Posted by Mary on April 28, 1999 at 11:29:47:

In Reply to: Provigil and Woman posted by Ann on April 27, 1999 at 19:22:05:

Ann,
I will be starting Provigil soon, after my insurance approves it. Hopefully my experience will not include enhanced depression. Is your physician a neurologist/sleep specialist? They are certainly most qualified to differentiate between the more ambiguous symptoms related to narcolepsy and sleep disorders.
Some of the narcolepsy literature from our sleep center has stated that hormonal fluctuations and depression can accompany narcolepsy. The presence of each symptom can make the others worse. My experience has been that my menstrual cycles (even without Provigil) can enhance narcolepsy and/or depression. Perhaps the Ritalin masked the depression. (Ritalin caused me too many side effects.) Sometimes I notice that anxiety/irritation occurs before & during the menstrual period, and then depression manifests itself just after a cycle, as my hormone levels drop.
Do you have a more difficult time sleeping during the nights before/during your menstrual period? Whether the result of hormonal fluctuations, or a side effect of Provigil, if you experience nighttime sleep disruption, it could also exacurbate depression and anxiety. I'd be interested in hearing more of your experience, as this is also helpful to me, particularly as Provigil treatment lurks in the nearby horizon.
Mary

Follow Ups:

• Re: Provigil and Woman Ann 4/29/99 (0)

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