My Mom has been taking Dexedrine and Ambien for years to treat her Narcolepsy. She recently had a stroke. Unfortunately many of the stimulant's side effects seem to be consistent with heart trouble. Does anyone have any suggestions for treatment or similar experience?
Narcolepsy meds not tolerated by elderly
Started by
ranyjamm
, Dec 11 2007 03:35 PM
1 reply to this topic
#2
sleepytymegal
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Posted 31 January 2008 - 09:45 PM
Ranyjamm,
Don't know your mom's age or the amount of the Dexedrine, but I am 69, and tolerate 600 mg of Provigil very well. I took Dex before the Provigil came out, but can't remember how much. Did have to take drug holidays every two weeks. Am now also trying Xyrem. Don't know if that's contraindicated in stroke patient. It does have a high sodium load and can raise blood pressure, so you have to monitor carefully.
Is she also seeing a sleep specialist who will coordinate with her other main doctors?
My mother had mini-strokes, so I try particularly to watch anything that I do that might cause one. Have you seen all the research about keeping your brain exercised (if she's currently able) with things like crossword puzzles, sudoku, and learning new skills to create new pathways???
Please let us hear how this is resolved.
Don't know your mom's age or the amount of the Dexedrine, but I am 69, and tolerate 600 mg of Provigil very well. I took Dex before the Provigil came out, but can't remember how much. Did have to take drug holidays every two weeks. Am now also trying Xyrem. Don't know if that's contraindicated in stroke patient. It does have a high sodium load and can raise blood pressure, so you have to monitor carefully.
Is she also seeing a sleep specialist who will coordinate with her other main doctors?
My mother had mini-strokes, so I try particularly to watch anything that I do that might cause one. Have you seen all the research about keeping your brain exercised (if she's currently able) with things like crossword puzzles, sudoku, and learning new skills to create new pathways???
Please let us hear how this is resolved.
