yellowbird328

Close Narcolepsy

I was diagnosed with "atypical" narcolepsy about a year ago, though I've had symptoms of narcolepsy for as long as I can remember. Since I've been diagnosed, I've tried four different combinations of drug treatments. Recently, my sleep doctor also has been treating me for depression- which only developed from my narcolepsy. I get depressed because I have narcolepsy, and my narcolepsy gets worse because I am depressed.

Treatments

Adderall Working / Worked

Adderall XR kept me awake during the day before I started having sympotoms of depression. I was very happy with how Adderall worked before I had symptoms of depression- though I ended up being allergic to it. I got horrible skin rashes first starting on my legs, then spreading to my arms, scalp, torso, chest, and back. I also had trouble breathing every once in awhile while taking Adderall. The only other side effect I had that were not from an allergic reaction, was a dramatic weight loss.

Concerta Somewhat Helpful

The first treatmetent I tried after being diagnosed was Concerta. I remember the first time I took this pill to help improve my narcolepsy. I just thought to myself Wow this is what normal people without narcolepsy feel like?! I realized just how bad my condition is and actually made me more upset than it made me happy to finally be being treated. Concerta helped me but not enough. I still slept through alarms experienced hallucinations and automatic behavior often.