10 replies to this topic

[sometimes]

Is Xyrem effective for treating daytime sleepiness? Can it replace stimulants altogether? Does it help prevent sleep attacks? Does it reduce general background sleepiness?

[shakysleppy]

Well to be honest, for me it has not helped with the daytime sleepiness, therefore it has not replaced my daytime stimulants. it is mainly a Cataplexy medication, as well as a sleep aid for better deeper sleep. however i have talked to people that say it has worked for there daytime sleepiness.

[Ben L]

Xyrem significantly reduced my daytime sleepiness, but not completely. With Xyrem only, I could go through the day with a significant reduction in daytime sleepiness, but zoning out, automatic behavior, and lack of focus would be bad. I need stimulants to control those conditions. Xyrem and Welbutrin have made my cataplexy reasonably manageable and at times negligible. Xyrem has also helped me lose weight and heal faster, as these things rely heavily on the first two stages of sleep that I wasn't getting.

Keep in mind that N is idiosyncratic and it appears the reaction to medications seems to be different for each person as well. Personally, life was misery before Xyrem and is now manageable with it. Take any med away from me but the Xyrem. If only it worked that well for each and every person.

Unfortunately, the most accurate answers to your questions are: maybe, maybe, maybe, and maybe.

[Megssosleepy]

Keep in mind that N is idiosyncratic and it appears the reaction to medications seems to be different for each person as well. Personally, life was misery before Xyrem and is now manageable with it. Take any med away from me but the Xyrem. If only it worked that well for each and every person.

Unfortunately, the most accurate answers to your questions are: maybe, maybe, maybe, and maybe.

Couldn't agree more, Ive only taken the Xyrem 2 times (just started!) Sunday is the day I let myself sleep when ever I want. I only took my morning dose of Stimulant... and even though I slept like crap (Xyrem made me bonkers) I wasnt as tired the next day and just went to bed early after sleeping in, where normally I will take 2+ naps. Not sure if it was just a "good day" or if it was the crazy xyrem, but only time will tell. I am crossing my fingers to sleep through the night and not need but a little pick-me-up in the am. I will keep you all posted, lets cross our fingers!!

[tdmom]

Theoretically yes as it provides you with the deep sleep that pwn don't get. From what I have read this is not true for many. My son is currently only on Xyrem and takes 1 nap a day. He was on Provigil 200 mg x2 and Prozac 40 mg daily before Xyrem. He has been weaned off both of them. It takes a long time to get the right dose of Xyrem however.

Is Xyrem effective for treating daytime sleepiness? Can it replace stimulants altogether? Does it help prevent sleep attacks? Does it reduce general background sleepiness?

[Megssosleepy]

So, I just went up to a higher dose... and Ive tried to not take my stimulants, so far Ive still have had to cave in and take them. But, just knowing that I am sleeping at night is a weight off my shoulders and I think that in the future I wont need the adderall any more! Fingers crossed!

[Sisu]

I'm still taking ritalin, but not until much later in the day. I used to need multiple alarm clocks to get up, and even then if I didn't take the ritalin right away I'd be asleep again in no time. So I'd wake up, try to figure out the alarm clocks, take the med that had to be set out the night before with a glass of water... and wait until I woke up.

Now I just wake up, and morning has become my most productive time. So it's working for me, but I still need ritalin, especially in the evenings.

[Megssosleepy]

I'm still taking ritalin, but not until much later in the day. I used to need multiple alarm clocks to get up, and even then if I didn't take the ritalin right away I'd be asleep again in no time. So I'd wake up, try to figure out the alarm clocks, take the med that had to be set out the night before with a glass of water... and wait until I woke up.

Now I just wake up, and morning has become my most productive time. So it's working for me, but I still need ritalin, especially in the evenings.

How long where you on it when you started feeling productive in the am?

[naplover]

I'm curious about this as well. I don't have cataplexy. I get side effects from all of the stimulants, so I have nothing else to try but Xyrem.

[Megssosleepy]

I'm curious about this as well. I don't have cataplexy. I get side effects from all of the stimulants, so I have nothing else to try but Xyrem.

Ive been taking Xyrem for just over a month. I am hoping to get off the stimulants (because of the side effects), but right now I need them more then ever! The side effects of Xyrem are a lot easier for me to tolerate. I hope to start noticing a difference soon, but I know it can take a while.

[naplover]

How long does it usually take to notice a difference?

What side effects are you getting from Xyrem?