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DrJames
176 answers
188 thumbs up

Live life to the fullest. 

Narcoleptic student needs help

I have a client who was diagnosed last year as mildly narcolpetic. She has become increasingly depressed and her narcolepsy has signficantly worsened. (I'm sure there is a connection between the level of her depression and her narcolepsy); however, I have never treated a narcoleptic person before and was wondering if anyone had any experience with this disease. She is a student and finds herself falling asleep in class every day without fail. She also finds it extremely difficult to get out of bed in the morning and stay awake throughout the day. She is currently taking Provigil but it does not appear to be working. This is making her even more depressed and her life is "spiraling out of control." Any suggestions?

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Trixy
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RE: Narcoleptic student needs help



I also have depression and narcolepsy,  I also fight the desire to sleep all the time.  I have tried all stimulents (modafimal being the worst for me)  At the present what I take is dexedrine one a day to get going.  I still could sleep all the time.  The only thing that has worked for me is not meds but I decided to ACCEPT what I have and tell my self we are given everything for a very good reason we just may not know it.  I don't feel guilty not it I sleep.   I started to get back into art and I now have a love and actual work in a store.  The more you fight what you have the more you are not excepting your self and telling your self your not special.  I started to say to my self all the time when I felt sad about sleeping.  I said to my self "WHO CARES"  "i AM WHAT i AM AND SLEEP OR NOT i AM SPECIAL'  i start to reverse my thoughts regarding the posibility that I am gifted from having this.  I mean you have to admit having this desease changes your life in regards to how you understand many thisgs.  Ask your self how have you change for the better from what you have been given.  You have to be honest with your self.  I am very sure that you have a listening ear and a compassiona about you that cares about others because of what you have.  You most likely need to meet others who also have what you have and you will see how much knoledge you have on how to cope and survive.  Never give up.  I am also a nurse and I really believe accepting what you have and working on building your self esteme and realaizing what a special part you play in the world.  Hang in there!  Trixy
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IsabellaLily
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A man (or woman) who won't die for something is not fit to live.

-Martin Luther King Jr.

RE: Narcoleptic student needs help



If I were you, I would refer your client to a specialist, someone who can help her to deal with her problem correctly, so she can live her life without depression and without falling asleep all the time.  I know that this is possible.  There are many things that treat narcolepsy; she just needs to get the proper treatment and the proper attention.  Maybe you can do some research to help her find the best specialist?
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DrJames
176 answers
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Live life to the fullest. 

RE: Narcoleptic student needs help



Thanks Isabella for your response. She has been referred to a sleep specialist but she is not finding any relief in what this doctor has prescribed (the Provigil). I had a passing thought that doing yoga might help, but I really do not know. I was hoping someone on Yedda has experience or knows someone who has narcolepsy and has some suggestions on how they successfully live day to day.
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alleybama_cat
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stress, skin disorders, mood swings, anxiety, bipolar disorder, head trauma, fibromyalgia, arthritis, medicine, herbs, single-parenting, major depression, dieting, weight loss, weight gain, migraines, pain

RE: Narcoleptic student needs help



Narcolepsy & depression together is enough to make you want to give up. I know because I suffer from both as well. I take provigil, prozac, xanax & natural herbs. I really get tired of taking all this medication because to be quite honest, it don't help a whole lot. I never seem to get enough sleep & I walk around all day kind of in a daze. I'm not as chipper as I know I should be. I get snappy real easy, have no energy or motivation. If it wasn't for my 6 & 7 year olds I probably would never get out of bed. I know that sounds patheticCry but so is having to live a life with
with major depression, narcolepsy, anxiety & bipolar disorder. I guess you could say that anyone with all that does extremely well to carry on a life. Add fibromyalgia, arthritis, bone spurs, bulging disk, head trauma(which causes migraines) to all that. How do I keep going? Well it's got to be sheer willpower & the love I have for my children.Laughing I also ocassionaly take the energy fat burner pill called stacker 3. It helps a whole lot but since I do have anxiety I HAVE to take a xanax at least 3 hours afterwards or I get so shaky I feel like I'm going to go crazy. I personally recomend anyone with narco to try this pill but remember not all individuals can tolerate pills of that kind because of severe jitters.Yell I don't reccomend it to anyone underwieght or someone who doesn't need to loose ANY weight at all! I also take a herb called thyroid T-3(stimulant-free) which boosts thyroid output & metabolism. In addition I also take colon clenz(available at wal-mart), this is an all natural antioxidant which also helps you rest better at night. It contains valerian which is an herb for rest & relaxation. SmileMost importantly we are all special no matter what ailments & problems we have. Think positive, keep busy, get a fun hobby, talk to a good friend. Also reading blogs like this can help when you are feeling really down.WinkOne more thing I do, which sounds kind of silly, is to pretend like I'm really happy even if I'm not. this somehow makes me forget for awhile that I'm tired, sleepy &Cool depressed.
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