
Narcolepsy Support Group
A sleep disorder (somnipathy) is a disorder in the sleep patterns of a person or animal. Some sleep disorders can interfere with mental and emotional function. If you are having trouble falling asleep or having some other kind of sleep disturbance, this group is for you.

deleted_user
I was diagnosed with N a few weeks ago (but have had it for 12 years) as well as Cataplexy - something I'd never even heard of. Doesn't everyone drop things and fall down when they laugh? Apparently not.
My dr started me on modafinil and it helps a little - instead of falling asleep 15 or 20 times a day it's down to about 10 times a day.
I've been reading the discussions and wondering if it's better to take it twice a day EVERY day or just when I need to be awake? The articles I've read say I won't develop a tolerence to it but some of you say you've gotten used to it and need to increase how much you take.
Afraid of becoming drug dependant - Erin
My dr started me on modafinil and it helps a little - instead of falling asleep 15 or 20 times a day it's down to about 10 times a day.
I've been reading the discussions and wondering if it's better to take it twice a day EVERY day or just when I need to be awake? The articles I've read say I won't develop a tolerence to it but some of you say you've gotten used to it and need to increase how much you take.
Afraid of becoming drug dependant - Erin

deleted_user
I will admit that I am completely addicted to my medication. The dexedrine, anyway. I can't afford the Modafinil, so I don't know how that works, although almost everyone I know of who has taken it has had it become less effective in as little as a month..and some people say it works for a week or so, and then just quits all together. You can count on the amphetamines, but if you don't have to take them, I would be wary. I have an appointment with a new neurologist on Friday, to see about switching me from Dexedrine to something else. I have been taking it for 8 years, and I am TOTALLY hooked on it. I am non-functional without it, and it litterally causes me physical pain when I miss a dose, or am late taking it. It is a toss-up to say weather it has helped me more, or hurt me more. I have a full time job, that I couldn't do without it. But, the meds have spiked my blood pressure, and have brought out a serious Bitch complex that I am not very happy about. Sometimes I am so irritated and pissed off (for no reason at all) that I can hardly stand to be inside my body. I don't know what has happened, but in the last 6 months that has intensified by a hundred fold. I hope you have some good luck, and get to the point where you feel ok, and hopefully to the point where you feel normal again. I feel like taking this medicine has saved the productive, functional aspect of my life, but it is taking over my mental and physical stability. I am not sure if it is a worthy trade. God bless you, and keep on fighting!!

deleted_user
For me the Modafinil alone doesn't work. I take Adderoll 2 times a day with it. Taking the Modafinil twice a day was ineffective for one, and second, my dr. didn't see it as worthy. I agree with Issamae, the speed is addictive and I can see where it can be easily abused. I'm like, "hmmmm, just a bit more won't hurt and I can't hardly stay awake." Not a good strategy, but as a single mom and a teacher, there doesn't seem to be much of a choice. N isn't considered a "disability" and even if it was, it would be hard to make it on SSI. I used to get Adderoll XR, which I liked MUCH better, but my ins. co. won't approve it with the Modafinil. Instead they will let me take the plain Adderoll, which in all honesty is much easier to become addicted to and abused. Ah, but don't let me get started about the medicine and the insurance co. There is no perfect answer. I've found that I've become a hoarder of my meds. On the days that I can sleep whenever I want, I don't take it, that way I can save it and use it on a day when I'm overwhelmed with responsibility. So again, Issamae is right, the meds are a blessing and a scary curse, with the blessings outweighing the curses. Get as much information as you can about all of it, and let your dr. know ASAP when the meds aren't working. Napping 10 times a day is not what I would call much of an improvement though. The drs. always start off light on the meds as everyone is different, so let him know that you still can't stay awake. I was taking just the Modafinil, and still failed a sleep study while on it. That's why the dr uses a combo for me. Good luck and feel free to give me a shout if you have questions or concerns!

deleted_user
My 21 year old son takes modafinil, and has done for nearly a year now. He tends to only take it as and when he needs it. This could be 300mgs a day, or none, but then he tends to sleep most of those days away. This method seems to have kept the drug effective for him. guess it is trial and error. Good luck.
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