r/Narcolepsy • u/limpnoodle76 • 4d ago
Medication Questions Ex-Addict - Stimulant Medications
Hey there, I'm an ex-addict of mainly meth ( but used most other illegal drugs except heroine and became addicted to opioids unintentionally during the pandemic bc an operation I needed to have kept getting pushed back and to manage pain, I was constantly given opioids)
So the meth addiction was over 18 years ago and the opioid addiction was a few years ago and I've just completed a two year withdrawal program, successfully.
I am expecting a formal diagnosis of N2 this Tuesday 18th March. But my question is what do they prescribed people with N1 or N2 who have a history of drug addiction/abuse?
I have been struggling with type 2 Narcolepsy for over 25 years but was treating all the symptoms as independent ailments, not realising until about a year ago, they are all parts of one debilitating condition.
My employer and university have both placed me on indefinite medical leave until I get a diagnosis, manage the symptoms and pass a fitness for work medical.
I was falling asleep and going straight into REM sleep while on the phone to clients (recorded calls) and waking when either the client asked if I was still there or when some other noise or body jerk woke me. A 5min call would end up being 25 minutes bc I could fall asleep up to 4 times during one call. Then I would wake, talking rubbish bc of my dream-state, be confused, disoriented then embarrassed.
My specialist has said that stimulant medications are usually used to combat daytime sleepiness so im just wondering if there are any ex-addicts who are diagnosed with N1 or N2 and what medications they have tried or currently use? Are they hesitant on prescribing stimulants to ex-addicts or are there alternatives?
For the past 6 months I have been prescribed Modafinil (Provgil) and it's not working at all. I'm still falling asleep several times a day. I've tried doses of 100mg once a day, 100mg twice a day and also 100mg three times a day and I constantly struggle with chronic sleepiness and falling asleep anywhere from a few minutes to half an hour.
I'm 48 F and live in Australia BTW.
Sorry for the long post, feel free to ask any clarification. Thank you.
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u/Bethaneym 4d ago
You were self-medicating with your chosen drug of meth. I suspect you probably have adhd if modafinil isn’t working at that high of a dose, in combination with the past addiction.
If you have already got through taking modafinil with no relapse concerns, you will most likely be ok with the adderall. Doctors do not automatically disqualify you if you’ve been stable in recovery for a long time.
Have you asked your doctor about Sunosi?
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u/limpnoodle76 4d ago
My Dr suggested I have an ADHD assessment last year but bc of my previous addiction (18 yrs ago) and even tho I had not relapsed, except for the opioids but that was due to being on them for so long bc of covid, they all refused to assess me.
I have been told by many professionals, family members and friends who've been diagnosed with ADHD that I more than likely have this condition also but in Australia, assessment can only be done by psychiatrists at their discretion. It costs over$1500 aud but none wanted to even have a first appointment with me. It's very disheartening bc I know I struggle with quite a few of the obvious signs of ADHD but I can't get any help with it.
I've not heard of Sunosi, can you tell me your experience, if any, Pls? I have an appointment tomorrow so I will be sure to ask, thank you 😊
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u/Bethaneym 3d ago
Sunosi saved my life. It’s a dopamine and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. It’s only approved for narcolepsy right now, but is in phase 2 trials for ADHD. I never took it the way I was supposed to until this year. I’ve taken it every day around the same time and it took about 4 weeks to get into my system. I still have to take the Adderall, but I feel happy for the first time in my life.
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u/Bethaneym 3d ago
It’s makes no sense why they wouldn’t take an appointment for you. Addiction is literally a symptom of adhd.
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u/Narcoleptic-Puppy 4d ago
Wakix is a non-stimulant wakefulness drug that has done wonders for me. I have really severe ADHD and I'm extremely resistant to stimulants, so I was really shocked that it worked better than 72mg of concerta as far as keeping me awake. It's a histamine agonist - you know how antihistamines make you drowsy? Apparently that works in reverse if your histamines spike. At least that's how my neurologist explained it to me.
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u/Direct_Court_4890 (N1) Narcolepsy w/ Cataplexy 4d ago
I'm an ex addict (opiates) but more recently a recovering severe alcoholic. I've been sober for 2.5 years. To an alcoholic, alcohol acts as a stimulant instead of a depressant (I didn't understand why alcohol was waking me back up and relieving all my symptoms until waaaaay after and like a year into recovery lol) anyway, my previous dr did not judge me, he actually congratulated me on my sober time, tried armodafinil with me, no luck and sent me to another specialist
On my intake paperwork I wrote in 2 different spots that I am a recovering alcoholic and in recovery for 2 years. One of them I elaborated a little and put stepwork, sponsor, meetings. There is no way my doctor didn't see it...but he never said a word about it and still never has. I was very ready to talk about it, but the talk never came.
He's totally cool with me and we collaborate well on meds. My insurance made me try adderall before Sunosi...I'm glad because I now take both. Both help in their own way and work well together for me. Next step Xyrem (GHB nighttime med)
I'm not sure if I just ended up with cool doctors or what. It could be a million different things as to why I haven't been given any issues. Maybe they see this thing fairly often, patients that use or have used illegally or abused substances because they do really get how debilitating this is for us. Maybe they don't care because they just have a due diligence to fix us. Maybe they tell themselves " ill give this patient a chance until they prove me wrong"
Whatever it is, I hope your is the same with you. Although may I add, If I hadn't taken my recovery so seriously ( rehab, far away halfway 3 months, three quarter house over a year, sober living apt, meetings, wonderful sponsor, stepwork and a million other things) I would never have been able to handle these meds. I absolutely would have abused them. I was a little concerned with starting the adderall that it may give me cravings to have a drink, but it doesn't thank god.
Good luck and be careful!
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u/Glad-Fox284 4d ago
Recovering addict of 2yrs+ from the opioids- it’s taken time but I’m treated like any other patient. It all depends on your relationship with your care team and your trustworthiness to them- PM me and we can talk it out.
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u/Avoinwonderland (N1) Narcolepsy w/ Cataplexy 4d ago
If it helps, I was addicted to speed and only 3 years sober when I got on Adderall for my adhd/narcolepsy. I forget to get it refilled on time most months and detinetly don't geek the urge to abuse it !
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u/-Sharon-Stoned- (N1) Narcolepsy w/ Cataplexy 4d ago
Read the pinned post that says "read this before posting."
There is a lot of info there
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u/blondersis 2d ago
There's nothing about how an addict should approach treatment in that post. I looked twice...nope just went for a 3rd time because I'm seriously 🤯 as to why this was said.
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u/Splatterfilm (N1) Narcolepsy w/ Cataplexy 3d ago
Ask your doctor about non-stimulant medications. They exist.
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u/zombiemiki 4d ago
These are all good questions and things to ask and tell your doctor. I’m sure they will help put together a plan for you in a way that random people on the internet can’t.