Excessive daytime sleepiness can be caused by many different things. These include certain medications, sleep disorders, and metabolic problems like anemia, low thyroid levels, or hepatic and renal failure.
Doctors often start with stimulants such as modafinil (Provigil) and armodafinil (Nuvigil). Non-stimulant wake-promoting agents such as Modalert are available.
Narcolepsy
Narcolepsy is a sleep disorder that affects the brain. It causes extreme daytime sleepiness and other symptoms that can interfere with daily life.
Doctors use a combination of medication, behavioral strategies, and lifestyle changes to treat narcolepsy. The goal is to identify medications that produce the greatest benefits with the least problems.
The first medicines doctors often try are central nervous system stimulants, such as modafinil or armodafinil. These medicines improve alertness by increasing the amount of dopamine in the brain, a wake-promoting chemical.
Other medications used for narcolepsy are modafinil and methylphenidate. These medicines can reduce excessive daytime sleepiness and improve alertness by increasing the amounts of two other wake-promoting chemicals, norepinephrine and serotonin.
Waklert is another medicine that improves sleepiness and cataplexy in people with narcolepsy. It is a sedating liquid that is taken twice a day, in the late afternoon and early evening. It is usually started at a low dose and increased slowly over a period of several weeks if needed.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Obstructive sleep apnea is a common condition that affects the quality of sleep. This can leave you feeling drained and fatigued, and it increases your risk of serious heart and circulatory problems.
If you are diagnosed with OSA, your doctor may prescribe one of several treatments to treat it. These include CPAP devices, which work by pumping air into your nose or throat while you sleep. CPAP is the best treatment for most people with mild to moderate OSA, but surgery can also be an option.
For most people with severe OSA, a surgical device called a mandibular advancement device (MAD) or a tongue retraining device (TRD) may be recommended. These devices force the lower jaw forward and down slightly, keeping your airway open.
Waklert is a once-daily prescription medicine that is used to help improve wakefulness in adults with extreme daytime sleepiness due to obstructive sleep apnea or narcolepsy. It is not a stimulant medication, so you should continue to use any other medications and devices your doctor recommends.
Restless Legs Syndrome
People with restless legs syndrome (RLS) experience unpleasant sensations and a strong urge to move their legs. These symptoms may start in the feet, thighs, or calves and usually get worse at night.
The sensations feel like itching, crawling, pulling, aching, or throbbing. They can also be accompanied by pins and needles, buzzing or numbness.
Treatment of RLS includes lifestyle changes, vitamin and mineral supplements, medical devices and medication. The goal is to reduce discomfort and improve sleep quality.
Occasionally, prescription medicines called dopamine agonists can help relieve RLS symptoms. However, these medications can cause some side effects, including impulse control disorder (ICD) in which people are unable to resist the urge to do something harmful to themselves or others.
Restless legs syndrome can be caused by a variety of problems, such as nerve damage or blood vessel abnormalities. Doctors may recommend lab tests and a sleep study to rule out other health conditions that can cause the symptoms.
Hypersomnia
Hypersomnia (excessive daytime sleepiness) is a common condition that can affect your quality of life. It can also increase your risk of falling asleep while driving or doing other activities.
Treatment for hypersomnia depends on the underlying cause. If your doctor suspects a medical problem, treatment may involve making changes to your sleep habits and possibly taking prescription medicines.
Medications that promote wakefulness include Modalert 200 Online, and armodafinil. They work by altering brain chemistry to stimulate wakefulness.
Some medications may have side effects, including headaches, dry mouth, nausea, and diarrhea. These medications can also interact with certain hormones and may cause a potentially life-threatening rash. If you have narcolepsy, your doctor may prescribe stimulant Waklert 150 Australia medicines to help you stay awake throughout the day.
Medicines Available For People Who Are Constantly Sleepy
Although there are many medicines available for those who are overly sleepy, they are frequently suggested in conjunction with other forms of treatments, therapies, and behavioral changes. The following medicines are frequently prescribed to people with EDS:
Modafinil
Narcolepsy patients with excessive sleepiness are treated with modafinil (Provigil), as are certain sleep apnea patients with lingering tiredness. The medicine, according to scientists, may have an impact on the brain’s sleep-wake regions. A headache is the most frequent adverse effect. Though these are infrequent, more severe side effects could include the emergence of anxiety or insomnia.
Armodafinil
Armodafinil (Nuvigil), which is a wake-promoting medicine used to treat people with narcolepsy or sleep apnea, is similar to modafinil in that it promotes alertness. Headache and lightheadedness are minor adverse effects. The more severe adverse effects may include depression, and trouble eating or breathing.
Follow the instructions supplied by your doctor and pharmacist carefully if you are given medication to treat excessive daytime sleepiness. Until you are certain of how the medicine affects you, avoid engaging in any potentially hazardous activity, such as driving.
