Question 1

been on provigil for narcolepsy for 10yrs are then any studies for possible problems with long term use?

Accepted Answer

Unlikely: Most patients on Provigil do very well without any long-term problems.   Always prudent to periodically check liver fnctns and blood count just in case, but unlikely any issues.  Also, positive is fact that tolerance with Provigil is rather uncommon, so doseage can stay stable.

Question 2

narcolepsy: stimulants no longer working?any alternatives?

Accepted Answer

Yes.: The use Provigil and Nuvigil for narcolepsy . Have you used them before? If not , please your psychiatrist . Good luck.

Question 3

is it possible to have a sleep study diagnose you with narcolepsy and a third sleep study contradict the diagnosis? i have had three sleep studies and the third sleep study says that i no longer have narcolepsy.

Accepted Answer

Hello. : Hello. A sleep study will pick up whatever occurs during the time of the study. Let's say a person is a sleep walker. If they don't have an episode during the polysomnogram, then the diagnosis can not be made off that particular study. However, if the person sleep walks during another study, the diagnosis could then be made.  Sometimes, a sleep study will no longer show a condition because it has resolved. For example, an obese individual is shown to  have sleep apnea on a sleep study. The person loses weight and on a subsequent study, the sleep apnea is shown to have resolved. I would discuss this with the sleep specialist so that the results can be explained in the context of your current health status. Take care.

Question 4

would wellbutrin and vyvanse be a good combo for narcolepsy and severe apathy w depression?  pristiq (desvenlafaxine) worked but no longer

Accepted Answer

Perhaps: Have you considered modafanil or xyrem [sodium oxybate]? 
Stimulants like vyvanse work, and perhaps stimulating drugs like wellbutrin (bupropion) .
These drugs are widely considered treatment of choice for narcolepsy. A neurology consult is in order.

Question 5

what are the effects of provigil on narcolepsy?

Accepted Answer

Wakefulness: Modafinil is classified as a somnolytic, and promotes alertness and wakefulness through selective activation of wake and sleep centers in the central nervous system.  The fda has approved its use in nacrolepsy, adjunctive treatment of excessive daytime sleepiness associated with obstructive sleep apnea, and shift-work sleep disorder. Off-label, it's used for adhd and adjectively for depression.

Question 6

is the cognitive enhancement effects of modafinil, the same for people with narcolepsy and people without narcolepsy?

Accepted Answer

Good question: In people with narcolepsy, Modafinil helps prevent the excessive daytime sleepiness. Modafinil is also used for adhd as it can improve the attention span. The reason for cognitive enhancement is that it allows the brain to remain on track. If you don't have a disorder it can make you hyperfocus but  it also has side effects such as insomnia and irritability and it should not be used unless needed.

Question 7

i vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) works best for my narcolepsy but raises my blood pressure can an adjunct be added to control it? or would that negate the alertness effects?

Accepted Answer

Might consider: Maybe have used either Provigil or nuvigil, but neither will raise your blood pressure.  Concerta might help, and low dose extended release Ritalin (methylphenidate) another choice perhaps, but these less restraints on b.P. Effect.

Question 8

is there any significant difference in effectiveness and side effects between armodafinil/ nuvigil and modafinil/ provigil for narcolepsy/sleep apnea?

Accepted Answer

Nuvigil is the right: side of the Provigil molecule. Efficacy &amp; side effects are the same. See http://www.diffen.com/difference/Nuvigil_vs_Provigil. Provigil now comes in a generic form. Nuvigil may  last a little longer, causing more risk of insomnia. Both are FDA-approved for narcolepsy, Obstructive Sleep Apnea for the 30% of CPAP or BiPAP users who don't respond optimally to their use alone &amp; shift worker disorder.

Question 9

what are some meds to help with narcolepsy?

Accepted Answer

Several: Stimulants are most commonly used such as dexedrine, (dextroamphetamine) methylphenidate (ritalin) or variations of these. Provigil and Nuvigil are more recent additions to treatment which are also helpful. If cataplexy is present zyrem (sodium oxybate) is very helpful.

Question 10

when does narcolepsy start to affect person?

Accepted Answer

Any age: But usually in 20s to 30s. Polysomnogram (sleep study) and multiple sleep latency tests will help diagnose this condition for which a number of useful therapies are available.

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Doctor answers about:

Long term effects of narcolepsy

A member asked:

Been on provigil for narcolepsy for 10yrs are then any studies for possible problems with long term use?

A member asked:

Narcolepsy: stimulants no longer working?any alternatives?

A member asked:

Is it possible to have a sleep study diagnose you with narcolepsy and a third sleep study contradict the diagnosis? i have had three sleep studies and the third sleep study says that i no longer have narcolepsy.

A member asked:

Would wellbutrin and vyvanse be a good combo for narcolepsy and severe apathy w depression? pristiq (desvenlafaxine) worked but no longer

A member asked:

What are the effects of provigil on narcolepsy?

A member asked:

Is the cognitive enhancement effects of modafinil, the same for people with narcolepsy and people without narcolepsy?

A member asked:

I vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) works best for my narcolepsy but raises my blood pressure can an adjunct be added to control it? or would that negate the alertness effects?

A member asked:

Is there any significant difference in effectiveness and side effects between armodafinil/ nuvigil and modafinil/ provigil for narcolepsy/sleep apnea?

A member asked:

What are some meds to help with narcolepsy?

A member asked:

When does narcolepsy start to affect person?

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