Frequently asked questions
Click on a question below to find out more about ES and narcolepsy.
What is narcolepsy?
The American Academy of Sleep Medicine defines narcolepsy as a neurological sleep disorder associated with excessive sleepiness during the day.17 Narcolepsy is caused by the brain's inability to normally regulate cycles of sleeping and waking.18 The resulting daytime sleepiness experienced by people with narcolepsy may result in episodes of falling asleep suddenly.
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What are the symptoms of narcolepsy?
Most people with narcolepsy experience two main symptoms: 1) ES and 2) sudden loss of muscle tone (cataplexy).17
Narcolepsy may be associated with other symptoms, such as: 1) sleep paralysis, when a person cannot speak or move as he or she falls asleep or wakes up; 2) hallucinations that happen as a person is falling asleep; and 3) disturbed nighttime sleep.17
While PROVIGIL is indicated to treat ES associated with narcolepsy, it is not indicated to treat other consequences of narcolepsy.
ES is the inability to stay awake enough to accomplish daily tasks.2 This inability to remain awake during daytime hours is a profoundly disabling feature of narcolepsy.19 People with ES associated with narcolepsy may fall asleep several times during the day.
People with narcolepsy may also experience episodes of sudden muscle weakness. This often occurs in the knees, face, and neck, and may be triggered by emotions like excitement or surprise.17
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How many people have narcolepsy?
The exact prevalence of narcolepsy is not known, but it is estimated that narcolepsy affects 1 in every 2,000 Americans.18 Narcolepsy first strikes teens and young adults and lasts throughout life.17
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Why is narcolepsy a problem?
Because the daytime sleep episodes associated with narcolepsy can occur at any time during the day, narcolepsy is very disabling and has a profound effect on the social and work lives of people with the disorder. People with narcolepsy may fall asleep while at work or school, or during a conversation or meal. Additionally, narcolepsy can threaten safety, as patients may fall asleep while performing various activities.
While PROVIGIL is indicated to treat ES associated with narcolepsy, it is not indicated to treat other consequences of narcolepsy.
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What are treatment options for narcolepsy?
There is no cure for narcolepsy, but making lifestyle or behavioral changes can help manage symptoms of the disorder. For example, patients may take scheduled naps during the day to prevent falling asleep unexpectedly.17,18 Medications are available to treat both ES and cataplexy. According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, modafinil (PROVIGIL) is "standard" treatment for ES due to narcolepsy.20
PROVIGIL is a prescription medicine used to improve wakefulness in adults who experience ES associated with narcolepsy.
PROVIGIL does not replace sleep and may not stop your ES completely. Only you and your doctor can decide if PROVIGIL is right for you, so make an appointment to see your doctor today.
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