mrtom78

Close Narcolepsy

diagnosed at 17 yrs old. falling asleep in school, during tests, would sleep from most of the day when i was home. everyone thought i was lazy or depressed. I was diagnosed as being depressed and given a bunch of anti-depressents, which i took for 1 month and then tossed because I knew i wasn't depressed, just tired. I almost wish i never got diagnosed and just learned to deal with it w/o medication. being chained to a pill or "disease" i think mentally hinders me.

Treatments

Dexedrine Working / Worked

Provigil Not Working

I would have to put this in the catagory of not working. I slightly felt a difference when i took it, but not enough to call it effective as far as long term management. didn't have any side effects though. I also took the enantiomer in a clinical trial...this seemed to work better, but i am not sure if this has made it to the market yet. it may be hard to tell going from a drug like dexedrine that gives you a high to provigil that you don't get any "euphoria" type feelings from.

Ritalin Somewhat Helpful

when i first tried this it didn't seem to help much. But 10 yrs later I started to use this as a supplement to dexedrine spansules or when i ran out of my dexedrine. It worked pretty good in that role.

Physical Exercise Working / Worked

Anyone with this disorder MUST exercise regularly...in my opinion if you dont and you complain or are having a hard time with management...this is your problem. Also helps to maintain a more restful nights sleep regulates blood pressure makes you feel better about yourself and better in general. the hard part is being disciplined in just getting out there. Wish my dr could prescribe a personal trainer as treatment...having an appt forces me to do it.

Physical Exercise Working / Worked