Armodafinil in the treatment of Narcolepsy

Armodafinil is a medication that belongs to the Eugeroic group (a group that promotes wakefulness) and helps in treating the symptoms of Excessive Daytime Sleepiness associated with narcolepsy, obstructive sleep apnea, and shift work disorder. However, each of these conditions varies from one another in their origin and impact on the individual. So, this blog solely concentrates on discussing Narcolepsy and its possible treatment options with Armodafinil tablets. 

Armodafinil: An Overview

Armodafinil is the R-enantiomer of Modafinil. It is a nootropic that helps in the treatment of excessive daytime sleepiness associated with narcolepsy, obstructive sleep apnea, and shift work disorder. 

Armodafinil belongs to the Schedule IV controlled substances, and the use of the drug was approved by the FDA in the year 2007. It is currently sold under different brand names like Nuvigil, Waklert, and Artvigil. 

Narcolepsy And Its Symptoms 

It is a chronic neurological disorder that causes excessive daytime drowsiness and makes people very drowsy during the day. The conditions affect the brain’s ability to control sleep-wake cycles. 

Narcolepsy can occur to anyone and at any age. However, its onset of occurrence is more commonly seen in adolescents, children, and young adults.

Some of the common symptoms of Narcolepsy, as shown in the image below, are-

• Cataplexy or bouts of muscle weakness

• Brain fog

• Disrupted Night time sleep

• Hallucination

• Sleep paralysis.

Narcolepsy is generally caused by a chemical deficiency in the brain that helps neurons talk to each other.

Armodafinil For Narcolepsy

The clinical use of Armodafinil includes managing excessive daytime sleepiness associated with Narcolepsy, which is further shown in a 2006 study made by John R. Harsh et al. The study suggests that Armodafinil significantly improves the ability to sustain wakefulness throughout the day in patients with Narcolepsy.

Another study made by JeD Black stated that Armodafinil remained effective in increasing the blood pressure of patients and is a long-term effective treatment for obstructive sleep apnea, narcolepsy, and shift work disorder. 

After the evaluation of the studies, you might be interested in adding Armodafinil to your list. You can get Armodafinil 150 mg for Narcolepsy from Healthmatter, a trusted online pharmacy, at affordable prices and discounts. 

How Does Armodafinil Treat Narcolepsy?

Armodafinil helps in increasing the level of neurotransmitters like dopamine, histamine, orexin, and serotonin. This helps in decreasing the level of GABA, which results in reduced sleepiness, and also helps in the activation of the mind and body, removing excessive fatigue. 

It is, however, essential to note that Armodafinil is not a treatment for improving Narcolepsy but only helps in managing EDS associated with the condition. 

How Long Does Armodafinil Take To Work For Narcolepsy?

Armodafinil takes 30 minutes to start its onset of action after administration. 

The half-life of Armodafinil is 12-15 hours, which is defined as the duration of time that the body requires to reduce the medicine by half. Therefore, the effects of Armodafinil for Narcolepsy lasts for about 12 to 15  hours. However, a medication requires 4-5 half-lives to be completely removed from the system; thus, Armodafinil stays in the system for a total of 60 to 75 hours. 

Armodafinil Dosage For Narcolepsy 

Armodafinil dosage might vary from patient to patient depending upon certain factors like age and health conditions (kidney or liver dysfunction). The standard recommended dosage of Armodafinil is 150mg/day for adults above 17 years of age. 

The dosage should be taken early in the morning in order to avoid insomnia. 

NOTE:

•  In any circumstance, if you miss a dose of Armodafinil, you can skip the missed dose and follow your normal dosage schedule. 

• Do not overlap the doses; it might lead to an overdose. 

Armodafinil Administration Guidelines  

Four simple steps on how to take the medication are to be followed-

• Swallow the tablet as a whole with a glass of water.

• Take the tablet with or without food as the doctor prescribes.

• Avoid chewing or crushing the tablet.

• Avoid the consumption of alcohol while taking the medication [2].

Precautionary Measures While Using Armodafinil 

There are five important precautionary measures to be followed while using  Armodafinil for Narcolepsy. 

1. The medication contains the active ingredient Armodafinil, which might cause an allergic reaction. 

2. You should consult with your doctor about your medical history if you have problems like high blood pressure, heart disease, kidney or liver dysfunction, etc, before taking the medication.

3. You should not drive or do any activity requiring immediate response while taking the medication. 

4. Avoid the medication while you are pregnant, along with contraceptives.

5. Do not take the medication at the stage of breastfeeding; this might harm your baby. 

Modafinil Vs. Armodafinil For Narcolepsy

Armodafinil and Modafinil are almost identical Nootropics with similar working mechanisms and clinical benefits. Armodafinil 150 mg is more potent than Modafinil 200mg, according to many clinical studies, thus making it a better treatment choice for managing EDS caused by Narcolepsy. 

One such study indicating the better efficacy of Armodafinil over Modafinil was by Mona Darwish, published in the year 2009, which indicated that plasma concentrations of Armodafinil are higher than Modafinil giving a better result in treating excessive daytime sleepiness [4]. 

Reviews of Armodafinil For Narcolepsy

Armodafinil has an overall rating of 7.3 out of 10 on the website Drugs but a rating of 6.2 out of 10 for treating Narcolepsy. 

Some of the notable reviews left by users on the website drugs are listed down below. 

• “ I was suffering from Narcolepsy and battling constant fatigue. Once I started taking Armodafinil, life changed into a different one”. 

• “Suffering from narcolepsy was a nightmare to me. When I started taking Armodafinil, it worked like magic. Now, it’s been 1 year, I have been taking the medication, and I am constantly feeling better day by day”.

• “I was suffering from Idiopathic Hypersomnia, where I would sleep for the whole day. After taking Armodafinil I feel like a normal person now. There are no side effects, and I feel energized for the whole day” [3].

Manage Narcolepsy Symptoms At Home- Natural Ways To Stay Awake 

Along with taking Armodafinil, here are a few tips to manage the symptoms of Narcolepsy at home. 

Eat healthy- 

People suffering from Narcolepsy with cataplexy often are low on a hormone called hypocretin that helps in staying awake and alert. This can be improved by taking food rich in hypocretin, such as dark leafy greens,  sourdough bread, salmon, and kimchi. 

Stay Active-

Exercising and walking around for even 20 minutes can help you stay active and alert. People with desk jobs can get up and walk around in their workspace or go to the washroom to freshen up. Climbing stairs also helps. 

Get Enough Sunshine-

Sun rays are very important to help you stay awake and synthesize vitamin D in the body, which is a key nutrient in treating Narcolepsy. A low level of Vitamin D is often linked with poor-quality sleep. 

Take Naps-

You can try “strategic napping" by taking numerous naps of 15 to 20 minutes every day. But ensure not to take a nap over 30 minutes as a long sleep during the day can make you more tired. 

Armodafinil In The Treatment Of Narcolepsy: Conclusion

Armodafinil 150 mg is one of the best Nootropics that helps treat Excessive Daytime Sleepiness associated with Narcolepsy. The medication starts its onset of action within 30 minutes after its consumption, and the effects of the medication last for about 12 to 15 hours.