Sunosi (solriamfetol) is a prescription drug that’s used to treat excessive daytime sleepiness. The drug comes as a tablet that you swallow. It’s usually taken once per day.
Sunosi treats excessive daytime sleepiness in adults with:
The active ingredient in Sunosi is solriamfetol. It belongs to a group of drugs called dopamine and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (NDRIs).
This article describes the dosages of Sunosi, its strengths, and how to take it. To learn more about Sunosi, see this in-depth Sunosi article.
The following table highlights the basics of Sunosi’s dosages. All doses are listed in milligrams (mg).
| Underlying condition | Starting dosage | How often to take | Maximum dosage |
|---|---|---|---|
| narcolepsy | 75 mg | once per day | 150 mg |
| obstructive sleep apnea | 37.5 mg | once per day | 150 mg |
Your doctor will likely start you on a low dosage and adjust it over time to reach the right amount for you. They’ll ultimately prescribe the smallest dosage that provides the desired effect.
Sunosi form
Sunosi comes as a tablet that you swallow.
Sunosi strengths
Sunosi comes in two strengths: 75 mg and 150 mg.
If you’re prescribed a 37.5-mg dose, the 75-mg tablet can be cut in half. To learn more, see the “How is Sunosi taken?” section.
The recommended starting dosage of Sunosi for narcolepsy is 75 mg taken once per day, when you wake up. Your doctor may increase your dosage every 3 days until they find the dosage that works best for you. The maximum dosage is 150 mg taken once per day.
Be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. They’ll determine the best dosage to fit your needs.
The recommended starting dosage of Sunosi for obstructive sleep apnea is 37.5 mg taken once per day, when you wake up. Your doctor may increase your dosage every 3 days until they find the dosage that works best for you. The maximum dosage is 150 mg taken once per day.
Be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. They’ll determine the best dosage to fit your needs.
This section contains answers to some commonly asked questions about Sunosi’s dosage.
How does the dosage of Sunosi compare with that of other similar drugs, such as Provigil or Adderall?
Sunosi’s dosage is usually lower than the dosage for Provigil (modafinil). If you’re taking Provigil for daytime sleepiness caused by narcolepsy or obstructive sleep apnea, you’ll usually take 200 milligrams (mg) once per day. The maximum dosage of Sunosi is 150 mg per day.
The dosage of Adderall (amphetamine/dextroamphetamine) may be higher or lower than the Sunosi dosage. If you’re taking Adderall for daytime sleepiness caused by narcolepsy, your dosage will be 5 to 60 mg per day. Your doctor will find the dosage that works best for you.
The daily dose of Adderall is usually split into two or three smaller doses throughout the day. Sunosi is taken only once per day.
Because Sunosi, Provigil, and Adderall have different active ingredients, the number of milligrams in each drug doesn’t produce the same effect. For example, 5 mg of Adderall is not equal to 5 mg of Provigil or Sunosi.
If you have questions about which medication might be best for you, talk with your doctor.
Do older adults have to take a lower dose of Sunosi?
No. Older adults usually don’t need to take a lower dose of Sunosi. But in general, older adults are more likely to have kidney problems.
If you have moderate to severe kidney disease, you’ll need to take a lower dose of Sunosi. See the “What factors can affect my dosage?” section for details.
If you have questions about your Sunosi dosage, talk with your doctor.
The dosage of Sunosi you’re prescribed may depend on a few factors. These include:
- the severity of your daytime sleepiness
- the underlying condition causing the daytime sleepiness
- if you have kidney problems (see below)
If you have kidney problems, your doctor will prescribe a lower dose of Sunosi for you.
If you have moderate kidney disease, your doctor will prescribe a starting dosage of 37.5 mg taken once per day. If needed, they’ll increase your dose after 7 days up to a maximum dosage of 75 mg taken once per day.
If you have severe kidney disease, both the starting dosage and maximum dosage are 37.5 mg taken once per day.
And if you have end stage kidney disease, your doctor will recommend a different medication for you.
Sunosi comes as a tablet that you swallow. You’ll take it once per day, preferably in the morning right after waking up. You can take Sunosi with or without food.
You should not take Sunosi in the 9 hours before you go to bed. Sunosi can prevent you from sleeping if taken too close to bedtime.
If you’re prescribed the 37.5-mg dose, the 75-mg tablet can be cut in half. You can ask your pharmacist for a device that splits tablets. If it’s hard for you to split tablets, you can ask your pharmacist to do it for you. You can also refer to these tips for swallowing pills.
Is Sunosi used long term?
Yes, Sunosi is usually used as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that it’s safe and effective for your condition, you’ll likely take it long term.
If you miss a dose of Sunosi, take it as soon as you remember. Do not take more than one dose per day, as this can increase your risk of side effects from Sunosi. You should not take Sunosi within 9 hours of going to bed. If you realize you’ve missed a dose but plan to sleep within the next 9 hours, just skip the missed dose. Then, take your next dose the following day as usual.
If you need help remembering to take your dose of Sunosi on time, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm or downloading a reminder app on your phone.
Sunosi has a risk of misuse (also called abuse). With misuse, a drug is taken in a way other than how a doctor prescribes it. Misuse can lead to dependence, which refers to needing a drug to function.
Sunosi is a controlled substance and is classified as a Schedule IV prescription drug. This means it has some risk of misuse. Due to this risk, your doctor may not prescribe Sunosi if you have alcohol use disorder or another type of substance use disorder. They may also not prescribe Sunosi if you’ve been treated for one of these conditions in the past.
If you have questions about the risk of misuse with Sunosi, talk with your doctor.
Do not take more Sunosi than your doctor prescribes, as this can lead to serious side effects.
What to do in case you take too much Sunosi
Call your doctor right away if you think you’ve taken too much Sunosi. You can also call 800-222-1222 to reach America’s Poison Centers or use its online resource. But if you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 (or your local emergency number) or go to the nearest emergency room.
Disclaimer: Healthline 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.
