Narcolepsyis a chronic brain disorder that disrupts sleep-wake cycles.
They may also experience interrupted sleep at night.
Healthcare providers often start with one medication but may need to add more to fully control symptoms.
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Many people require a combination of treatments.
The exact way Provigil helps people stay awake is not fully understood.
Provigil helps reduce daytime drowsiness and improve alertness.
Common side effects of Provigil include:
Nuvigil
Nuvigil (armodafinil) is another wakefulness-promoting agent.
It is similar to Provigil and has the same FDA-approved uses.
Adderall and Ritalin are both FDA-approved forattention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)and narcolepsy.
Sunosi is FDA-approved to improve wakefulness in adults with EDS from narcolepsy or OSA.
The way Wakix works is not completely understood.
The most common side effects in children 6 years and older are headaches and trouble sleeping.
Gamma-Hydroxybutyrate (GHB)
Gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) drugs are central nervous system (CNS) depressants.
Some take it illicitly without a medical prescription.
Misuse of GHBs comes with serious risks of respiratory depression, seizures, coma, and death.
Taking GHBs with certain medications or substances can increase these risks.
Side effects vary by medication and the age of the person taking it.
Prozac (fluoxetine) and Cymbalta (duloxetine) are also good alternatives.
Effexor XR
Effexor XRis aserotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI)antidepressant FDA-approved to treatdepressionas well asanxietydisorders.
However, some take it off-label (for a non-FDA-approved use) to treat cataplexy from narcolepsy.
It can be taken off-label to treat cataplexy from narcolepsy.
Like Effexor XR and Prozac, Cymbalta can be taken off-label to treat cataplexy from narcolepsy.
You should also contact your prescriber, as abruptly stopping a medication like duloxetinecan be dangerous.
Tricyclic Antidepressants
Protriptyline and Anafranil (clomipramine) are tricyclic antidepressants taken off-label to treat cataplexy.
In addition to medication, lifestyle considerations can help manage symptoms.
These might include maintaining a regular sleep schedule, avoiding stimulants before bedtime, and practicing relaxation techniques.
Consult your healthcare provider to develop a personalized treatment plan for your needs.
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.Narcolepsy.
UpToDate.Treatment of narcolepsy in adults.
DailyMed.Label: Modafinil tablet.
U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.Drug scheduling.
DailyMed.Label: Nuvigil- armodafinil tablet.
DailyMed.Label: Ritalin- methylphenidate hydrochloride tablet.
DailyMed.Label: Adderall- dextroamphetamine saccharate, amphetamine aspartate, dextroamphetamine sulfate, and amphetamine sulfate tablet.
Prescribers' Digital Reference.Ritalin.
Prescribers' Digital Reference.Adderall.
DailyMed.Label: Sunosi- solriamfetol tablet, film coated.
DailyMed.Label: Wakix- pitolisant hydrochloride tablet, film coated.
DailyMed.Label: Lumryz- sodium oxybate for suspension, extended release.
DailyMed.Label: Xyrem- sodium oxybate solution.
DailyMed.Label: Xywav- calcium, magnesium, potassium, and sodium oxybate solution.
2010;33(11):1457-1464. doi:10.1093/sleep/33.11.1457
DailyMed.Label: Effexor XR- venlafaxine hydrochloride capsule, extended release.
DailyMed.Label: Prozac- fluoxetine hydrochloride capsule.
DailyMed.Label: Cymbalta- duloxetine hydrochloride capsule, delayed release.
DailyMed.Label: Anafranil- clomipramine hydrochloride capsule.
