Sunosi (solriamfetol) is a brand-name drug that’s prescribed for excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) in adults with narcolepsy or obstructive sleep apnea. Sunosi comes as an oral tablet you take once per day.
Sunosi belongs to a drug class called dopamine and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors. Sunosi isn’t available in a generic version.
Keep reading for specific information about the dosage of Sunosi, including its strengths and how to take the medication. For a comprehensive look at Sunosi, see this article.
Note: This article describes typical dosages for Sunosi provided by the drug’s manufacturer. When taking Sunosi, always follow the dosage prescribed by your doctor.
Keep reading for more details about Sunosi’s dosage for its approved uses.
Sunosi form
Sunosi comes as an oral tablet.
Sunosi strengths
Sunosi comes in two strengths: 75 milligrams (mg) and 150 mg
Typical dosages
Typically, your doctor will prescribe a low dosage to start. Then they’ll adjust it over time to reach the amount that’s right for you. Your doctor will ultimately prescribe the smallest dosage that provides the desired effect.
The following information describes dosages that are commonly prescribed or recommended. However, be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. They’ll determine the best dosage to fit your needs.
Dosage for excessive daytime sleepiness
Sunosi’s starting dosage for excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) due to narcolepsy is 75 mg once per day. Your doctor may increase your dosage once every 3 days to a maximum dosage of 150 mg once per day.
Sunosi’s starting dosage for EDS due to obstructive sleep apnea is 37.5 mg once per day. For this dosage, you’ll take one-half of a 75-mg tablet. For details, see the “How to take Sunosi” section below.
Your doctor may increase your dosage once every 3 days to a maximum dosage of 150 mg once per day.
Long-term treatment
Sunosi is meant to be taken as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that Sunosi is safe and effective for you, you’ll likely take it long term.
If you have questions about your Sunosi dosage or treatment plan, talk with your doctor.
The Sunosi dosage your doctor prescribes will depend on several factors. These include:
- the type and severity of the condition you’re taking Sunosi to treat
- your kidney function
- other medical conditions you may have
Dosage adjustments
If you have kidney problems, your doctor may recommend a lower dosage of Sunosi for you. They may also lower it if you have certain mental health conditions. Be sure to tell your doctor about any other medical conditions you have. They’ll determine the right dosage for you.
If you have questions about your dosage, talk with your doctor for more information.
Sunosi comes as a tablet that you swallow with or without food.
Typically, you’ll take Sunosi right after you wake up in the morning. It’s best to take it when you plan to be awake for at least 9 hours. If you take the medication too close to bedtime, you may have difficulty falling asleep.
It may be helpful to take Sunosi around the same time of day. This helps maintain a steady level of the drug in your body so Sunosi can work effectively.
If your dose is 37.5 milligrams (mg), you’ll need to split a 75-mg tablet in half. Sunosi tablets are scored with a line down the middle. You can use a pill splitter to cut the tablet in half along the score line. Your doctor or pharmacist can show you how to do this properly. Pill splitters are usually complimentary but it depends on the pharmacy.
If you have trouble swallowing tablets, see this article for tips on how to take this form of medication. You can also talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
ACCESSIBLE DRUG LABELS AND CONTAINERSSome pharmacies offer labels with large print, braille, or a code you scan with a smartphone to convert text to speech. If your local pharmacy doesn’t have these options, your doctor or pharmacist might be able to recommend a pharmacy that does.
If you’re having trouble opening medication bottles, ask your pharmacist about putting Sunosi in an easy-open container. They also may recommend tools that can make it easier to open bottles.
If you miss a dose of Sunosi, only take it if you’re planning to be awake for 9 hours. Otherwise, skip the missed dose and resume your usual schedule the next morning.
To help make sure that you don’t miss a dose, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm or putting a note where you’ll see it, such as on your bathroom mirror or bedside table. You could also download a reminder app on your phone.
It’s important that you do not take more Sunosi than your doctor prescribes. For some medications, taking more than the recommended amount may lead to harmful effects or overdose. For information about Sunosi’s side effects, see this article.
If you take more than the recommended amount of Sunosi
Call your doctor right away if you believe you’ve taken too much Sunosi. Another option is to call America’s Poison Centers at 800-222-1222 or use its online tool. If you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency room.
If your doctor prescribes Sunosi, you may have questions about it. The following are some commonly asked questions about Sunosi’s dosage.
Is the dosage of Sunosi similar to the dosage of Provigil (modafinil) or Adderall (amphetamine/dextroamphetamine)?
No. Sunosi, Provigil (modafinil), and Adderall (amphetamine/dextroamphetamine) all have different active drugs and different dosages. Like Sunosi, Provigil may be prescribed for excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) caused by narcolepsy or obstructive sleep apnea. Adderall may be prescribed for EDS caused by narcolepsy.
For EDS, Provigil’s typical dosage is 200 milligrams (mg) once per day. Sunosi’s typical dosage starts at 37.5 mg or 75 mg once per day, depending on the reason for taking the drug. The maximum dosage is 150 mg per day. For details, see the “Sunosi dosage” section above.
Adderall’s dosage for EDS varies, depending on the form and strength prescribed. Sometimes, doctors divide the daily dose into smaller doses you take throughout the day. If your doctor recommends Adderall, they’ll determine the right dosage for you.
If you have questions about which medication is right for your condition, talk with your doctor.
Do older adults need a lower dosage of Sunosi?
It’s possible an older adult (ages 65 years or older) may need a lower dosage of Sunosi. Older adults may have a higher risk of kidney problems than other adults. Since Sunosi passes through the kidneys, the drug can build up if your kidneys aren’t working well. So, if you’re older than 65 years and have a kidney condition, your doctor may lower your Sunosi dosage.
Talk with your doctor if you have questions about your kidneys and Sunosi. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, regardless of your age. They’ll determine whether to adjust your dosage.
The dosages in this article are typical dosages provided by the drug’s manufacturer. If your doctor recommends Sunosi for you, they’ll prescribe the dosage that’s right for you. Always follow the dosage that your doctor prescribes.
As with any drug, never change your dosage of Sunosi without your doctor’s recommendation. If you have questions about the dosage of Sunosi that’s best for you, talk with your doctor.
Besides learning about dosage, you may want other information about Sunosi. These additional articles might be helpful:
- More about Sunosi. For information about other aspects of Sunosi, refer to this article.
- Side effects. To learn about side effects of Sunosi, see this article. You can also look at the Sunosi prescribing information.
- Drug comparison. Find out how Sunosi compares with Adderall, Provigil, and Wellbutrin.
- Details about your condition. For details about excessive daytime sleepiness, narcolepsy, and sleep apnea, see our science of sleep hub.
Disclaimer: Medical News Today 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.
