I've spent my adult life trying to find a cure for my awful migraines. My neurologist finally did a sleep study that showed that I was in 24 hour REM. I can't tell you how many times I've run off the road in broad daylight or fallen asleep at work as a teacher, a few times while reading to the children. I drank coffee all day long and stayed on my feet constantly to stay awake. Often the migraine pain helped keep me up. I always thought that everyone dreamed full cinematic, lifelike dreams like I did, but the weird hallucinations in the middle of the night were so frightening that I would think that I was suffocating or paralyzed with fear. I loved going to a movie or concert with my husband, but dreaded knowing that I would have to pinch myself to stay awake any time I sat down for more than a few minutes. I know I have a guardian angel because I haven't died in a car wreck even though I can remember arriving home so many times with no recollection of the drive. Treatment isn't a cure, but it's made my life healthier, happier and so much safer.

When I would go to my friends house for visits, I would sit down and about 3-5 minutes I woul fall asleep. I would wake up a few minutes later, and then a couple of minutes later I would fall back asleep, then wake up in a few, then back asleep in for a few. Paying attention to a conversation was a struggle. The fall in and out of sleep pattern also made driving difficult. Plus I have a tendecy to be an insomniac. After a few restless days on a "fresh" bottle of Adderall, the insomnia goes away and the "Cataplexy". This is a terrible experience of you wake up but are unable to move for a few minutes. It's actually quite scary. Cataplexy seems to cause my insomnia, because I don't want to go thru that scary feeling again.

I have narcolepsy since I was young but I did not find out until 2005. I have taken provigil, nuvigil, methadone, but doesn't do any good. I stay so sleepy during the day and when I go to sleep I am sleepy but I can't go to sleep for the shapes when I close my eyes. I do not reach REMS sleep so I never actually get a good night's rest even if I was to sleep for 12 hours straight. I have been tested and everything but I really need some assistance in finding out what to treat it with. Whatever is used will have to be in high doses. This has been going on for over 20 years. I need help.

I am 71 and have lived with narcolepsy since I was 17. I stumbled on a self treatment for driving, the act of opening and eating peanuts helps. I expanded this to include ice. On long trips I will buy a 10lb bag of ice. For short trips I get a soft drink and fill the cup with ice. This has allowed me to drive and not fall asleep. I encourage you to try. It sounds silly but.

When I have an attack, I go on a feeding frenzy. I haven't seen this as a symptom of narcolepsy. I was diagnosed in a sleep study several years ago and was prescribed Provigil 200mg 2xday. Though this has helped a lot, I still have sleep attacks that can't be predicted. Also, the minute I go to sleep, I start talking. I have resorted to sleeping alone for fear of disturbing my husband. I can never afford the luxury of dozing in church!

I am working and often my colleagues notice me sleeping in the office. It is too bad and embarrassing, if someone sees you sleeping in the office. I have been trying my best to keep awake all the time, but it is impossible. Sometimes I sleep standing. It is cruel, dangerous, risky, and above all is humiliating.

I am a nurse and have known I have Narcolepsy for many years but I am going to have a Sleep Study next month. I am not on any treatment as yet. I'm having trouble driving long distances. This is ruining my career because I drive a long distance to work. Any suggestions are appreciated.

I found dexadrine long active 10-15mg to be the most effective, but I still always have an afternoon nap which the lowers possibility of afternoon sleep onset. I would say by about 90% effective, weather I am on meds or take no meds. I nap for about 30 on my lunch break.