ADHD

I used to take Provigil and Nuvigil but it didn't work for me as well. I've been diagnosed with narcolepsy since I've been 12 and have been prescribed dexedrine 10mg until I was married and wanted to start a family. Afterwards, I was prescribed Vyvanse 60mg for both my ADHD ( dx as an adult) and the narcolepsy from my psychiatrist who is also a neurologist. It has done wonders. My regular neurologist who treats me for chronic migraines won't treat me with current narcolepsy meds due to me not having a current sleep study and I seriously can't afford the copay for it ( over $500) and I'm a little indignant that I need to "reprove" that I have it. The Vyvanse is working well enough that I am not willing to pursue the sleep study at this time. Not to say I don't have break through symptoms, because I do. I'm now 58 years old, so you might understand my indignation at this point in my life. It was starting to impact my driving, and I do have Type 1, so I have " grounded" myself from driving and have my hubby chauffeur me around now. It's kind of nice after driving anywhere and everywhere all the time for so many years. Well, thank you for letting me vent. I wish you all continued success in your managing this devil of a comorbidity. Sometimes, it's a hard thing to handle, but the stimulants definitely seem to help.

I find I can be hyper focused on one thing, and then later find I am so scattered, I can't get anything accomplished.

Hi @dehlya,

This is such an important question—thank you for bringing it up! ADHD and narcolepsy often intersect in interesting ways, especially when it comes to treatment. While I don’t have narcolepsy myself, I’ve done a lot of research and spoken to others in similar situations. Here’s what I’ve learned:

1. Shared Treatments
It’s not uncommon for stimulants like Adderall or Ritalin to be prescribed for both ADHD and narcolepsy. These medications target similar brain functions—improving focus and reducing excessive daytime sleepiness—so they can benefit both conditions. However, the dosage or timing might need adjusting depending on how each condition presents for you.

2. Finding the Right Fit
Some people, like @lycoriscyl mentioned, find that non-stimulant options such as Modafinil or Wakix (Pitolisant) work better for managing narcolepsy symptoms without some of the drawbacks of traditional stimulants. If you’re struggling to find a balance between managing ADHD and narcolepsy, it might be worth discussing these options with your doctor. Services like Attention to Health specialise in ADHD assessment and treatment and might be able to offer insight into how your treatment plan could be optimised.

3. Holistic Management
Managing both conditions often requires a bit of finesse. Sleep hygiene is crucial, as it helps your body and medication work more effectively. For ADHD, strategies like using timers, breaking tasks into smaller steps, or even pairing focus-heavy tasks with movement can be helpful. For narcolepsy, prioritising rest periods and planning your day around your energy levels can make a huge difference.

4. Monitoring Side Effects
You mentioned wondering if the same stimulants could work for both conditions. While they can, it’s important to monitor for side effects like anxiety, heart palpitations, or mood changes. Open communication with your doctor is key to tweaking your treatment plan as needed.

If you’re looking to explore further, Attention to Health offers consultations that could help you navigate ADHD treatment while considering its interaction with narcolepsy management.

It’s amazing to hear about everyone’s unique journeys in this thread—it’s such a reminder that no one-size-fits-all approach works for conditions like ADHD and narcolepsy. Keep advocating for yourself and exploring options that help you thrive.

Warmly,
Claire

Yeah, I take Adderall. 30 mg twice a day