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CategoriesADHD,  ADHD in Adults,  Narcolepsy

Adderall buy online without prescription

by Andrei Antoce

Adderall buy online without prescription

Adderall is a prescription psychostimulant medication used for treating attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or ADHD. This drug helps to control symptoms like focusing, difficulty staying still or controlling actions.

Many people looking for information on Adderall are searching the Internet by entering “Adderall buy online.” Obviously these people are interested in finding out where they can buy Adderall online. Many websites that sell prescription drugs online also sell Adderall and they can be found by searching Adderall buy online or a similar phrase.

The number of people who buy drugs online is increasingly at a fast rate. Buying drugs online offers several advantages over buying from a traditional pharmacy. People are finding out about the advantages to purchasing their medications online.

Medical care costs too much these days and people are always on the lookout for ways to save money on their medical expenses, so they buy drugs online because many online pharmacies sell drugs at a much cheaper price than traditional pharmacies. Although both brand-name drugs and generic drugs are available for purchase online, most of the online drugstores carry generic drugs and sell them at affordable prices.

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It is important to keep in mind that generic drugs are the same quality as the brand-name drugs. They both do the same thing. Some people think that generic drugs are inferior and brand-name drugs are of a higher quality. But it’s not the truth.

Buying drugs online also offers privacy, and people can order medications without leaving their home. They can simply log on to the Internet, place the order and wait for the medication to be delivered to their doorstep within a week or sometimes longer.

A prescription is required to buy Adderall, and this can be obtained from a doctor. The doctor will determine if there is a need for it before writing a prescription. The doctor will also let the person know how to use the drug and what to expect in terms of possible side effects.

Once a prescription has been obtained it’s time to look for where to buy the drug. People looking to buy Adderall through an Internet pharmacy can go online search for Adderall buy online or buy Adderall online, and then click on the links to the websites selling this medication. This search will return many relevant websites offering information or selling Adderall.

It is recommended that a shopper check out several websites and find out about their reputation before deciding on the one to buy the drug from. It’s not a good idea to buy from the first website that comes up without performing proper research. Careful research is necessary in order to weed out the useless websites and then consider the ones that are legitimate.

By buying from a legitimate website the transaction will go smoothly without any problems or putting one’s health and finances at risk. Online pharmacy reviews can be helpful when looking for information about online pharmacies and the best pharmacy to buy drugs from.

CategoriesADHD,  ADHD in Adults,  ADHD in Children,  Narcolepsy

Sleep Issues

by Andrei Antoce

We’re considered an activity-loving country. Within the America the involvement fee insport is not very low; therefore unsurprisingly there are many of sports injuries. But sport spectating may also be a hazardous past-period – more particularly if spent through the night viewing activity on Television – tennis in the people, football in the UK!

Whenever your body time gets out-of “sync” as well as your sleeping routine is upset, actually everyday duties that are easy become hard to do correctly. Working and operating equipment may become an enterprise that is very dangerous.

Obviously, studying occasionally resting up to the first hours of the day or viewing tv, may be a rest issue not the reason for its consequence.

Then amongst friends when you have sleep issues. Reports show that as much as 30% of Americans suffer with insomnia. Occasionally there’s an actual medical problem that requires to be resolved and shift-work are most likely the most typical causes although jetlag.

Natural teas and the hot milk attempted without accomplishment, and in case your rest is periodically upset be very happy to understand nowadays there are medicines accessible without prescription which could assist the body time return to regular.

Pharmacists around Australia supplying the Home Treatment wellness info also provide a well known fact card named Sleeping Issues which provides useful tips about ways to get right into a normal sleeping routine to some.

It’s very important to begin a program. Attempt to get up out-of mattress in the same period every single day up, remain up. It will help the body preserve that sleeping tempo and organic waking which makes rest more easy.

Avoid caffeine-containing beverages (teas, coffee, soda, candy) at night. Caffeine causes us to move water more regularly in addition to being truly a moderate catalyst; therefore the need can disturbs our rest to go to the toilet throughout the night. Should you can’t proceed during the night without your tea, attempt “decaf” types.

Workout is essential also, but intense work-outs and late-evening activity may promote the machine and create sleeping challenging. Morning workout, after-work and before supper, appears to perform best.

We ought to remember for maintaining the top hot that night-caps are. For normalising our sleeping routine, the selection truly don’t do something. Booze can in fact disrupt the total amount between sleep’s different phases and we often awaken only a little hungover. And the same as caffeine, these additional excursions may also motivate towards the toilet.

Some prescription and over-the-counter medicines (including natural medications) like universal Ambien or Lunesta may disrupt your rest. Request your pharmacist for guidance concerning the chance of this happening. If you want an influenza and chilly treatment, the alleged day time/nighttime supplements are worth taking into consideration.

Remember, that particularly those dealing with discomfort or breathing issues, continual sleep problems, have to be researched by your physician.

CategoriesADHD,  Narcolepsy

Be Smart With Medications

by Andrei Antoce

Each year 000 individuals, in the USA, about 80 are accepted to clinic due to issues linked to medicines’ utilization. This number includes negative responses and unwanted effects, and in addition it contains issues that happen when not enough or an excessive amount of medicine is obtained.

These issues seldom happen due to strategic misuse of medication – a lot more frequently it’s just an insufficient comprehension about how exactly the medications must best be utilized.

Obviously, issues don’t just happen with medications that are approved. Because the origins of background that is recorded, self-medication happens to be common. Through the years, medicines based on naturally occurring materials have now been especially common, specifically for their impact on even the brain or feeling. Opium drug items, coffee, smoking and booze all fall under this class.

Nevertheless, studies show medications are used by many people in an approach that was sensible. Since better options to older medications are actually accessible, and in reaction to this, more efficient and more items could be provided without prescription.

Current rules are also launched to permit for some medications that formerly might be marketed in medical publications only’s common marketing. Items within this team contain fresh low-sedating antihistamines, smoking patches, products for heartburn and products for fungal and thrush infections.

Nonetheless, all medications, artificial or organic, may cause undesireable effects or even applied correctly. Medicines’ smart utilization entails your physician you as well as your pharmacist working to determine the easiest way to make use of your medication to make sure it will one of the most great.

Medications are generally not like store products, nevertheless when visiting the physician it’s not really a poor thought to take a of concerns along. And whether you’re going for perhaps a solution or a prescription medication you’ve bought without prescription, be sure you get all of the info you’ll need from your own pharmacist.

Easily skip a serving what must I do? Are any unwanted effects probable? Can it be more straightforward to consider this medicine or on a clear belly? If my situation increases must I complete the program? With what my physician has recommended may this natural medication interact? Is drinking prone to change this medicine’s result? These are simply a few of the concerns you might need to request.

In The Usa, we’re lucky for the reason that we are able to get guidance and info from the competent medical expert by simply strolling into our neighborhood pharmacy. Data show that every National appointments with a drugstore, normally, 14 times annually. That’s 200 thousand events whenever we get the chance to gain access to the perfect advice in the community of almost 5 on medications,000 pharmacies round the country.

CategoriesNarcolepsy

Hydrocodone Pain Med info

by Andrei Antoce

Hydrocodone is just a very effective anti-cough medication which helps you to lessen cough issues. Additionally, it works being an opiate and it is used-to handle mild discomfort. This medication is recognized as much like morphine in its pain relieving capabilities. It’s been observed when this medication is obtained based on the prescription it generally does not display any dangerous impact, actually it’s for reducing any type of discomfort excellent. But when anybody begins getting it with no prescription he might get harmfully hooked on it.

Hydrocodone is just a narcotic which connects itself with a meats referred to as receptors. They’ve the capability to alter the way in which where a person seems while this narcotic connects itself to meats within the back, mind and also the intestinal system. This medication also offers the capability to manage the physical models that an individual feels satisfaction. Hence over normal dose or dosage can result in actual habit. Hence this medication should not be studied with no guidance that was doctor’s.

Dependence on hydrocodone sometimes appears like a disaster. Some drugs like drug pot and heroin are extremely common although not everybody knows about medicines like hydrocodone. It’s among the most extensively abused medication in Usa although not everybody knows that. About 20 a lot of this medication is makes nonetheless. This must be halted soon. However for this consciousness needs to be spread. Individuals ought to be conscious of the dangerous unwanted effects that it causes like reduced breathing difficulty, lower libido, allergy symptoms, constipation vertigo, psychological and bodily shows plus much more. Hence people must avoid this medication around feasible and never go when the physician doesn’t recommend conscious and it others about that aswell.

CategoriesNarcolepsy

Does Cataplexy without Narcolepsy happen?

by Annie Barraza

Although narcolepsy without cataplexy happens often, Cataplexy almost never occurs without narcolepsy, except in the rare case that is the result of a major brain trauma.

Some drug therapy and lifestyle changes can take care of mild symptoms of narcolepsy and without cataplexy, it can be managed easily enough to maintain a normal life.

What is Cataplexy?

Cataplexy is exclusively a symptom of narcolepsy that is experienced by seventy percent of the 3 million people who suffer from narcolepsy worldwide.

Narcolepsy with cataplexy has its own biomarker.  That is, there is a specific, measurable trait that is exhibited by most narcolepsy patients with the symptom of cataplexy.  The peptide hypocretin-1, which is derived from the hypothalamus in patients with healthy sleep patterns and a narcoleptic without cataplexy, tends to be deficient in cataplectic. This unique feature has earned Narcolepsy with Cataplexy its own separate diagnosis from the narcolepsy without cataplexy.

Most Narcolepsy symptoms can be seen as a disassociated part of REM sleep.  Cataplexy is no different. One of the things that happen during REM sleep is that the body’s muscles lose tone and go limp. Cataplexy is the same phenomenon, during wakefulness.

Hypocretin-1 plays a major role in the sleep/wake cycles of the brain.  A deficiency manifests itself in the symptom of cataplexy.  There is no correlation between hypocretin-1 deficiencies without cataplexy in narcolepsy, making it an unreliable test for narcolepsy without cataplexy.

Cataplexy is the uncontrollable loss of muscle tone.  It can be a minor annoyance or a major event.  Either way, it can be embarrassing to the person suffering from it. Cataplexy episodes are triggered by strong emotional response. Anger and robust laughter are at the top of the list.

A cataplectic episode can range from unnoticeable to a serious event.

  • Mild Cataplexy

When cataplexy is mild, it can go unnoticed.  Perhaps the patient experiences a little clumsiness or trips.  It can manifest in a single tiny muscle group, usually in the face.  A droopy eyelid or momentary slackening of the jaw can be from cataplexy. Cataplexy can last as little as a few seconds, hardly giving it enough time to register as ever having happened at all.

  • Severe Cataplexy

Cataplexy can last for over an hour.  It can affect the arms or legs.  It commonly affects the neck, resulting in the head suddenly falling forward.  In some cases, the entire body is affected. The result is a total collapse. The subject is awake and alert, but unable to move or communicate. It can be frightening to experience, especially when it is new.

Diagnosing Cataplexy

Diagnosing narcolepsy without cataplexy and narcolepsy with cataplexy is done much the same way.  There are no simple blood tests that reveal the disorder.  Even testing for a hypocretin-1 deficiency is a difficult and painful process.  It requires a spinal tap to test the spinal fluids. Because of the risk involved, this kind of test is not likely to become a mainstream diagnostic tool.

Without cataplexy, narcoleptic diagnosis involves a detailed history and the use of sleep studies.

Sleep studies include the nocturnal Polysomnogram and the multiple sleep latency test (MSLT).  The MSLT is the currently accepted standard in testing and data collection for the diagnosis without cataplexy of narcolepsy.

The nocturnal Polysomnogram and the MSLT are usually done together, consecutively. This way, a physician can get a complete portrait of sleep habits and REM cycles of his or her patient.

The tests are performed in a sleep clinic. The subject has a continuous electroencephalogram (EEG) while they are settled into a room in which to sleep.  The EEG and visual monitoring will be used to record everything the patient experiences during a restful state.

For the nocturnal Polysomnogram, they will spend the night.  For the MSLT, the next day they will have 5 scheduled naps that are 2 hours apart and will last for 20 minutes.

With the presence of moderate to severe cataplexy, diagnosis is simple, since cataplexy is a narcolepsy specific symptom, if it is present, a diagnosis of narcolepsy with cataplexy is certain to follow.  If the episodes are milder, a detailed history and probably the use of journaling the symptomatic episodes may be required as there is no other way to uncover the existence of cataplexy.

Cataplexy Treatments

Without cataplexy narcoleptic symptoms can often be managed with careful lifestyle changes such as dietary guidelines, strict adherence of bedtimes and scheduled daytime naps.  Often, drug therapies that include the use of stimulants and antidepressants are required.

Narcolepsy patients with cataplexy almost always need to be treated with drugs.

Behavioral and Pharmacological Treatments

Behavioral

for narcolepsy

Pharmacological:

For EDS

Pharmacological:

For cataplexy

avoid sleep deprivation

Methylphenidate

Xyrem

sodium oxybate

strategic naps

Amphetamine

Protriptyline

avoid caffeine

Modafinil

Imipramine

involve the people you associate with regularly

Selegiline

(also anti-cataplectic)

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors

Sodium Oxybate

The most effective drug treatment for cataplexy and EDS is gammahydroxybutyric acid (GHB). It is the only drug approved by the FDA for the treatment of cataplexy.  It is sold in the USA as sodium oxybate and is produces as the drug Xyrem.

Xyrem works on the part of the brain that controls sleep cycles. At higher levels, as a very effective sedative.  Promoting deep restful sleep at lower levels it is a stimulant that keeps EDS at bay.

GHB is a highly regulated substance as it is associated with illegal abuse. IT has a high rate of dependence and serious withdrawal symptoms. It induces a euphoric effect that is similar to the street drug ecstasy and it has been used to facilitate date rape. It has the ability to stimulate the human growth hormone and so it has also been abused by body builders.  Overdoses of GHB can result in respiratory depression, bradycardia, seizures and death.

The most common side effects of Xyrem are:

  • headache
  • nausea and vomiting
  • dizziness
  • nasopharyngitis
  • somnolence
  • urinary incontinence

Sodium Oxybate needs careful consideration with patients that have heart concerns as it raises sodium levels in the blood.

CategoriesADHD,  Narcolepsy

Types of Narcolepsy: What You Might Not Know About The Different Types of Narcolepsy in an Overview

by Annie Barraza

Narcolepsy is an intrusive sleeping disorder that is currently affecting around 200,000 American people. Narcolepsy is one of medical science’s most unique sleeping disorders. Not only is Narcolepsy itself an odd and interesting disorder, it comes as a package deal with various other unique medical problems like Cataplexy, hallucinations, Automatic Behavior, and even Sleep Paralysis. Patients who have been diagnosed with the disorder should learn about all types of Narcolepsy, and undiagnosed patients who may be suffering should study Narcolepsy and its different types.

The Different Types of Narcolepsy

Technically, there are not different types of Narcolepsy. Unlike other sleep disorders like Sleep Apnea, there is not a central and an obstructive classification. Narcolepsy is the same in all patients who suffer from its symptoms. The disorder is defined as the uncontrollable urge to sleep at inappropriate times during the day; this is absolutely true in all patients with Narcolepsy, so technically, there is one medically recognized type of the disorder.

More often than not, however, most Narcolepsy patients experience at least one or more complicated disorders in addition to their Narcolepsy. The majority of narcoleptics also suffer from one of the following four complications: Cataplexy, Hypnagogic Hallucinations, Automatic Behavior, and Sleep Paralysis.

Narcolepsy with Cataplexy

Only three million people in the entire world suffer from some type/degree of Narcolepsy. Out of those three million people, only two percent also suffer from Cataplexy. Cataplexy is thought to be unique to Narcolepsy patients, and is often one of the disorder’s primary identifiers; it is often associated with other Narcolepsy symptoms like Sleep Paralysis and hallucinations.

Cataplexy is defined as the sudden loss of muscle tone and strength coupled with severe daytime sleepiness. The sudden loss of muscle strength can be mild or severe. In mild Cataplexy episodes, there may only be a small portion of muscle on the body that becomes paralyzed. In opposition, severe episodes of Cataplexy can leave the entire body unable to move or speak for several minutes at a time. These sudden changes in muscle tone are often triggered by the patient’s witnessing of a strong emotional response.

Laughter, crying, and shouting are some of the most common triggers in people with this type of Narcolepsy.

Cataplexy is extremely dangerous, and is one the leading causes for accidents, especially automobile accidents. Because Narcolepsy patients are unable to determine when an episode of Cataplexy will occur, there Cataplexy victims often live in constant fear of witnessing a trigger and embarrassing themselves in public.

Narcolepsy with Hallucinations

Unlike the rare Cataplexy, this type of Narcolepsy is extremely common. Patients who suffer from Narcolepsy are at a high risk for experiencing Hypnagogic Hallucinations; in fact, hallucinations are one of the disorder’s most commonly recognizable symptoms. Where Cataplexy is only present in two percent of all Narcolepsy patients across the world, as many as fifty percent of all narcoleptics are thought to suffer from Hypnagogic Hallucinations.

There are two main types of hallucinations: Hypnagogic Hallucinations and Hypnopompic Hallucinations. Hypnagogic Hallucinations occur during the transitional period that takes place when the brain is shifting from a place of wakefulness to one of sleep. Hypnopompic Hallucinations, on the other hand, are the opposite; these hallucinations occur when the body is shifting from a place of sleep to one of wakefulness. Hypnagogic Hallucinations are seen in this type of Narcolepsy, and can be extremely vivid.

Patients who also suffer from Hypnagogic Hallucinations experience intense dream-like visions when they are falling asleep. Many Hypnagogic Hallucinations incorporate various images that actually present in the sleeper’s environment into vivid hallucinations. These hallucinations can involve the manipulation of the patient’s vision, hearing, sense of touch, sense of balance, and even their ability to move. Many Narcolepsy patients who suffer from the hallucinations describe them as bizarre, and even frightening. Because the hallucinations are so realistic, patients become afraid of them; many patients even fear the hallucinations as a sign of mental instability.

Narcolepsy with Automatic Behavior

One of the most interesting, and consequently dangerous, types of Narcolepsy includes symptoms of Automatic Behavior. Often confused with sleep walking, Automatic Behavior refers to the continuation of an activity that was taking place while before falling asleep after falling asleep. In many cases, Automatic Behavior occurs when patients with this type of Narcolepsy attempt to fight off sleepiness in an effort to complete an activity. For example, patients who suffer from this type of Narcolepsy may suddenly fall asleep while washing the dishes. Instead of dropping the plate they were holding when they suddenly fell asleep, patients with Automatic behavior continue washing the plate as if they remained awake.

Although Narcolepsy patients with Automatic Behavior continue performing the activity while unconscious, they have absolutely no memory of the even upon wakening; the event is out of conscious control. Unconscious periods of continued behavior can last anywhere from a few short seconds to as long as half an hour. Patients who experience this unique disorder often wake up in strange places disoriented and frightened. Automatic Behavior becomes a serious and dangerous problem when it occurs during dangerous activities like driving or cooking.

Automatic Behavior, also called automatism, is not unique to Narcolepsy types. It is a common symptom of many different psychiatric and neurological disorders. Schizophrenia and Fugue are common psychiatric disorders that are associated with Automatic behavior.

Narcolepsy with Sleep Paralysis

Although it is possible to see symptoms of Sleep Paralysis in patients plagued with disorders other than Narcolepsy, Sleep Paralysis is most commonly associated with this form of Narcolepsy. In addition to Cataplexy and hallucinations, Sleep Paralysis, which can also be called Isolated Sleep Paralysis, completes the trio of famous Narcolepsy identifiers (in addition to daytime sleepiness, of course).

Narcoleptics who suffer from Sleep Paralysis experience periods on paralysis, either when going to sleep or upon wakening. During an attack of Sleep Paralysis, the victim is completely unable to move voluntarily, and must wait for the attack to pass. Although Sleep Paralysis is passing, and not physically harmful, it can still be terrifying and stressful to try and deal with on top of Narcolepsy’s other problems and complications.

CategoriesNarcolepsy

Hypocretin Deficiency: Narcolepsy with Cataplexy

by Annie Barraza

Narcolepsy without cataplexy and narcolepsy with cataplexy are two different classifications in international diagnosis.

While there is little known about the cause of narcolepsy, over the past few decades scientists have made huge leaps in the understanding of cataplexy.

Evidence of a Deficiency in Hypocretin-1 in patients with cataplexy has given Narcolepsy with cataplexy its very own biomarker. During clinical testing of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), nearly all narcolepsy patients with cataplexy had a severe deficiency of the protein hypocretin-1which is normally located in the hypothalamus.  The reason for this deficiency is unknown, but there is speculation that it may be an autoimmune dysfunction. Cataplexy is also sometimes referred to as a hypocretin deficiency syndrome.

Narcolepsy without Cataplexy

The diagnosis of narcolepsy sleep disorder can be a difficult one to confirm.  There are no physical tests.  No genetic testing, no blood tests.

Doctors will take a complete history and use clinical testing like the multiple sleep latency test or MSLT, and perform a nocturnal Polysomnogram to determine the existence of narcolepsy or its symptoms.

During the nocturnal Polysomnogram, the patient is placed in a comfortable room and monitored all night to determine the cause of symptoms like insomnia and EDS. An electroencephalogram or EEG is used as well as video monitoring to record body functions and sleep patterns and activity.  Some pertinent data that is recorded would be breathing, including the existence of apnea. Pulse and blood pressure, Snoring, sleep talking and restlessness.  The onset and duration of REM sleep is carefully recorded.

The MSLT is done the day after the nocturnal Polysomnogram.  The patient will stay at the clinic the rest of the day and have 5 naps during their stay.  The naps are done in the same relaxing setting as the nocturnal Polysomnogram. An EEG is used again, as well as video surveillance to monitor and record the time it takes the subject to fall asleep, or if the onset of REM sleep is accomplished. These factors are standard to diagnose narcolepsy.

Narcolepsy alone can be difficult to live with.  Falling asleep at inappropriate times wreaks havoc on patients’ lives.  School, work and relationships become impossible to maintain and patients sometimes then succumb to depression and reduced sense of self-worth.

With carefully planned lifestyle changes such as tight bedtime routine, strict diet and scheduled daytime naps, patients with mild narcolepsy symptoms can sometimes beat the disease. However, when symptoms are more severe, the lifestyle changes are still utilized, but drug therapy is added to round out the treatment.

Drug treatment for narcolepsy includes stimulants such as Provigil or Nuvigil are used to combat Excessive Daytime Sleepiness or EDS. These drugs help the narcoleptic stay awake during the day. Many people with narcolepsy need stimulants to function at an acceptable level in their daily lives and to live successful and prosperous lives.

Narcolepsy Therapies

Behavioral

Pharmaceutical

for EDS

Pharmaceutical

for Cataplexy
>Carefully controlled night time sleep Methylphenidate sodium oxybate, GHB
Scheduled daytime naps Amphetamine Protriptyline
smaller, lighter, more frequent meals Modafinil Imipramine
Involvement of friends, family and associates Selegiline (also anti-cataplectic) Cloniipramine

Narcolepsy with Cataplexy

Patients who have the condition: narcolepsy with cataplexy, also suffer the same EDS symptoms as narcolepsy without cataplexy.  However, they have the added stress of the symptom of cataplexy.

Cataplexy is a bizarre and rare phenomenon that affects over two million patients with narcolepsy. When a patient experiences cataplexy, they lose muscle tone and function, suddenly and without warning.

These episodes can be so slight they go unnoticed.  Perhaps the patient will feel clumsy for a moment.  Or an eyelid may droop or the cheek may go slack. It may last for as little as a few seconds. Hardly enough time to register the change.

A cataplexy episode can also be more severe. In the event of a severe episode, a person can lose all muscle control in his or her body and a total collapse is experienced.

Cataplexy can cause psychological trauma, particularly after the first episode or when it strikes in children because the collapse is experienced while completely awake and alert.  The inability to move or respond to their environment is particularly terrifying for many patients.

What Causes Narcolepsy?

No one knows what causes narcolepsy without cataplexy. There is some speculation that it is genetic, but there is insufficient evidence as it rarely runs in families. Recently, some evidence has come to light that it may be an autoimmune function, like cataplexy. There must be much more research done to confirm this and even longer before a suitable diagnosis and treatment can be formulated on the autoimmune basis.

Sodium Oxybate- Xyrem

Xyrem is the brand name for the drug sodium oxybate.  The chemical is gammahydroxybutyric acid or GHB.  GHB is the most effective treatment of cataplexy. It has the disorder covered on both ends of the spectrum.  GHB is paradoxical in its behavior in the body. It is both an extremely effective sedative and a potent stimulant. In high doses, it interacts with the GAGA system; it has a sedative effect and inhibits the release of dopamine in the brain.  At a lower dose, it works as a stimulant.  It stimulates the brain to produce dopamine and glutamate.

GHB has been successfully used to treat several disorders, such as depression and insomnia for years in other countries.  In the US, however, it is only approved by the FDA for the treatment of Cataplexy. It does not affect the deficiency of hypocretin, but the symptoms of cataplexy are greatly improved.

GHB is associated with tremendous amounts of negativity. In high doses, it is a highly effective sedative.  It has been called the “date rape drug” for its most infamous criminal use. It is sometimes abused as a street drug, as in moderate amounts, it causes euphoria.  On the street, it’s referred to by several names, including as “liquid ecstasy.”  It has been abused by body builders as well. In small amounts it stimulates the production of the human growth hormone.  It is addictive and abrupt cessation can cause terrible withdrawal symptoms.

Antidepressants for Cataplexy

Even though the FDA has not approved them for this use, several antidepressants are being used to manage the symptoms of cataplexy.  There needs to be a lot more research done into the effectiveness of antidepressants for cataplexy.

Tricyclic antidepressants have shown a lot of promise in the treatment of narcolepsy and its symptoms.  Unfortunately, there are a whole host of frightening side effects that are common to tricyclic antidepressants.  Although they were a popular treatment in the past, they are not used very often anymore.

Although less proven, the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs, like Prozac, Paxil and Zoloft are commonly used to treat these symptoms.  Their effectiveness is the subject for debate among doctors and scientists until proven one way or another.

CategoriesNarcolepsy

Narcolepsy Medications and Treatment Options

by Annie Barraza

Getting the right narcolepsy medication can be a complicated, trial and error type of ordeal for patients that suffer from the symptoms of narcolepsy. Some medications for narcolepsy are not suitable for everyone, and for this reason it sometimes takes years for some people to receive the correct combination of medical treatments and drugs.

Who Needs Medication for Narcolepsy?

People suffering with the symptoms of narcolepsy can sometimes get through every day by simply making lifestyle changes. These changes include better sleep schedules, routine naps at set times throughout the day and a well-balanced diet. These are the lucky few who do not need medication. Narcolepsy has some complications that are worse than a mere inconvenience. Those experiencing cataplexy are in real danger of becoming seriously injured at any time during the day. Patients with narcolepsy and cataplexy must have the medication of narcolepsy symptoms.

Narcolepsy is a disorder characterized by sudden, yet brief, periods when sleep is uncontrollable. When seeking medications narcolepsy patients should be prepared to give a complete history to their physician. Patients must report a detailed history of personal medical and health information and keep a journal of sleep disturbances, insomnia, hallucinations and sleep attacks for their doctor when seeking treatment and medications of narcolepsy symptoms.

Symptoms of Narcolepsy

Narcolepsy has a wide range of symptoms that can drastically impact the lives of the people suffering from them. Many of the symptoms are shared among several other sleep disorders such as insomnia and sleep apnea. This fact alone makes it very hard to diagnose the disease.

The following is a list of some of these symptoms.

  • E.D.S. or excessive daytime sleepiness is the most common of all narcolepsy symptoms, in fact, in many ways; E.D.S. is narcolepsy when you think about it.
  • Cataplexy is when a person suddenly loses his or her muscle control. This is sometimes mistaken for epilepsy due to the falls it commonly produces. A narcolepsy patient who suffers with cataplexy is at a higher risk for personal injury, than people who don’t.
  • Sleep paralysis is a frightening ordeal that is linked to narcolepsy. Sleep paralysis occurs when a person is falling asleep or just when they’re beginning to wake up. The brain disconnects from the body leaving the person aware, but unable to speak or move. However, it should be stated that many people who occasionally experience sleep paralysis are not always diagnosed with narcolepsy.
  • Hallucinations are when a person hears and/or sees things that are not really there. This is a very common factor found in patients who are suffering from sleep paralysis, as well as a symptom of sleep deprivation.
  • Insomnia is a symptom of narcolepsy.  People with narcolepsy do not actually sleep more hours per day than people without narcolepsy. Their night time sleep is usually interrupted and irregular, causing the strong need to sleep during the day.

Types of Medication and Narcolepsy Treatments

  • Stimulants

Most medications that are used for the treatment of narcolepsy but are not for E.D.S. are stimulants. Stimulants help the patients get through the day feeling energized and help regulate their sleep cycles.  Among these is a wide array of Amphetamines including:

  • Dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine)
  • Methamphetamine (Desoxin)
  • Amphetamine Salts (Adderall)
  • Methyphendiate (Ritalin)
  • Armodafinil (Nuvigil)
  • Modafinil (Provigil)

There have been many successes and a few failures over the years in the quest to find successful treatments of narcolepsy. One medication, Pemoline (Cylert) was removed from the market due to the risk of liver failure and even death. People taking the listed medications to treat narcolepsy may find some that work and others that don’t. Many neurological disorders share symptoms and treatments with narcolepsy and are often treated with the same drugs.  Like these, trial and error is the key to finding the correct combination of medication for each patient. Some of these medications take several weeks to become truly effective. Sometimes the secret is in a very tight combination. Care should be taken as stimulants should not be taken by people with a history of psychiatric issues or heart complications.

  • Antidepressants

Antidepressants help with mood, but they are also useful in the treatment of R.E.M. or rapid eye movement disruptions, hallucinations, and cataplexy.

Some of the more common antidepressant medications include:

  • Venlafaxine (Effexor SR)
  • Atomoxetine (Strattera)
  • Fluoxetine (Prozac)
  • Sertraline (Zoloft)
  • Protriptyline (Triptil and Vivactil)
  • Imipramine (Janamine and Trofanil)
  • Desipramine (Norpramine and Petrofran)
  • Clomipramine (Anafranil)

A newer drug that is used to treat these same narcoleptic symptoms is Sodium Oxybate (Xyrem). Sodium Oxybate is completely different than the other antidepressants listed, because it has to be taken in separated doses, it is a liquid and it promotes stages three and four of sleep. When taken as directed, Sodium Oxybate can actually eliminate the need for other antidepressants. There are several side effects associated with sodium oxybate.  These side effects include: headache, nausea, dizziness, vomiting, and urinary incontinence. A caution to consider are that it is sodium and therefore people with a history of heart disease should not take it.

Other Narcolepsy Treatments

As well as a large number of prescription medications, narcolepsy symptoms can also be treated with lifestyle changes. In most cases these lifestyle changes are an absolute necessity for the person to get the most out of the medication being taken. A “more bang for your buck” mentality should be used when using medications for the treatment of narcolepsy. The following is a list of the changes that people with narcolepsy should make to get the most from their treatment.

  • Proper diet
  • Avoid caffeine, alcohol, nicotine and over the counter cold medications
  • Schedule naps throughout the day, 10 to 15 minutes each, especially after meals
  • Improve night time sleeping habits, a regular hour for bedtime and arising helps
  • Avoid night time work
  • Keep a sleep journal handy at all times to record sleep disturbances and daytime sleep deep breathing exercises and stretching
  • Involve all people that you see on a daily basis

Contact your local clinic to request more information about these treatments as well as listing for support groups for narcolepsy and other hypersomnias.

CategoriesNarcolepsy

Narcolepsy Blood Test & Other Useful Facts

by Annie Barraza

What is Narcolepsy?

Narcolepsy is a health conditions wherein a person feels sleepy throughout the day. Sleep disorders can result from any of three basic reasons. These are:

  1. Insufficient or poor sleep: An ideal example of this is the people suffering from sleep apnea. This problem can be sorted out if the patient’s sleep-related breathing issues are taken care of.

  2. Weakened Brain System: This is also one of the reasons that can keep any person awake. A perfect example of this is Narcolepsy. In this situation, an individual feels very sleepy throughout the day even after having a good sleep at night.

  3. A mixed condition: The condition of Narcolepsy usually develops in a person in his or her earlier childhood or teen years and eventually, with growing age and weight, it takes the form of sleep apnea, adding to the existing problems of the condition.

It is important to note that if a person is suffering from both the critical conditions and the treatment is applied on only one such as sleep apnea and not on the other, it can lead to disastrous results.

Treating sleep apnea may improve the health conditions of the patient but cannot eradicate the problem from its root. Cardiac and stroke related dangers can be alleviated but the untreated narcolepsy will make them fall asleep anyway, paving way for other complications. There can be more than one reason and symptom to any kind of sleep disorder. Hence, it’s essential to offer proper and wholesome treatment to the patient.

As mentioned earlier, Narcolepsy causes brain-related sleepiness in a person. In addition, it is also associated with REM sleep disorders. REM or Rapid Eye Movement sleep disorder in a person occurs immediately after he or she falls asleep. This disorder can be caused by hypnopompic hallucinations and hypnagogic. The hypnopompic hallucinations and hypnagogic is the occurrence of the fragments of dreams before or after the sleep. Another cause of REM sleep can be sleep paralysis or a situation where a person finds himself or herself unable to call out or even move his or her body while sleeping or waking up. Cataplexy as well as dreaming during short sleep can also cause REM sleep disorders. Cataplexy is a medical condition under which the patient feels weakness in his muscles due to any kind of emotional impact, such as laughter. Patients suffering from cataplexy typically always also have Narcolepsy, but patients having Narcolepsy might not always experience cataplexy.

Who can suffer From Narcolepsy?

Both males and females can suffer from Narcolepsy. The main symptom of this disease is sleepiness, which usually takes place in latter part of the childhood, teen years or beginning of 20s. Narcolepsy can also develop in the individuals who are 30 years of age, but, this is very rare.

Symptoms of Narcolepsy

The symptoms of narcolepsy are falling asleep at a frequent rate, hyperactive behavioural pattern, and even other conditions such as Cataplexy.

Causes of Narcolepsy:

This disease is caused if the chemical “neurotransmitters” is found to be missing in the brain cells. Neurotransmitters controls and supervises the communication link between different brain cells and nerve.

Some members in a family can be genetically prone to developing Narcolepsy. However, this is not considered to be a purely genetic ailment in people. Narcolepsy may sometime result from excessive stress, but, as with the instances of genetic causes, this is not strictly a psychological disorder.

How to diagnose Narcolepsy

In order to diagnose Narcolepsy, some careful steps need to be taken. The patient’s history should be carefully observed. His or her sleeping habits should be closely monitored, and a multiple sleep latency test should be conducted. Other than this, the cataplexy disorder should also be taken into consideration.

Is a Narcolepsy blood test helpful?

Narcolepsy cannot be conclusively diagnosed by blood test. However, there are some medical practitioners that believe that blood test can help diagnose this medical condition in a patient. They think that individuals suffering from Narcolepsy have specific HLA types. HLA types are genetically ascertained signs on white blood cells that help in finding out tissue compatibility-for instance, to check an individual’s willingness to donate a kidney to the one whose system may not accept the kidney that has been transplanted. HLA types are determined by a blood test. However, these tests cannot be used for diagnosing narcolepsy because of two reasons: 1) the test will be in negative for the patients who are suffering from narcolepsy as well as cataplexy, and 2) about 25% of the people have same HLA types that are related to Narcolepsy.

How to cure Narcolepsy?

Narcolepsy can be treated if proper medication as well as a bit of common sense is applied. A Narcoleptic patient cannot be treated solely on the basis of medication. The treatment should be designed according to each individual case in concern. In this process, it is important to remove all the aggravating elements that can cause the symptoms to grow more serious, and cause the suggested medications to become less useful.

To elucidate it further, the practitioner cannot recommend a diabetic to do anything whatever he or she feels like because insulin shots are being given. Prescribing medication also means that the patient should be given a proper diet chart and counselled as and when required. This is applicable in case of all types of ailments including Narcolepsy.

Also, the medical practitioner who is treating the individual with Narcolepsy symptoms should possess experience and expertise in handling these types of cases. Physicians should inform the patient about the things or conditions that can pose further risks to his or her health. Not only this, it’s the duty of the practitioner to educate his patient about the ways to handle this disorder with a positive attitude.

Some of the medications that can be prescribed to a Narcoleptic patient are sodium oxybate (Xyrem) and antidepressants. Sodium oxybate (Xyrem) taken at night. All these are stimulating agents. Since these medications may contain some side-effects, physician should prescribe them with utmost care to any individual based on his or her medical records, symptoms, and more.

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