This medicine helps to keep you awake during the day by controlling certain chemicals in the brain. This can also improve your nighttime sleep to some extent.

Things you need to tell your doctor before starting this medication

Before giving you this medicine, your doctor will need to know your complete health history. This is because it can be dangerous to use this medicine with certain medical conditions. Therefore, be sure to tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions:

• Heart disease: If you have any heart disease.
• Irregular heartbeat: If you have been previously diagnosed with an irregular heartbeat.
• Kidney disease: If there is any problem with the kidneys.
• Liver disease: If you have any problems with your liver, such as cirrhosis.
• Low potassium or magnesium levels: If you have previously been reported to have low potassium or magnesium levels in your blood.
• Allergies: If you have an allergy to `Pitolisant`, any other medicine, food, or dye.
• Pregnancy: If you are pregnant or hoping to become pregnant.
• If you are a breastfeeding mother: If you are a mother who is breastfeeding a child.

How exactly do you use this medicine?

This medicine should be used exactly as your doctor advises.

• Take this pill with a glass of water. It is best to take it at the same time every day.
• You can take it before or after meals, but if you feel like you're having an upset stomach, it's best to take it with food.
• Continue using this medicine until your doctor tells you to stop.Don't stop suddenly, as you please.
• If given to children: This medicine is sometimes prescribed to children over 6 years of age. But it is done with great caution. If giving this to a child, follow the doctor's instructions exactly.

What do you do if you take too much medicine?

If you think you have taken more medicine than you think, go to the nearest hospital ETU (Emergency Treatment Unit) without delay . Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.

What if I miss a dose of medication?

If you forget to take a dose, skip it. Take the next dose at your regular time. Never take two pills at once to make up for a missed dose.

Other medicines that should not be used with Pitolisant and that may cause problems

This is a very important part. `Pitolisant` can interact with some other medications. This can cause dangerous side effects. Therefore, if you are using any other medications, tell your doctor about all of them. This includes vitamins, traditional medicines, and even herbal products.

Special points to be aware of when taking the medicine

• Medical Checkups: Continue to go to the clinics as prescribed by your doctor to check your condition. If your symptoms do not improve or worsen, tell your doctor.
• Dry mouth: This medication may cause dry mouth. This can be controlled by chewing sugar-free gum and drinking plenty of water. However, if this problem persists or is severe, tell your doctor.
• Special information about birth control: This is very important. If you are a woman using hormonal birth control pills (containing ``Estrogen`` and ``Progestin``), the effectiveness of those birth control pills may be significantly reduced when you take ``Pitolisant``. Simply put, the ability of those pills to prevent pregnancy is reduced. Therefore, it is imperative to discuss with your doctor about using an additional form of birth control, such as a condom , while taking this medication and for a period of time after stopping it.

Side effects that may occur with this medicine

Like any medicine, Pitolisant can cause some side effects. Some are dangerous, some are common.

This list does not include all possible side effects. If you notice anything unusual, talk to your doctor.

How do you store and dispose of medication safely?

• Keep away from children and pets.
• Store at room temperature (between 20-25 degrees Celsius). Protect from excessive heat and moisture.
• Throw away expired medications . Don't use them.
• When disposing of medications, ask your doctor if you are unsure whether to throw them in the trash or flush them down the toilet. If you are disposing of them in the trash, remove the pills from the bottle, mix them with something like used tea leaves or soil, put them in a bag, and seal it tightly. This will help prevent other people or animals from eating them.