Idiopathic Hypersomnia and Provigil Questions - Sleep Disorders Message Board

Hammy5 · 05-26-2006, 07:54 AM

Hello!

I was just diagnosed with Idiopathic Hypersomnia and was prescribed Provigil. I am new to all of this so can anyone tell me what exactly this Hypersomnia is and what I should expect with the Provigil?

I am also concerned that I take birth control pills and it says that it makes them ineffective. Is this really true? I am not really into condoms so I don't know what to do for BC now!

Any information will be greatly appreciated!

kristine

Maxibear · 05-26-2006, 10:31 AM

I prefer Ritalin over Provigil for IH. It's shorter acting, feels the same, and doesn't interfer with birth control. I dont' care what the doctors say - Provigil for me acted exactly the same as a stimulant like Ritalin, only it took me on a 9 hour ride instead of a 4 hour ride.

That's a problem, because it kind of increases your heart rate, and I like to exercise. But I never felt safe exercising on the Provigil because it lasts for so long and I don't want to rev up my heart any more.

Also, despite what many doctors say, Provigil does not build up in your system and you can take it as needed. You don't have to take it every day.