Get Virtual Care
For Businesses
About Us
A member asked:
What is a good sleep medicine for narcolepsy?
5 doctors weighed in across 3 answers
Depends: In order to stay awake during the day we often use stimulants and stimulants like medications including provigil, nuvigil, Ritalin (methylphenidate) ... Recently, we are able to use xyrem to help patients sleep deeper and are more rested. There are medication for cataplexy too.
Answered 9/13/2019
5.6k views
Depends on cataplexy: If you do not have cataplexy, then the newer class of wakefulness promoting agents are helpful. These include Provigil and nuvigil. Sometimes stimulating antidepressants are used. Psychostimulants can be helpful. If you also have cataplexy, then xyrem can be very helpful but your diagnosis has to be made with overnight sleep study and a positive mslt the next day. Xyrem is very regulated.
Answered 6/30/2014
4.9k views
Narcolepsy: The only fda approved medication is xyrem or GHB taken in two divided doses. Stimulants can help too snri/tricylic or rem off meds have been used to suppress rem sleep useful to measure orexin levels to assess severity.
Answered 2/13/2015
4.9k views
Related Questions
A member asked:
I sometimes fall asleep while studying, even with ample sleep. However, i don't fall asleep while engaged in any other activity. Is this narcolepsy?
3 doctors weighed in across 2 answers
A member asked:
I have almost all the symptoms of narcolepsy except for disturbed sleep. Am i narcoleptic, or do I need to have all the symptoms to be sure?
4 doctors weighed in across 2 answers
A member asked:
I have narcolepsy and sometimes i answer questions while im in some type of sleep and don't remember it or vaguely remember also wake up hot. Cause?
A doctor has provided 1 answer
People also searched for:
If someone was taking Xyrem (Sodium Oxybate) for narcolepsy would any of these reactions be okay? 1. Falling asleep randomly while on medicine 2. Agitated more 3. No as aware/alertness
How many hours does someone with narcolepsy need to sleep?
Suffer from narcolepsy, I think. Should I get a sleep study?
When I don't get enough sleep I have symptoms. Could it be narcolepsy?
Are people with narcolepsy always tired or could they just have a day every week or two where they feel like they're going to collapse and sleep?
Didn't find what you're looking for?
90,000 U.S. doctors in 147 specialties are here to answer your questions or offer you advice, prescriptions, and more.
Ask your questionMore of what we treat
Download HealthTap
Video visit and message your doctor
