Southfield, MI
A 24-year-old female asked:
Dx'ed w/ narcolepsy/hypersomnia, have a substance abuse history pre-diagnosis. provigil and nuvigil don't help eds. what else to try before amphetamines?
2 doctor answers • 7 doctors weighed in
Dr. Alvin Linanswered
Geriatrics 32 years experience
Xyrem: Talk to your sleep specialist about xyrem (sodium oxybate = http://www.Xyrem.Com/) which is tightly controlled for cataplexy, narcolepsy & excessive daytime sleepiness (eds). Do some research on this drug (http://goo.Gl/djex1d & http://www.Fda.Gov/drugs/drugsafety/ucm332029.Htm). Do not take this drug (xyrem) w/alcohol (you don't drink) or any other drug that affects breathing.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Ravi Chandanswered
Psychiatry 28 years experience
Narcolepsy: • amphetamines
– sympathomimetics - avoid in patients with heart disease, hypertension,
arrhythmias. Can cause sudden death. Do ekg first.
– potential for anxiety, psychosis, mania
– may disrupt sleep
– rebound hypersomnia common
– moderate abuse potential
• modafinil, armodafinil
– interferes with birth control pills
– rare stevens-johnson syndrome or other severe rash
– sometimes less potent tha.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Last updated Aug 27, 2013
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