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Does Anyone Have To Stop At A Parking Lot To Nap For About 20 Min If They Have A Long Drive Even After Taking Modafinil 200mg?

A MyNarcolepsyTeam Member asked a question 💭
Fairfax, VA
July 6, 2021
 · 
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Answer Summary

Members shared their experiences with the dangerous reality of driving long distances with narcolepsy, even while taking stimulant medications... Read more

Members shared their experiences with the dangerous reality of driving long distances with narcolepsy, even while taking stimulant medications like modafinil, with many describing frightening incidents of falling asleep behind the wheel, running off the road, or waking up with no memory of driving. Several members offered practical strategies including limiting daily commutes to 30 minutes or less, keeping a blanket and pillow in the car for emergency naps, building extra time into trips for rest stops, never traveling alone when possible, and working from home to avoid the daily stress and risk of commuting. A recurring theme was the unpredictable nature of narcolepsy, where someone can feel fully awake one moment and black out the next, leading many members to stop driving altogether or rely on family members to drive, prioritizing safety over independence despite the isolation and lifestyle limitations it creates.

A MyNarcolepsyTeam Member

Definately cant drive for more that an hour straight..modafinil 200mg plus a Monster energy drink and loud music..still the road noise can lull me to sleep...I actually have been in an awake but not awake state and woke up driving..had no idea where i was. Very scary.

September 17, 2021
A MyNarcolepsyTeam Member

Omg same here I live in DC metropolitan area there is always heavy traffic and I fall asleep in traffic going home and sometimes in the morning going to work if In did not get enough sleep or I ate something big. The diet is so important heavy meals make it so much worse. I hit the car in front of me as well. I have dozed off in traffic and have woke up from the car going sideways. Its terrible and scary! I literally slap myself and turned up the music to stay awake and that doesn't even work. I have explained this to friends and family and they told me that sometimes they get sleepy too. I think its crazy its the same thing. when I have drank 2 energy drinks and slept for 10n hours and I'm falling asleep at 9am going to work. Its hard people don't actually know what Narcolepsy or Cataplexy is. They almost think I'm making it up. My supervisor did not believe me until I brought a medical diagnosis. I quit my job and honestly I have anxiety of going back and dozing off at the job or driving.

July 28, 2021
A MyNarcolepsyTeam Member

All the time! Except I take Adderall.

September 25, 2023
A MyNarcolepsyTeam Member

I literally keep a blanket and pillow in my car

July 31, 2023
A MyNarcolepsyTeam Member

Whenever I am taking a trip of more than an hour, I "build in" an extra half hour. That way should I have that feeling coming on, I can pull into a convenience store and nap for about 20 minutes. Just part of my life now.

July 31, 2023

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