What is Sunosi: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated Sep 30, 2025  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Sunosi is a brand-name prescription drug that helps people with narcolepsy or sleep apnea stay awake during the day. The active ingredient, solriamfetol, is not a stimulant. Rather, the drug increases chemicals in the brain that promote wakefulness. Tablets are taken once daily upon waking up in the morning.

Sunosi overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Sunosi

Generic Names:

  • Solramfietol

Uses:

  • Treats daytime sleepiness caused by narcolepsy or sleep apnea.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Narcolepsy agent, dopamine norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (DNRI)

Forms:

  • Tablet

How it’s taken:

  • By mouth

What is Sunosi used for?

  • Sunosi is a wakefulness agent prescribed to people with narcolepsy or obstructive sleep apnea.

What form(s) does Sunosi come in

  • Tablet

    • 75 mg

    • 150 mg

What are common Sunosi doses?

  • For narcolepsy: 75–150 mg taken once daily upon waking

  • For obstructive sleep apnea: 37.5–150 mg taken once daily upon waking

Common Sunosi prescriptions

  • Sunosi
    150mg tablet

  • Sunosi
    75mg tablet

How to take Sunosi

  • Take Sunosi tablets as directed. 

    • The dose may need to be changed at the beginning to find the most effective dose.

  • Please read the Medication Guide that comes with the medicine.

  • Sunosi tablets can be taken with or without food.

  • Take only one tablet daily when first waking up in the morning. 

    • Do not take the tablet within nine hours of going to bed, or it may be difficult to fall asleep. 

  • The 75 mg tablet is scored so that it can be divided into two 37.5 mg doses.

    • If you don’t know how to split a scored tablet, ask the pharmacist to demonstrate.

  • Swallow the tablet (or half-tablet) whole with a drink of water.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature.

What to do if you miss a dose of Sunosi

  • Take a dose as soon as it’s remembered.

  • Do not take a missed dose within nine hours of going to bed.

    • In that case, skip the missed dose and take the next day’s dose in the morning.

  • Do not take an extra tablet to make up for a missed dose.

Sunosi contraindications

  • This medicine is not right for everyone.

  • Do not use it if you have had an allergic reaction to solriamfetol.

Sunosi warnings

  • Tell other healthcare professionals who treat you about Sunosi.

  • Keep all appointments with the prescriber.

    • Refills may not be automatic. Each month’s refill may require a new prescription.

    • The prescriber will need to check heart health, blood pressure, and other issues regularly.

  • Before starting Sunosi, tell the prescriber if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or if you have:

    • Heart problems

    • High blood pressure

    • A history of heart attack or stroke

    • Kidney problems

    • Diabetes

    • High cholesterol

    • A history of mental health problems

    • A history of drug abuse or addiction

  • Sunosi can potentially cause heart problems in people with uncontrolled high blood pressure.

  • Sunosi can bring on mental health problems such as anxiety, insomnia, psychosis, or bipolar symptoms.

    • The risk is higher in people with kidney disease.

  • Solriamfetol does not treat or improve airway obstruction.

    • If you use a CPAP machine while you sleep, continue to use it.

  • Solriamfetol can be habit-forming and lead to abuse. 

    • Do not use more than prescribed. 

    • Talk to the prescriber if the drug does not seem to be working.

  • Solriamfetol is a federally controlled substance. Selling or giving this medicine to another person is hazardous and illegal.

    • Store the tablets in a secure place out of the reach of children and other people.

    • Ask the pharmacist how to properly dispose of any unused tablets.

Sunosi interactions

  • Do not use Simpso if you are using or have used an MAO inhibitor (MAOI) within the past 14 days.

  • Before starting Sunosi, tell the prescriber about all your current prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and supplements regularly used, particularly drugs or substances that raise your blood pressure, like stimulants.

Sunosi side effects

Serious side effects  

Talk to a doctor if you notice any signs or symptoms of a possible serious side effect, particularly:

  • Elevated blood pressure

  • Racing heartbeats, palpitations

  • New or worse behaviors, unusual moods, anxiety, worsening sleep problems

  • Allergic reaction: Itching, hives, skin rash, swelling of the face, mouth, or throat, trouble breathing, trouble swallowing

Less serious side effects

  • Headache 

  • Nausea

  • Decreased appetite

  • Anxiety

  • Trouble sleeping

Sources:

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