Narcolepsy - not quite..Ritalin ? - Sleep Disorders Message Board

qwerty3 · 01-22-2008, 05:34 PM

I was recently given Ritalin to help with my "always sleepy" problem. I have a horrible time getting up and the whole day I have no energy, I am always tired and I could always take a nap. I sleep at least 9, 10 hours a night, eat healthy and exercise. I took sleep tests and I do not have apne, restless leg syndrome, anything like that.

She gave me Ritalin because it is often given to people with Narcolpesy. Does anyone else take Ritalin for "Always tired" problems?? If so what is your dosage and has it worked for you? Any comments would be great... it just sucks being tired all the time - being moody, non productive.. i can't handle it!

PinkFloyd1 · 01-22-2008, 06:25 PM

I have been diagnosed with 3 sleep disorders. Narc being one. I have tried Provigil, Ritilin, and am now on Adderrall. The first two did nothing for me. I can only take Adderrall a few times a week because my body builds a quick tolerance to it. You will have to experiment till you find something that works for you. It can get very frustrating!

wisangel · 01-23-2008, 12:57 AM

I also have narcolepsy and was on Ritalin for over a year before discontinuing it in October, 2007. I took the medicine 2 times per day and was at the maximum dose one is allowed in a day. Still, I had no relief or improvement in my level of fatigue and tiredness. I could easily fall asleep anywhere and often times did, especially when I got home from work. Prior to Ritalin, I had also tried Provigil and found the same problem: I felt just as tired on the meds as I did off the meds.

Now I take Adderall, 2x/day, and I can honestly say that this medicine has been a "miracle" success when it comes to my fatigue & constant feelings of tiredness. I can actually get through a day without feeling like I need a nap. Heck, I can even stay up late if I want, something I haven't been able to do in years, and with or without meds. But everyone is different and not every drug will work for everybody.

qwerty3 · 01-27-2008, 09:45 AM

I have been taking 1 Ritalin two times per day for the last almost week now. I think it has been helping a bit, but I still get tired. I am going to start taking 2 pills two times a day.

My question is: Can your body get immune to Ritalin?? Let's say it works a bit for me NOW...but what about if I keep taking it every day for 2/3 months..can i start to have less affect on me? That's what I'm afraid of. Any comments or answers would be GREATLY appreciated!

PinkFloyd1 · 01-27-2008, 10:56 AM

Yes your body can develop a tolerance to it. Everyone is different so it is hard to say how long it will take. I took Ritalin and it did absolutely nothing for me. I am now taking Adderrall but can only take it 3-4 times a week if I am lucky. I gain tolerance quickly. It sucks! If you find the Ritalin not doing much, see if you can try Adderrall. It kicks in right away so there is no waiting. Some drugs have to build up in your system first. Good luck!