I mainly intend to talk about stimulants (Stimulants) as these are the most commonly available alternatives though some of these alternatives work for different reasons and it is the side effects that are what is sought.

 

 

I want to begin with explaining a bit about Herbalism generally, so please indulge me:

 

A common misconception about herbalism and the use of "natural" products in general, is that "natural" equals safe. However, many plants have chemical defence mechanisms against predators that can have adverse or lethal effects on humans. Examples are poison hemlock and nightshade, which can be deadly, although they are not sold as herbs. Herbs can also have undesirable side-effects just as pharmaceutical products can. These problems are exacerbated by lack of control over dosage and purity.

 

 

Furthermore, if given in conjunction with drugs, there is danger of 'summation', where the herb and the drug have similar actions and add together to make an 'overdose'. In animals, there are other dangers. There may be residues in food from farm animals (e.g. eggs, milk, meat) or danger of 'doping' in competition animals. The latter may also apply to human athletes.

 

 

There is a danger that herbal remedies will be used in place of other medical treatments which have been scientifically tested for safety and efficacy, resulting in the development or worsening of a medical condition which could have been better prevented or treated. There is also a danger that an herbal remedy may itself cause harm which is unanticipated due to a lack of a full understanding of its composition and biochemical effects.

 

 

Ginseng is promoted as an adaptogen (a product that increases the body's resistance to stress), one which can to a certain extent be supported with reference to its anticarcinogenic and antioxidant properties, although animal experiments to determine whether longevity and health were increased in the presence of stress gave negative results. Though recently I have spoken to a doctor, who, although is fine with the use of Ginseng as a herbal remedy suggests that one should not use ginseng in conjunction with certain western medicines as it can cause complications that are quite serious – so one must be wary (Ginseng Article)

 

For example, one of Panax ginseng's most common side-effects is the inability to sleep. Other side-effects include nausea, diarrhea, euphoria, headaches, epistaxis, high blood pressure, low blood pressure, mastalgia, and vaginal bleeding

 

(Herbal Remedies)

 

 

Options:

 

 

5-HTP

5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan) is a compound produced by the body from tryptophan. It is naturally found in many foods and most commonly extracted from the seeds of the Griffonia plant.

 

In Europe, 5-HTP has been used for decades as an approved treatment for depression, sleep problems, and other medical complaints. It is now starting to be used in the USA.

 

Clinical trials show that 5-HTP is a safe, natural way to boost the brain serotonin levels. Use of 5-HTP has been shown to produce results equal to or better than those of standard synthetic drugs used in the problems arising from serotonin deficiency syndrome.

 

Some evidence exists to suggest that taking 5- HTP may help some people with narcolepsy. In one study, a dose of 600 mg was found to have no effect on the number of sleep attacks. However, it reduced the amount of time narcoleptics spent asleep during a daytime attack. More importantly, it lengthened the amount of time they slept at night. (5HTP Article)

 

 

Diet Restriction

Narcolepsy may be the result of food intolerances. There have been some documented cases in which persons who suffered from narcolepsy were cured by eliminating allergenic foods from the diet. One person, for instance, was found to have an allergy to potatoes. When he removed potatoes from his diet, he no longer experienced the symptoms.

 

To determine if your are allergic to any food and if that is causing narcolepsy, start restricting your diet to single foods. If that prevents the reoccurrence of narcolepsy, then one can reasonably conclude that the particular food item is "safe to use." Now add another food. Ultimately you will discover the offending food and that should be avoided. The most common foods that people are sensitive to are dairy products, wheat, corn, and chocolate.

 

(Diet Restriction Article)

 

 

 

Lifestyle Changes to Manage Narcolepsy

 

Changes in behavior to encourage good nighttime sleep are important in the treatment of narcolepsy. The following are few recommendations:

 

- Avoid Caffeine, nicotine and alcohol in the late afternoon.

- Exercise regularly, but at least three hours before bedtime

- Do not use your bed for any waking or non-relaxing activities

- Establish a routine for going to bed and getting up

- Get enough sleep ...

 

 

Nutritional Therapy for Narcolepsy

 

- Eat a low-fat diet high in cleansing foods such as leafy green vegetables and sea vegetables. Also eat foods high in the B vitamins, such as brewer's yeast and brown rice.

- Include in the diet foods rich in the amino acid tyrosine. Good choices include eggs, oats, poultry, and wheat germ.

- Eat foods high in protein (meats, poultry, cheese, nuts, seeds, and soy products) in the middle of the day, and save the complex carbohydrates (fresh fruits and vegetables, legumes, natural whole grains, and pasta) for the evening meal.

- High-protein foods increase alertness, whereas carbohydrates have a calming effect and can promote sleepiness.

- Discuss food and medicine limitations thoroughly with your health care provider or a qualified dietitian.

 

 

Nutrients:

 

Calcium and Magnesium

 

Needed for energy production and the nervous system.

Dosage:

Calcium - 2,000 mg daily, at bedtime.

Magnesium - 400 mg twice during the day and at bedtime.

 

 

Choline or lecithin granules or capsules

 

Choline acts as a neurotransmitter and is important for brain function.

Lecithin is a good source of choline.

Dosage:

Choline - 300 mg daily.

Lecithin granules - 1 tbsp 3 times daily, before meals.

Lecithin capsules - 1,200 mg 3 times daily, before meals.

 

 

Chromium picolinate

 

Boosts energy and regulates sugar metabolism

Dosage: 100 mcg daily.

Coenzyme Q10

Promotes circulation to the brain.

Free-form amino acid complex

Increases energy levels; needed for proper brain function. Use a formula that contains all the essential amino acids.

 

 

L-Glutamine

 

Promotes mental ability. Known as brain fuel because it can pass the blood-brain barrier freely.

How to Take: Take on an empty stomach with water or juice. Do not take with milk. Take with 50 mg vitamin B6 and 100 mg vitamin C for better absorption.

 

 

L-Tyrosine

 

Important in thyroid function. Low levels have been associated with narcolepsy. Caution: Do not take tyrosine if you are taking an MAO inhibitor drug.

How to Take: Take at bedtime.

 

 

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH)

 

Important in creation and transfer of chemical energy, especially during breathing.

 

 

Octocosanol

 

Increases oxygen utilization and boosts endurance.

Dosage: 100 mg daily.

 

 

Omega-3 essential fatty acids

 

Protect cell membranes. Fish oil and flaxseed oil are good sources.

 

 

Vitamin B complex plus extra vitamin B6 (pyridoxins)

 

B vitamins boost metabolism and are essential for increased energy levels and normal brain function.

Dosage:

Vitamin B-Complex - 150 mg daily.

Vitamin B6 (pyridoxins) - 200 mg daily.

Vitamin C with bioflavoinoids

Increases energy and promotes production of interferon in the body to protect against free radical damage.

Dosage: 2,000-6,000 mg daily, in divided doses.

 

 

Vitamin D

 

Essential for calcium absorption.

Dosage: 400 IU daily.

 

 

Vitamin E

 

Increases circulation and protects heart functioning and brain cells.

Dosage: 400-600 IU daily.

 

Nutritional Therapy

 

 

“For most narcoleptics a combination of prescription medications, natural sleep remedies and behavioral strategies prove the best means of effectively managing their narcolepsy. This pro-active approach to dealing with the condition involves simple lifestyle adjustments to enhance the quality and duration of each night's sleep (including dietary changes and the use of regular exercise) as well as actively managed sleep cycles that incorporate short, scheduled naps. A variety of natural sleep remedies can also successfully help narcoleptics manage their condition.

Herbal teas and infusions can effectively help to induce and enhance the body's natural sleep cycle and offer a healthful alternative to sleeping pills. Supplementary melatonin (the hormone produced as part of the body's natural sleep cycle) may also help narcoleptics enjoy a better night's sleep. Guided meditation and relaxation, chromotherapy and aromatherapy can also prove valuable natural enhancements to the successful management of narcolepsy.”

 

(Natural Sleep Remedies Article)

 

Caffeine is obviously a good stimulant that occurs naturally but I think there is very little need to go into this one as the chances are most of you have already got addicted to it.

 

 

Another option is behavior therapy. This is obviously not a drug but for some it can act as a remedy for some of the symptoms. In learning to control emotions one may relieve some of the symptoms of narcolepsy that are triggered by emotional responses – obviously this would most often be the EDS (Excessive Daytime Sleepiness) and the Cataplexy.

 

 

At the very least one may be able to pin point the type of emotions that trigger attacks and learn to avoid such situations where possible. For me I find negative emotions such as fear or anger, even stress can trigger bad attacks and so I take a very laid back approach to life, this is not something that comes easily and it has to be worked on. Meditation and exercises designed to relieve stress can be of use such as yoga.

 

 

 

***Consult your doctor before changing, beginning, or stopping any treatment plan(s).***