Adderall (or any other suggestions) - Sleep Disorders Message Board

JHL · 11-12-2006, 08:36 PM

I was diagnosed with idiopathic hypersomnia a few years ago. I'm currently on Xyrem that works to keep me asleep but I'm now up to (at least) 2 naps a day. To be clear, time is spent soon after I wake up planning when I'll take my 1st nap and if/when the second one will be required. Also, these are often in excess of 1 hour. No need to expand on how much this has destroyed my way of life. I've always been reluctant to take amphetamine-like medications but I've finally come to the conclusion that if I'm to have a life then I'll need to give it a try.

I took provigil for about a week a few years ago. All it did was keep me from falling asleep and so I stopped. Another doctor prescribed Ritalin but I have severe Restless Legs Syndrom and this set my legs and arms off within minutes of taking it. I've spoken to someone who is taking Adderall and says that they prefer it to provigil but I don't know anything about it.

So what's out there? Does anyone have any suggestions or have any of you taken Adderall and are happy with the results? Any suggestions regarding any medications are appreciated.

GinaC · 11-12-2006, 08:48 PM

I take Adderall right now for the fatigue from Multiple Sclerosis. It is working great for me so far! Plus, I have lost 15 pound, and I haven't had to take a nap since I started using it. I also took the Provigil, and it didn't do anything for me at all, I was still exausted all day. The downside about the Adderall is I do have problems falling asleep. I was taking Trazadone at night, but it makes me way to groggy in the morning, so I stopped taking it.

The only other medicine that helped as much as the Adderall, was Focalin (another ADHD med). The problem with that was my insurance wouldn't approve that drug. I also tried Concerta (it didn't work as well, it kinda wore off around 5pm).

I hope you find something that works for you. It did take my insurance some time to decide if they would cover it or not, but in the mean time, I was able to find a printable form to give to the pharmacy for a free month. The Concerta and the Focalin also had a free months worth that I was able to get too (that is how I was able to try quite a few). I think it is because the doctors can't have samples.

One other downside to the ADHD meds is you have to go back to your doctor every month for a new prescription, you can't get any refills on them, and they cannot be phoned in.