Sleep Disorders Narcolepsy

[cookie3025]

I was recently told I have Narcolepsy with Cataplexy. I am a 74 year old Female and I am taking 20mg of Ritalin SR in the AM and 25mg of Imipram for the cataplexy in the PM. I  get about 2 to 4 hrs sleep and the rest of the night I toss and turn. My Dr. told me she doesn't give meds for her patients to sleep.

I am concerned about not sleeping and then taking Ritalin to keep me awake during the day.I feel my health will be affected. Is this the normal way to treat my condition?

[cookie3025]

Thank you for taking the time to reply and the information. I will discuss this with my Dr.

[jamiels11]

I understand what your going through.  My daughter was diagnosed last year with severe narcolepsy and severe cataplexy she is 12 years old. We went through so many trials of drugs like provigil, nuvigil and nothing helped her especialy with the cataplexy. When we seen her pulmonologist they put her on a medicine called xyrem and I can honestly say that has been a blessing.  Her cataplexy is controlled as well as her sleep she still has to take provigil during the day for a stimulant. But the best thing about the drug is u take it at night in 2 doses then by morning the medicine is out of your system so no unwanted side effects.  You might want to check with your doctor about it and you can go to their website for more info it is www.xyrem.com... good luck and good sleep..

[Paderla Anitha, DNB]

Hello and hope you are doing well.

The dosage can be adjusted, so that you get adequate sleep to feel well rested. With therapy it may take some time for the sleep routine to get established. So, if your symptoms of sleeplessness persist, then consult your doctor for dosage adjustments.

Hope this helped and do keep us posted.