Solriamfetol
Wake-promoting agents and narcolepsy drugs
Wake-promoting agents and narcolepsy drugs
A wake-promoting drug for daytime sleepiness in narcolepsy or obstructive sleep apnoea. It blocks noradrenaline reuptake and can raise blood pressure.
Quick facts
- Group
- Wake-promoting agents and narcolepsy drugs
- Target
- Noradrenaline transporter (NET)
- Used for
- Excessive daytime sleepiness
- Key effects
- Headache · Nausea and less appetite · Insomnia
- Monitor
- Blood pressure and heart rate before
- ATC
- N06BA14
No doses: the clinician sets them by the current guideline.
Mechanism of action
Solriamfetol inhibits the noradrenaline transporter (NET), so noradrenaline stays longer in the synapse and wake-promoting signalling increases. The same effect on the sympathetic system explains the rise in blood pressure and heart rate.
- Inhibits the noradrenaline transporter (NET)
- Synaptic noradrenaline rises
- More wakefulness; blood pressure and pulse may rise
Indications
- Excessive daytime sleepiness in narcolepsy Narcolepsy →
- Excessive daytime sleepiness in obstructive sleep apnoea, with airway treatment Obstructive sleep apnoea →
Adverse effects
Common
- Headache
- Nausea and less appetite
- Insomnia
- Anxiety
Contraindications
- Use of an MAO inhibitor now or in the last two weeks
Key interactions
- MAO inhibitors
- Avoided together or within two weeks of stopping one
- Other drugs that raise blood pressure or heart rate
- Added cardiovascular effect
What is monitored
- Blood pressure and heart rate before and during treatment
- Mood and signs of misuse
Administration and safety
- Given by mouth once a day at the same time
- It may be habit-forming; signs of misuse are watched
Nursing care
- Measure blood pressure and pulse before starting and at follow-up
- Ask about heart disease, kidney disease and psychiatric history
- Remind that it does not replace CPAP in sleep apnoea
Pharmacokinetics
- Elimination
- Kidney function matters: kidney disease is reviewed before starting
Test yourself
Think of the answer, then tap the question to see it.
Which transporter does solriamfetol block?
The noradrenaline transporter (NET).
Which vital signs are checked on solriamfetol?
Blood pressure and heart rate.
Which drug class must not be combined with it?
MAO inhibitors, now or in the previous two weeks.
Connections
← Back to the class: Wake-promoting agents and narcolepsy drugs
Educational content on how drugs work; not a prescribing guide and no substitute for a health professional's advice. No doses are given.
Sources: Solriamfetol: MedlinePlus Drug Information (MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine), 2026); ATCDDD - ATC/DDD Index (WHO Collaborating Centre for Drug Statistics Methodology, 2026).
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Representative model, for educational purposes only.