I take the following meds:

1. Trazadone - 5 times a week
2. Temazepam - 2 times a week
3. Nasal Spray - IPRATROPIUM (generic for ATROVENT)  - This is for breathing with the mask on.  When my nose is plugged up at night I have a hard time tolerating the mask even though I am a mouth breather. Otherwise I take the mask off during the night.  I just started this 5 days ago but it seems to be helping me tolerate the mask!  The mask is one of the biggest barriers for me because my machine is set at 17.

Michelle, thanks for your comments.  I have  sleep apnea diagnosed three years ago.  I have an older cousin with narcolepsy so I know some of what you're going through.  He was diagnosed in the late 60's and It was a hard diagnosis to make.  Nobody local could figure it out- he ended up at The Mayo Clinic and then taking desoxyn.  Yes, it's certainly an invisible battle unless you see someone sound asleep in an inappropriate place during the middle of the day, but for the rest of us, on CPAP or medication for narcolepsy, nothing shows.  I do take Provigil or Nuvigil for hypersomnia, but don't have narcolepsy.  I do hope you're able to deal with your narcolepsy ok, are you able to live a normal life?  Before I started on CPAP and Provigil there were lots of days I just couldn't drive, or if I did I might fall asleep in an appointment- lots of Red Bull and 5 Hour energy to go from here to there and back.  Lots of times I just shouldn't even have driven.

Thanks again for writing,

Mary Z.

Welcome to the forum!!

We are glad you joined.  Here you will find information about sleep apnea, treatment options, and other sleep related disorders.

If you are fairly new to the world of sleep apnea, please check out the FAQ tab and under the Groups tab, the new users group and the collective wisdom section.   You may find those of particular importance in learning the language often used on the forum, solutions to common issues patients may have, and other information you may find useful.

If you have been around the world of sleep apnea for a while, we hope you still find the site informative and of interest.

Please feel free to share your thoughts, ideas, comments, questions, etc.

Again, Welcome to the forum!!

I would like to welcome you to Sleep Guide.  I am also new.  Can you tell me your experience with Sleep Apnea.  I have Severe Sleep Apnea and am using a sleep machine set at 17.  It's very hard to use it all night!!!  I need sleep medication at times.