Modafinil (Provigil) and Sunosi (sunoxetine) are used to boost wakefulness in patients with extreme sleepiness related to narcolepsy, shift work sleep disorder, and other sleep disorders. These medications help to reduce daytime sleepiness in patients with these disorders.
They belong to different drug classes — Modafinil is a stimulant and Sunosi is a dopamine and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor.
Compared to other stimulants, Modafinil is a relatively safe and well-tolerated drug with few side effects. Compared to Modafinil, on the other hand, Sunosi has a longer half-life and a longer duration of action.
These medications have been used by many people and have been shown to be generally safe and effective. However, these medications are not without side effects, and they are not for everyone.
To understand the differences between these medications, let’s first take a look at the basic differences.
Table of Contents
What is Sunosi?
Sunosi is a prescription medicine used for the treatment of excessive sleepiness in adults with narcolepsy or obstructive sleep apnea. It is a type of medication that works by increasing brain levels of dopamine, a neurotransmitter that plays a key role in alertness.
It contains the active ingredient solriamfetol and may be prescribed for narcolepsy. Sunosi contains no amphetamines, caffeine, ephedrine, or other stimulants.
Sunosi may cause serious side effects, including depression and mood changes. Do not take it if you are allergic to the active ingredient. Take Sunosi with food and avoid grapefruit products because they can increase the effect of Sunosi. Check with your doctor before taking Sunosi.
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What is Modafinil?
Modafinil, the generic name for Provigil, is a prescription drug prescribed to improve wakefulness and concentration. It is used to treat sleep apnea, narcolepsy, or shift work sleep disorder. It also improves memory, mental alertness, mood, and focus.
It is a stimulant that has effects similar to amphetamines, but without the addiction and withdrawal symptoms associated with the use of these drugs. It is effective when taken regularly at the same time each day. Modafinil also helps with sleepiness caused by depression, anxiety, or stress. The effect of modafinil lasts from 3 to 6 hours after taking it.
Modafinil Vs Sunosi : How Do They Compare?
Provigil is the generic form of Modafinil and the brand name for Sunosi is Solriamfetol. These are two medicines used for sleep disorders. Provigil is used to improve daytime alertness in patients with sleep disorders and sleepiness related to shift-work sleep disorder.
Provigil belongs to a class of drugs called selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (NRI). These drugs inhibit the reuptake of noradrenaline (norepinephrine) from the brain, thereby increasing levels of the neurotransmitter in the brain.
Side effects of Provigil and Sunosi include headache, nausea, anxiety, and trouble sleeping (insomnia).
Side effects of Provigil that are different from Sunosi include dizziness, upper respiratory tract infection, diarrhea, nervousness, agitation, and dry mouth.
Provigil is a wake-promoting agent that works by increasing the production of certain chemicals in the brain. Sunosi, on the other hand, has the ability to interact with MAOIs (monoamine oxidase inhibitors), other drugs that increase blood pressure and/or heart rate, and dopaminergic drugs.
Modafinil Vs Sunosi: Drug Interactions
Many medications may interact with Provigil. Patients taking any prescription or non-prescription drug should check the package insert or consult their healthcare professional. Some drugs can make it more difficult for the body to process Provigil and cause side effects. Check the package insert for information on possible interactions.
Modafinil should not be used with other medications that affect the liver, such as fluconazole or itraconazole. It may also be used with antidepressants, such as fluoxetine or paroxetine, because both drugs are metabolized by the same enzyme.
The most important drug interaction you should be aware of with both drugs is grapefruit juice. Grapefruit juice can make Sunosi’s side effects, including nausea and vomiting, worse. If you have grapefruit juice and take Sunosi, your dose needs to be increased. You may need 50 mg instead of the usual 25 mg. Take Sunosi with or without food. Do not take other medications at the same time as Sunosi. If you do, your risk of nausea and vomiting may be higher.
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Side Effects of Sunosi
The most common side effect of Sunosi is reported to be headache, nausea, and decreased appetite. Additionally, some users feel anxious while on this medication.
If you’re currently taking an antidepressant or have recently stopped taking one of these medications you should avoid a wake-promoting drug such as Sunosi, a medication used to help with sleep problems.
Serious side effects: The serious side effects are not common, but they can occur. Serious side effects can include: heart palpitations, irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath, loss of consciousness, fainting, stroke, seizures, unconsciousness, and death.
Symptoms can include chest pain, shortness of breath, lightheadedness and hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating).
Sweating is a problem for many people, especially when they have a cold. Sometimes it can also cause other health problems, such as a rash, itching, swelling, and blisters.
An increased blood pressure and heart rate is associated with anxiety. This is an adverse reaction that usually happens to people using the medication for the first time, or in those who are sensitive to sedative medicines. If this occurs to you or a loved one, please tell your physician immediately so that your doctor can adjust your treatment.
Side Effects of Modafinil
Some of the side effects of modafinil include: headache, nausea, nervousness, dizziness, or difficulty sleeping may occur.
Many people who use this medication don’t have serious side effects. However, some people have serious side effects, including fast heartbeat, mental changes, or thoughts of suicide.
Some people may also experience less frequent side effects, including: rapid heartbeat, depression, constipation.
Serious side effects from Provigil aren’t common, but they can occur. If you have any serious side effects, call your doctor immediately. If you think your symptoms are life-threatening or if you think you are having a medical emergency, call 911.
Serious side effects of modafinil include:
- Heart palpitations.
- Irregular heartbeat.
- Loss of consciousness.
- Fainting.
- Stroke.
Rare side effects of Modafinil can include the following:
- Severe rash. Provigil may cause a severe rash within the first few weeks of taking it. It may also cause vomiting and fever. This may lead to problems with the liver, lungs, kidneys, and heart. If you experience a rash while taking Provigil, or any other treatment for ADHD, call your doctor right away. If the rash is related to the Provigil, you’ll likely need to stop taking the medication.
- Anaphylaxis. Serious allergic reaction. Rarely, people who take Provigil may have an allergic reaction. Symptoms can include: severe rash or hives.
Summary
Modafinil and Sunosi are among the most popular drugs to treat sleep problems. They work well for many people, but they don’t work for everyone. They can cause side effects, and they can interact with other medications.
The most common side effects of Modafinil and Sunosi are headache, nausea, and decreased appetite. Other side effects include anxiety, depression, and dizziness. Serious side effects of Modafinil and Sunosi are not common. However, some people experience serious side effects. If you experience any side effects, call your doctor right away.
To conclude, Provigil and Sunosi are safe and effective for most people. They may be less effective, however, for people who have other health problems.