Provigil is a central nervous system stimulant used to increase wakefulness in adults diagnosed with sleep disorders such as narcolepsy, obstructive sleep apnea, or work shift disorder. Although Provigil's exact mode of action is unknown in humans, researchers at Provigilweb.org theorize that it promotes wakefulness by acting as a GABA inhibitory neurotransmitter, blocking dopamine re-uptake. It also acts on the tuberomammilary nucleus and orexin containing neurons in the hypothalamus, both of which are thought to directly affect wakefulness in people suffering from narcolepsy. Medications such as Ritalin, Methylin and Nuvigil are also effective in promoting wakefulness in people with narcolepsy and other sleep disorders.
Ritalin
Narcolepsy and other similar sleep disorders are caused by deficits in neurotransmitters such as nor epinephrine and dopamine. Dopamine is the precursor of nor epinephrine, which regulates the brain's sleep/wake mechanism as well as voluntary movement and motivation. Ritalin is a mild central nervous system stimulant used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder as well as narcolepsy. According to "Psychology Today," Ritalin improves wakefulness by blocking dopamine and nor epinephrine re-uptake in neural synapses. In the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, Ritalin is used in smaller amounts due to its calming effects. But when used for the treatment of narcolepsy, higher doses must be administered.
Methylin
Methylin is also a central nervous system stimulant used for the treatment of narcolepsy and attention deficit hyperactive disorder. Although Methylin's exact mode of action is unknown in humans, researchers theorize it activates the brain stem and cortex, which contain many of the arousal centers responsible for the brain's sleep/wake mechanisms and voluntary movement. Additionally, Methylin acts as a dopamine re-uptake inhibitor in the neurons of the striatum, allowing dopamine to accumulate and the brain to actively regulate its sleep/wake mechanisms.
Nuvigil
Nuvigil is a mild central nervous system stimulant prescribed to increase wakefulness in people suffering from narcolepsy, obstructive sleep apnea, or work shift disorder. Although the exact mechanism in which Nuvigil decreases extreme sleepiness is unknown, researchers theorize that Nuvigil promotes wakefulness by acting as a GABA inhibitory neurotransmitter. In this role, it blocks dopamine reuptake, as well as acts on the tuberomammilary nucleus and orexin containing neurons in the hypothalamus (similar to Provigil). In clinical trials comparing Nuvigil with a placebo, the University of Maryland Medical Center says Nuvigil improved wakefulness, memory, and fatigue in patients with narcolepsy.
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