Narcolepsy is a chronic brain disorder that disrupts sleep-wake cycles. People with narcolepsy may feel refreshed after waking but often become very sleepy during the day—this is called excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS). They may also experience interrupted sleep at night.
Other symptoms include cataplexy (sudden muscle weakness), vivid hallucinations, and sleep paralysis (a temporary inability to move when falling asleep or waking up).1
Various medications that treat narcolepsy are available, and treatment plans can vary based on individual symptoms and other factors. Healthcare providers often start with one medication but may need to add more to fully control symptoms. Many people require a combination of treatments.2 Getty Images / Bloomberg / Contributor Stimulants
Various stimulants, also known as central nervous system (CNS) stimulants, can treat narcolepsy, including: Provigil (modafinil)
Nuvigil (armodafinil)
Adderall (amphetamine/dextroamphetamine)
Ritalin (methylphenidate)
Provigil
Provigil (modafinil) is a wakefulness-promoting agent. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved it to improve wakefulness in adults with EDS associated with narcolepsy, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) , or shift work disorder (SWD) .3The exact way Provigil helps people stay awake is not fully understood. It works similarly to other wakefulness-promoting drugs like Adderall (amphetamine/dextroamphetamine) and Ritalin (methylphenidate), but its effects and mechanisms for working are different.3Stimulants are controlled substances with the potential for abuse and dependence.4 Provigil is often prescribed as a first choice of treatment, though, because it is less addictive and has fewer side effects compared to certain other stimulants like Adderall and Ritalin.Provigil helps reduce daytime drowsiness and improve alertness. However, for people with severe sleepiness, Provigil or other first-choice medications may not be sufficient on their own, and additional treatments might be necessary.2Common side effects of Provigil include:3 Headache Stomach problems like nausea, upset stomach, or diarrhea Nervousness/anxiety Stuffy or runny nose Trouble sleeping Dizziness Back pain Nuvigil Nuvigil (armodafinil) is another wakefulness-promoting agent. It is similar to Provigil and has the same FDA-approved uses.Common side effects of Nuvigil include:5 Headache Nausea Dizziness Trouble sleeping Adderall and Ritalin If Provigil is not effective, healthcare providers may prescribe stimulants such as Adderall […]
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