Suggestions for natural remedies/exercises to increase wakefulness

[MsSleepyHead]

Hello,
I am looking for alternative treatments, natural remedies, and various exercise suggestions to help me increase wakefulness. I was diagnosed with Narcolepsy in November 2010, but I had been experiencing symptoms since I was around 10 to 11 years old. I am currently taking Vyvanse 70mg in the morning, 10mg of Adderall (short acting) in the evening, and trying to implement a daily nap schedule. Over the last year the cataplexy I experience has increased and my muscle tone has decreased. I lost my job in September of 2011, because I was having such difficulty getting up to go to work and staying awake at work. I have tried taking Wellbutrin XL for the cataplexy but I don't think it has really done much. I cannot change medications because I'm allergic to Nuvigil and Provigil. Any suggestions?

[MsSleepyHead]

Hello,

Thank you for your response. I worked as a pharmacy tech for a few years and I know Ritalin is a rather inexpensive medication. Is his doctor willing to write a separate prescription for the additional amount of Ritalin he needs that you could pay for out of pocket? I am still waiting for a court date for my disability. I'm not very hopeful bc they fave been dragging this out for a almost a year now. Did your son have to go to court? How long did it take?

[kittymamaw]

My son, age 41, has severe narcolepsy.  He is on disability because of it.  He takes Ritalin for the narcolepsy and clomipramine (generic for Anafranil) for the cataplexy.  The Ritalin helps, but he can only take 3 pills a day (insurance won't approve more), and he really needs at least 2 more a day to stay awake and function.  He has bad nightmares and yells out in his sleep when he does not have the clomipramine.

[Paderla Anitha, DNB]

Hello and hope you are doing well.

Along with your medications, you could try to increase the duration of sleep at night. Also, try to nap in between regularly when your schedule permits. This voluntary napping could keep you alert for short spans.

Hope this helped and do keep us posted.