Narcolepsy
Narcolepsy is a chronic neurological condition in which the brain cannot properly regulate sleep and wake cycles. A person with narcolepsy may lose control over when they fall asleep or wake up.
Key points
- The hallmark signs include excessive daytime sleepiness, sudden sleep attacks without warning, cataplexy (a temporary loss of muscle control often triggered by emotions such as laughter or anger), and sleep paralysis.
- Narcolepsy is often linked to a lack of the brain chemical hypocretin (orexin), which regulates wakefulness; this loss is thought to result from the immune system mistakenly attacking the cells that produce it.
- There is currently no cure, but the condition can be managed through lifestyle changes such as scheduled naps and a strict bedtime routine, along with medication to reduce daytime sleepiness and prevent cataplexy attacks.
Medicines listed for Narcolepsy
The listed products contain Armodafinil and Modafinil, both wakefulness-promoting agents listed for narcolepsy. Artvigil is available as a 150mg tablet; Modalert comes in 100mg and 200mg tablets.
Further reading
What is narcolepsy?
Narcolepsy is a chronic neurological condition in which the brain cannot properly regulate sleep and wake cycles. A person with narcolepsy may lose control over when they fall asleep or wake up.
What causes narcolepsy?
Narcolepsy is often linked to a lack of the brain chemical hypocretin (orexin), which regulates wakefulness. This loss is thought to result from the immune system mistakenly attacking the cells that produce it.
What are the symptoms of narcolepsy?
The hallmark signs include excessive daytime sleepiness, sudden sleep attacks without warning, cataplexy and sleep paralysis. Cataplexy is a temporary loss of muscle control often triggered by emotions such as laughter or anger.
How is narcolepsy treated?
There is currently no cure, but the condition can be managed through lifestyle changes such as scheduled naps and a strict bedtime routine, along with medication to reduce daytime sleepiness and prevent cataplexy attacks. Modafinil and armodafinil are wakefulness-promoting medicines used for narcolepsy.
What medication for narcolepsy can I buy online?
The medicines listed for narcolepsy include products containing armodafinil and modafinil. Examples include Artvigil and Modalert.
Do I need a prescription for medicines for narcolepsy in South Africa?
No, not online. Direct Meds does not ask for a prescription to order medicines for narcolepsy. We are a broker, not a dispensing pharmacy. We arrange orders and delivery with our affiliated supplier on your behalf.
Ordering without a prescription →Can I order medicines for narcolepsy online in South Africa?
Yes. Our affiliated supplier delivers across South Africa. Estimated delivery is 7 days with Express Delivery, which includes online tracking, or up to 3 weeks with Regular Delivery.
How ordering works →Related articles
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