Thursday , 28 March 2024
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How is Narcolepsy Treated?

 

Narcolepsy is a rare disorder of the brain which causes the patient to suddenly fall asleep, often at inappropriate or inconvenient times. It can also cause symptoms of sleep paralysis, which is a temporary inability to move when falling asleep or waking up. Patients suffering from narcolepsy will also often feel tired and drowsy for long periods of time throughout the day, even after sleeping for a long amount of time. It can also cause involuntary loss of muscle control, which can happen temporarily after experiencing emotions such as anger or happiness. Although narcolepsy doesn’t usually have a detrimental effect on the physical heath of most patients, it can be extremely hard to deal with emotionally. Read on to learn more about the symptoms of narcolepsy and how it is treated.

Therapy and Counselling

Narcolepsy can cause a number of psychological and emotional problems, as it can be very difficult to deal with keeping on top of day to day life when you could fall asleep unexpectedly at any moment. Many narcolepsy sufferers are unable to work or study due to their condition, and many are often misunderstood as simply being lazy which can be upsetting. For this reason, narcolepsy sufferers are at a greater risk of becoming depressed, which is why it’s recommended that they use counselling or therapy services. There are a number of narcolepsy support groups that patients can be referred to by a doctor, and these are a great way of being able to speak to other people who understand the condition first hand.

Stimulants

There are a number of stimulants that can be used to treat narcolepsy. One drug in particular that is often used to treat narcolepsy is Modafinil, which is usually prescribed by a doctor, although it is possible to buy Modafinil online without a prescription. Modafinil stimulates the central nervous system which helps to keep the patient awake throughout the day. It’s usually taken in the morning, and the dosage varies depending on the individual. However, it’s important to note that stimulant drugs such as Modafinil can cause some side effects, including:

  • Nausea
  • Headaches
  • Nervousness
  • Insomnia
  • Tense jaw
  • Dry mouth
  • Stomach aches
  • Weight loss
  • Irritability

Modafinil has also been linked to arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat) and has been known to increase blood pressure, so regular monitoring and checks whilst taking this medication are essential.

Good Sleeping Habits

For those who suffer from narcolepsy and don’t want to take any medication or supplements, good sleeping habits can often improve symptoms. Taking frequent naps, sticking to a strict bedtime routine, avoiding caffeine at certain times, regular exercise and relaxing before bedtime with limited distractions are all steps that can be taken to make suffering from narcolepsy more bearable.

Since there is no known cure for narcolepsy, most patients find that managing it successfully is down to finding out what works best for them personally. If you have narcolepsy and would like to share any advice or tips for managing the condition with others, we’d love to hear from you in the comments.

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