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Idiopathic hypersomnia - Treatment

Alternative Names

Hypersomnia - idiopathic; Drowsiness - idiopathic; Somnolence - idiopathic

Treatment:

Idiopathic hypersomnia is usually treated with stimulant medications such as amphetamine, methylphenidate, and modafinil. These drugs may not work as well for this condition as they do for narcolepsy.

Important lifestyle changes that can help ease symptoms and prevent injury include:

  • Avoiding alcohol and medications that can make the condition worse
  • Avoiding operating motor vehicles or using dangerous equipment
  • Avoiding working at night or social activities that delay bedtime
  • Reviewed last on: 6/10/2011
  • Denis Hadjiliadis, MD, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Consens FB, Chervin RD. Sleep Disorders. In: Goetz, CG, ed. Textbook of Clinical Neurology. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007: chap 54.

Tsai SC. Excessive sleepiness. Clin Chest Med. 2010; 31:341-351.

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