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Modafinil Natural Alternatives
Modafinil, a psychostimulant medication, is prescribed for the treatment of narcolepsy, a condition characterized by abnormal sleepiness during waking hours and daytime sleep attacks. Medical professionals also prescribe the drug to treat obstructive sleep apnea, another sleep disorder. Natural alternatives, including both nutrients and herbal remedies, are available. However, consult a medical professional before beginning any regimen of self-treatment.
If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately.
Nutrients
Although modafinil is currently the prescription medication of choice for the treatment of narcolepsy, there is no cure for this sleep disorder. Phyllis A. Balch, author of “Prescription for Nutritional Healing,” says that it’s important that patients with the disorder get the nutrients they need to minimize the symptoms of narcolepsy 2. She recommends a bedtime dose of 2,000 mg of calcium, 400 mg of magnesium three times a day–morning, afternoon and at bedtime–and 300 mg of choline once daily. The calcium and magnesium help to ensure the body produces all the energy it needs and also protects the nervous system, while the choline acts as a neurotransmitter and is vital to optimal brain function. Other nutrients helpful in fighting the effects of narcolepsy include coenzyme Q10; L-glutamine; L-tyrosine; octacosanol; nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide; omega-3 fatty acids; and vitamins B-complex, C, D and E. Consult with your doctor to see if a program of nutritional supplementation makes sense for you.
- Although modafinil is currently the prescription medication of choice for the treatment of narcolepsy, there is no cure for this sleep disorder.
- Phyllis A. Balch, author of “Prescription for Nutritional Healing,” says that it’s important that patients with the disorder get the nutrients they need to minimize the symptoms of narcolepsy 2.
Caffeine
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In and of itself, caffeine does not offer a cure for narcolepsy, but it can be incorporated into a program of treatment that helps to reduce the disorder’s worrisome symptoms. In “Narcolepsy: A Clinical Guide,” authors Meeta Goswami, S.R 3. Pandi-Perumal and Michael J. Thorpy point out that caffeine combats fatigue and postpones the need for sleep. However, care must be taken to guard against excessive caffeine consumption, because that can cause anxiety, tremors, rapid breathing and insomnia. Talk to your doctor to determine what level of caffeine consumption makes sense for you.
- In and of itself, caffeine does not offer a cure for narcolepsy, but it can be incorporated into a program of treatment that helps to reduce the disorder’s worrisome symptoms.
Gotu Kola
Used for millennia by Asian herbalists, gotu kola is a potent herbal stimulant of the central nervous system. As such, it can play a helpful role in combating the symptoms of drowsiness and mental fuzziness that are characteristic of narcolepsy. Robert C. Atkins, author of “Dr. Atkins’ Vita-Nutrient Solution,” pointed out that the herb energizes the brain 4. According to Atkins, scientists have speculated that gotu kola accomplishes this goal by prompting the body to produce choline, which plays a key role in proper brain function. Don’t take gotu kola or any other alternative remedy until you consult a medical professional.
- Used for millennia by Asian herbalists, gotu kola is a potent herbal stimulant of the central nervous system.
- Atkins’ Vita-Nutrient Solution,” pointed out that the herb energizes the brain 4.
Country Mallow
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Country mallow, known scientifically as Sida cordifolia, contains a generous amount of ephedrine, a potent stimulant compound, which can be useful in reducing the daytime sleepiness that is a symptom of narcolepsy. Botanist James A. Duke, author of “The Green Pharmacy,” writes that the seeds of country mallow are the plant’s richest source of ephedrine. To combat the effects of narcolepsy, brew a strong tea using 5 tsp. of the herb for each cup of boiling water. Check with your doctor before using this or any other herbal remedy.
- Country mallow, known scientifically as Sida cordifolia, contains a generous amount of ephedrine, a potent stimulant compound, which can be useful in reducing the daytime sleepiness that is a symptom of narcolepsy.
- Botanist James A. Duke, author of “The Green Pharmacy,” writes that the seeds of country mallow are the plant’s richest source of ephedrine.
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References
- MedlinePlus: Modafinil
- “Prescription for Nutritional Healing”; Phyllis A. Balch; 2006.
- “Narcolepsy: A Clinical Guide”; Meeta Goswami, S.R. Pandi-Perumal and Michael J. Thorpy; 2009.
- “Dr. Atkins’ Vita-Nutrient Solution”; Robert C. Atkins; 1998.
- “The Green Pharmacy: New Discoveries in Herbal Remedies for Common Diseases and Conditions from the World's Foremost Authority on Healing Herbs”; James A. Duke; 1997.
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders. Narcolepsy Fact Sheet.
- Schiappa C, Scarpelli S, D'Atri A, Gorgoni M, De Gennaro L. Narcolepsy and emotional experience: a review of the literature. Behav Brain Funct. 2018 Dec 26;14(1):19. doi:10.1186/s12993-018-0151-x
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2015). Narcolepsy Following Pandemrix Influenza Vaccination in Europe.
- Kryger M, Roth T, Dement W. Principles and Practice of Sleep Medicine. Elsevier, 5th edition. 2011.
- Ramar K, Olson EJ. Management of Common Sleep Disorders. Am Fam Physician. 2013 Aug 15;88(4):231-28.
- Scammell TE. (2019). Clinical features and diagnosis of narcolepsy in adults. Benca R, ed. UpToDate. Waltham, MA: UpToDate Inc.
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Writer Bio
Don Amerman has spent his entire professional career in the editorial field. For many years he was an editor and writer for The Journal of Commerce. Since 1996 he has been freelancing full-time, writing for a large number of print and online publishers including Gale Group, Charles Scribner’s Sons, Greenwood Publishing, Rock Hill Works and others.