Narcolepsy is a mysterious condition that has been shrouded in mystery. It affects as many as 200,000 Americans. Even though it’s rare, most of us have probably met someone with narcolepsy. Although it may seem far-fetched and impossible to imagine, narcolepsy is a common experience for many. Although the condition can present with significant challenges, people with narcolepsy learn how to manage it.
Narcolepsy and its treatments
Narcolepsy, a neurological condition that can last a lifetime and affect the brain’s ability to keep a constant level of wakefulness and sleep, is chronic. Narcolepsy symptoms include daytime sleepiness and sudden muscle weakness. They also cause temporary paralysis and fragmented sleep. Narcolepsy is characterized by rapid eye movement (REM), or “dreaming” that occurs much faster than those without it.
There is evidence that narcolepsy begins as an autoimmune condition. This is the most likely cause. Children may experience an immune response at an early age due to certain infections, such as the H1N1 influenza. The immune system reacts too strongly to an infection and attacks the neurons that produce the chemical hypocretin. This is essential for the brain’s ability to remain awake and alert. Patients with narcolepsy are more likely to have less hypocretin in their brains and spinal fluid than others, which causes the brain to lose its ability to regulate sleep and wakefulness.
Narcolepsy can’t be reversed or treated. However, medication and lifestyle changes may help to relieve the symptoms like Modalert or Modvigil. So many prominent and promising treatments are available. Immunosuppressant therapies are promising in treating narcolepsy from its infancy stages. Today, however, the treatment is purely focused on managing symptoms.
Narcolepsy Symptoms
Your primary care provider will refer you to a specialist if you suspect you may have narcolepsy. To diagnose narcolepsy, a sleep specialist will examine five symptoms that fall under two categories. These are the five symptoms:
• Hyperactive daytime sleepiness: This is a classic symptom that is required for a diagnosis of narcolepsy. It involves frequent “sleep attack” symptoms, which are a sudden, unexpected and constant need to fall asleep during the night.
• Cataplexy: narcolepsy causes a sudden loss in muscle tone and control during strong emotions. Cataplexy can be mild, like slurred speech or drooping eyelids. It can also cause paralysis, which can lead to a patient falling to the ground completely.
• Narcolepsy: REM sleep disturbances can often stop people from sleeping through the night. Although it may seem easy to go to sleep, they might wake up after only a few hours.
• Hypnagogic hallucinations. Sleep hallucinations may occur during hypnagogia. This is the time between waking up and falling asleep. Hypnagogic hallucinations can be experienced by many people, but patients suffering from narcolepsy are more likely to experience them.
• Sleep paralysis: REM sleep paralysis is when the body becomes paralyzed and muscles lose their tone. This is called REM atonia. Sleep paralysis is a condition that occurs when someone with narcolepsy falls asleep or wakes up.
Narcolepsy Diagnosis
To diagnose narcolepsy, a sleep specialist will examine five symptoms that fall under two categories. These are the five symptoms:
• Hyperactive daytime sleepiness: This is a classic symptom that indicates narcolepsy. It involves frequent “sleep attacks,” which are sudden, unexpected, and persistent, overwhelming urges to fall asleep during the day.
• Cataplexy is unique, narcolepsy causes a sudden loss in muscle tone and control during strong emotions. Cataplexy can be mild, like slurred speech or drooping eyelids. It can also cause paralysis, which can lead to a patient falling to the ground completely.
• Narcolepsy: REM sleep disturbances can often stop people from sleeping through the night. Although it may seem easy to go to sleep, they might wake up after only a few hours.
• Hypnagogic hallucinations. Sleep hallucinations may occur during hypnagogia. This is the time between waking up and falling asleep. Hypnagogic hallucinations can be experienced by many people, but patients suffering from narcolepsy are more likely to experience them.
• Sleep paralysis: REM sleep paralysis is when the body becomes paralyzed and muscles lose their tone. This is called REM atonia. Sleep paralysis is a condition that occurs when someone with narcolepsy falls asleep or wakes up.
Treatment options for Narcolepsy
There are many treatments like Modalert 200 or Modvigil 200 options narcolepsy has been diagnosed. Although the underlying neurological condition cannot be reversed or managed, symptoms can be reduced. Specific symptoms can be treated with the use of some prescribed medications. And, if you are in search of Modalert 200 Australia which is considered for the treatment of Narcolepsy, can be found here at our online store with reasonable rates.
A second component to relieving narcolepsy symptoms is behavioural changes. Patients will learn how to monitor their sleep habits and maintain good sleep hygiene. We will also recommend changes to our diets. Cognitive behavioural therapy can be used to assist patients in developing successful strategies for managing medications, behaviour, and diet.
The last pillar in treatment is to manage the psychological and social consequences. These may include advocacy, support groups, school and work accommodations, as well as advocacy.
What are some common side effects of Narcolepsy Medication?
The medication may cause side effects. Many patients experience nausea or headaches from all classes of Narcolepsy medication.
• However, drowsiness or sleepiness can be caused by sodium oxybate and other sedates.
• As might be expected from stimulants, they can cause restlessness and nervousness.
• Insomnia- promoting agents have wakefulness as one of their top side goods.
• Being dry mouth are among some common side effects of antidepressants.
These narcolepsy medications can have dangerous side effects. FDA warnings are included for some of them. There is a high risk of dependence on stimulants and sedatives, as well as abuse and overdose. There will be the possibility of suicide in the case of antidepressants. If taken during pregnancy, sodium oxybate can cause severe harm to a foetus. All three can cause severe allergic reactions, which may need hospitalization.
These side effects are not all possible and the doctor will decide if the benefits outweigh any potential risks. Any possibility of side effects must be discussed with your doctor.