Could I Have Narcolepsy?

[bekaboo22]

I was diagnosed at the age of twelve with ADD and was prescribed adderrall. I am now 23. It works for the most part but I have uncontrollable sudden urges during the day to sleep as if i had taken a strong sleeping pill. I also experience weird situations where my muscles quit working and nearly fall to the ground. My eyes and head and body are so tired all the time as if i have not slept in weeks when i have slept at night. I also experience phases of insomnia where for days or even weeks at a time i cannot sleep at night. Its like my body has an abnormal flow of sleep hormone. I have other examples of symptoms of narcolepsy but i will stop there.
These symptoms are very common when i do not take my adderrall. It is impossible to function when i am not on my medicine because i am so tired and my entire body hurts like no one could possibly understand, and i could sleep for days. i know this probably sounds like withdrawal symptoms of not being on adderrall at the time, and probably for the most part is withdrawal from the medicine. However, the symptoms of narcolepsy are present during times when my medicine is taken. Also i had narcolepsy symptoms before i was ever prescribed to adderrall.
  i was wondering if i should be tested for narcolepsy, or if diagnosed with narcolepsy would they prescribe me to something similar to adderrall? if this were the case, being tested would not matter much if they would give me the same medications anyways. I just dont want to be misdiagnosed and on the wrong medication for the rest of my life.

[KatEyes]

Having a diagnosis of narcolepsy can bring some complications such as getting insurance, possible driving restrictions, etc. However, the truth is the truth and I personally would want to know and be treated specifically for it. But you may want to get your business in order first, such as know what the legalities are in your state, and have an insurance plan in place that is not temporary.

Ideally you would have an overnight sleep study followed by an all day nap study to be assessed for narcolepsy. It is possible to have other sleep disorders that result in symptoms that mimick narcolepsy. That happened with me. I may still have a mild case of narcolepsy, but the worst of the symptoms have responded to treatment of the other disorders.

I personally would want to know if I was in danger of having a sleep attack and hurting myself or someone else. Keep in mind that once you seek a doctor's advice for possible narcolepsy it can become a pre-existing condition. Maybe you'd benefit from going to a sleep forum and asking in the narcolepsy section what treatments are being used these days, or if Adderall (adderrall) is the treatment of choice.

[Rowena Santos, MD]

Hi,

Narcolepsy is a neurological condition most characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness even after adequate night time sleep. Other manifestations are : cataplexy or episodic  loss of muscle function; sleep paralysis or temporary inability to talk or move when waking, hypnagogic hallucinations, and automatic behavior.  Hypnagogic hallucinations are vivid, often frightening, dreamlike experiences that occur while dozing, falling asleep and/or while awakening. While automatic behavior means that a person continues to function during sleep episodes but awakens with no memory of performing such activities. Diagnosis is relatively easy when all the symptoms of narcolepsy are present.Two tests that are commonly used in diagnosing narcolepsy are the polysomnogram and the multiple sleep latency test which are usually performed by a sleep specialist. The drowsiness is normally treated using amphetamine-like stimulants. Learning as much about narcolepsy as possible and finding a support system can help patients and families deal with the practical and emotional effects of the disorder, and situations that might cause injury. This link may be helpful:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Narcolepsy

It would be best to see your doctor for definite diagnosis an proper management. Take care and keep us posted.
and proper management.