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Sunosi

5K views 37 replies 6 participants last post by  CopadoMexicano 
#1 ·
Was prescribed sunosi just a few days ago and instantly i felt a little bit better depression wise but its main use is for chronic excessive sleepiness during the daytime because of OSA. (obstructive sleep apnea). I was given for chronic fatigue because of combination of conditions after initially starting nuvigll but stopped working. Im also on the generic version of strattera which is probably helping as well for major depression.

Clonazepam is the only med that seems to help with anxiety even if its subtle but i need more then subtle changes. Wish psychiatry would come out with a breakthough in new advanced medications for social anxiety instead of the popular ssris.
 
#2 ·
Was prescribed sunosi just a few days ago and instantly i felt a little bit better depression wise but its main use is for chronic excessive sleepiness during the daytime because of OSA. (obstructive sleep apnea). I was given for chronic fatigue because of combination of conditions after initially starting nuvigll but stopped working. Im also on the generic version of strattera which is probably helping as well for major depression.

Clonazepam is the only med that seems to help with anxiety even if its subtle but i need more then subtle changes. Wish psychiatry would come out with a breakthough in new advanced medications for social anxiety instead of the popular ssris.
I had never heard of it until I saw this post.

Its a DNRi so a possibility it could help with depression. How does it compare to Nuvigil?

Keep us all updated with how it goes please, both for fatigue and depression, and good luck with it !
 
#3 ·
Thanks, Nuvigill helped at the start with the chronic fatigue more then the sunosi i think but that could be because Im on a low dose of the new med. Armodafinil is the generic version of Nuvigill and was given to me from my pcp before the sunosi since I kind of build a tolerance to it so I started taking the new one its supposedly a better medication. Also did notice my appetite wasnt as strong when I'd over eat due to stress on Nuvigill so it helped me lose a little bit of weight around ten or fifteen pounds in a six month period.

With sleep apnea and depression they kind of go hand in hand with the excessive day time drowsiness/sleepiness and just wanting to sleep all day and night. Anxiety on the other hand makes me just want to be doing something and get restless so i just take a klonopin 1MG tablet three times a day as needed. Ive noticed that if I dont take klonopin for several or few months my stress levels are through the roof and cant seem to handle just even a simple routine.

Here are some pictures of me when taking nuvigill and after six months til now before and after:
 

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#4 ·
Update: Also, Ive tried two additional meds that ive never had which was Vyvanse for binge eating disorder and now strattera. Unfortunately, the vyvanse didnt do anything for me except raise my blood pressure too much so it was stopped. Currently, Im on the strattera for treatment resistant depression but it seems to work and then fade very quickly as I stopped my medication back in 2007. Ever since quitting the zoloft for depression everything went downhill after that year and I cant get the help I need that most practioners offer. My weight fluctuations happen very frequently for the past decade or more in congruence with mood mostly carbohydrate cravings when feeling very down. I;m already pre diabetic but I dont want it to progress to Type II diabetes ive read is a terrible terrible disease.
 
#5 ·
Was prescribed sunosi just a few days ago and instantly i felt a little bit better depression wise but its main use is for chronic excessive sleepiness during the daytime because of OSA. (obstructive sleep apnea). I was given for chronic fatigue because of combination of conditions after initially starting nuvigll but stopped working. Im also on the generic version of strattera which is probably helping as well for major depression.

Clonazepam is the only med that seems to help with anxiety even if its subtle but i need more then subtle changes. Wish psychiatry would come out with a breakthough in new advanced medications for social anxiety instead of the popular ssris.
Oh cool your the first person that I've heard trying the new medication sunosi. What's it like compared to vyvanse and nuvigil?

Clonazepam is pretty effective for anxiety. Can you tolerate a higher dose or is your doctor open to that option? What triggers your anxiety? Maybe I can be of further help in that regard.

That must be hard. You have excessive daytime sleepiness that needs treated yet you also have to watch out for high blood pressure. Sunosi is definitely a worthwhile option.

What types of medications help with your depression? Do serotonergic medications help? Would they be an option? Effexor is a stimulating antidepressant which could be somewhat ideal for depression alongside daytime sleepiness. However there is a concern about blood pressure with that medication. Regardless I think that it's definitely worth bringing up with your doctor if you're interested. Is Strattera stimulating at all? You mention that it helps with depression. I'm just curious if you've benefited from it in other ways as well.
 
#6 ·
Hey Ben12:
Vyvanse and Nuvigill compared to Sunosi vs Strattera is that NUvigill gave me more energy during the day like taking an energy drink. Except it was longer lasting compared with Sunosi and strattera the Nuvigill stopped working so my pcp switched me to sunosi. Vyvanse I tried for one month with one psychiatrist and couldnt really get anything out of it for my binge eating. So either way I stopped the vyvanse.

I'm already taking lisnopril for hypertension as it reaches hypertensive crisis especially when i consume excessive amounts of caffeine sources. eg.(regular coffee and energy drinks). As for the klonopin, I only take three one mg tablets a day as needed due to potential being high for tolerance issues, dependence, etc. Strattera helps very minimally but I may have to try an MAOI if thats the case but Im kind of afraid to go that route. My pcp and I have worked together to work on getting healthier by motivating to get down about a hundred pounds in two years I just need to tell him I feel like stuck.
 
#7 ·
Yeah Vyvanse would've been a great option. Adderall might be more effective though for the binge eating. I don't know if that's an option but I remember being on vyvanse and it's weaker at suppressing appetite I found than adderall. I wouldn't go taking an amphetamine based medication though with Strattera. That's like asking for hypertension. If you have found the serotonin acting medications to be beneficial, using a serotonin reuptake inhibitor alongside adderall is pretty much the gold stardard in my opinion.

Effexor is mainly just a serotonin reuptake inhibitor but it will act on the norepinephrine system in higher doses. It's nice because it can help with depression and it's also on the stimulating side. I take both adderall and effexor and quite frankly I find effexor to be so activating in itself that if I take it too late in the day I won't sleep most of the night. Adderall works well alongside the effexor. It is mood lifting and keeps you energized throughout the day. I've actually been able to cut out caffeinated beverages entirely being on both of these medications.

Adderall I have found to be better than vyvanse too because it gives that kick that vyvanse won't do. Vyvanse can take like 2-3 hours to start working.
 
#8 ·
Yeah Vyvanse would've been a great option. Adderall might be more effective though for the binge eating. I don't know if that's an option but I remember being on vyvanse and it's weaker at suppressing appetite I found than adderall. I wouldn't go taking an amphetamine based medication though with Strattera. That's like asking for hypertension. If you have found the serotonin acting medications to be beneficial, using a serotonin reuptake inhibitor alongside adderall is pretty much the gold stardard in my opinion.

Effexor is mainly just a serotonin reuptake inhibitor but it will act on the norepinephrine system in higher doses. It's nice because it can help with depression and it's also on the stimulating side. I take both adderall and effexor and quite frankly I find effexor to be so activating in itself that if I take it too late in the day I won't sleep most of the night. Adderall works well alongside the effexor. It is mood lifting and keeps you energized throughout the day. I've actually been able to cut out caffeinated beverages entirely being on both of these medications.

Adderall I have found to be better than vyvanse too because it gives that kick that vyvanse won't do. Vyvanse can take like 2-3 hours to start working.
Cool. yeah adderall Ive havent tried but im really doubting my psychiatrist would prescribe it. She refused to prescribe me parnate. But adderall Im not sure if that would be an option. Ive tried a long list of medications mostly new ones as far as psych meds are concerned. Additionally, tricyclics ive tried such as desipramine with no benefits. Now currently taking lexapro, strattera, and vraylar for drastic changes in mood swings. Although my practioner is a mental health practioner since its not just about medication management in my opinion. I also see a psycho-social rehab provide that works as a support system.

As far as for the binge eating I just cant get the help I need to find the solution. I find it more psychological then medicinal. Of course meds can help but to a limited extent. I just dont know what to do anymore with my current severe sleep apnea and depression/anxiety. ugh
 
#12 ·
why you don't try magnesium mega dose it's a NMDA antagonist non-cross tolerance with other substance 35g as loading dose then 420mg/day, its give me wonderful effect:
moderate warmth and emotion bland (good)
moderate muscle relaxant
mild anxiolytic effect
some antidepressant effect
amazing vivid dreams (in night sleep)
 
#13 ·
why you don't try magnesium mega dose it's a NMDA antagonist non-cross tolerance with other substance 35g as loading dose then 420mg/day, its give me wonderful effect:
moderate warmth and emotion bland (good)
moderate muscle relaxant
mild anxiolytic effect
some antidepressant effect
amazing vivid dreams (in night sleep)
You take 1g a day of magnesium ? Is that safe ? well suppose so or you wouldnt still take it.

Interesting that it is suggested in a few studies that magnesium levels should be tested and corrected as first treatment for depression.

I have a bath in epsom salts a few times a week to get my dose !!
 
#21 ·
I just started vraylar 2 weeks ago for my sa. My family is saying it is helping, but i think it is to early to say. I do feel less afraid around them after starting the meds and was able to return to work after 3 weeks of not being able to go. I also had had good effects from taking vitamin b3 300-500mg and 1/2 cup of coffee, but you got to work up to it or it will flush you hard.
 
#22 ·
Hey mate, thats great. I was prescribed vraylar for bipolar disorder and it seemed to lower my threshold for self destructive behavior. Vitamin B or any b vitamins is essential for proper nerve cells production and health. I need vitamin B2 injected into my eyes for moderate to severe keratoconus which is an eye degenerative disease. I just hope that I dont go completely blind which can happen in extreme or rare cases.
 
#23 ·
Was prescribed sunosi just a few days ago and instantly i felt a little bit better depression wise but its main use is for chronic excessive sleepiness during the daytime because of OSA. (obstructive sleep apnea). I was given for chronic fatigue because of combination of conditions after initially starting nuvigll but stopped working. Im also on the generic version of strattera which is probably helping as well for major depression.

Clonazepam is the only med that seems to help with anxiety even if its subtle but i need more then subtle changes. Wish psychiatry would come out with a breakthough in new advanced medications for social anxiety instead of the popular ssris.
i hope they figure out something soon. ssri's dont seem to do much for people
 
#24 ·
Hey ladysmurf:

thanks. SSRIS were good when i first started them but then I quit them cold turkey because i was still feeling very depressed despite it helping. If i could quantify in percentage how effective sertraline HCL was Id say at least 40 to 50 percent.
 
#25 ·
Just an update: Seems liek the sunosi has increased my heart rate and induced some panic attacks lately but at the same time I feel more alive but in a distressed way. Not sure whether to tell my pcp about the recent changes in anxiety or mood. Ill have to see when the next upcoming appointment.
 
#26 ·
There is a link that I'll show below that was provided by another member here which discusses the effects of MAOI's. Particularly in regards to it's role on dopamine but also the impact on blood pressure. Typically MAOI's actually lower blood pressure. Which is talked about in the videos below. Which blew my mind. I've always assumed that MAOI's increase blood pressure if they were to do anything. Which can be true but due to the fact that MAOI's increase the pressor effect. So in a way, considering parnate would be a fair option to consider.



 
#28 ·
Just a quick update: I last saw my pcp for followup on 08/07/2020 and still has me taking the sunosi at 150 (MG) I think so i can at least have some more energy throughout the day. The issue with it I have is the increased heart rate or racing heart but makes me feel more alive at the same time. I just think its better to be anxious then in a depressed mood most of the time not wanting to do anything. Thats just my thought anyway. I think anyone taking this dosage at 150 mg and is half my size will experience too much energy so obviously the medical doctor would know how much to prescribe. For me I find it moderately strong as opposed to Nuvigill that was like an energy drink with all day energy but faded away in time of its effectiveness. My sleep quality is still not too good because I average about 4.8 hours of sleep a night for the past 30 days and wake up without hardly restored sleep. Usually I wake up during the day feeling very sleepless, lethargic, and drained so the meds and bi-pap machine help with the sleep I'm just honestly tired of using the machine to have to get the oxygen my body needs without hypoventilation. My weight fluctuates alot even without dieting still despite eating a lot of fruits and beans during the day. I guess the effects of being morbidly obese has a difficult theme of having to be persistent and careful in what you put into your mouth and the portions.

Lastly, I spoke to psych nurse practioner and she would be willing to prescribe me an MAOI but asked me which kind and I think I have had good luck in getting the meds I need to try and help with the current health issues. In the past none of my doctors would prescribe me anything to what I get now. Took too long and for myself to realize eating disorders are also part of mental health. aside from that I hope to get the eating disorder some how under control from a specialist if I can afford it.
 
#29 ·
Lastly, I spoke to psych nurse practioner and she would be willing to prescribe me an MAOI but asked me which kind and I think I have had good luck in getting the meds I need to try and help with the current health issues. In the past none of my doctors would prescribe me anything to what I get now. Took too long and for myself to realize eating disorders are also part of mental health. aside from that I hope to get the eating disorder some how under control from a specialist if I can afford it.
That's great your nurse practitioner is open to prescribing an MAOI. I recommend Parnate. Less side effects than Nardil and more effective than Moclobemide assuming that one is even available where you are. Best of luck
 
#31 ·
To summarize an update:
The class of stimulants like Nuvigill and Sunosi has helped much much more than a typical antidepressant (SSRI). The effects of longer lasting energy and wakefulness during the day and is very helpful the problem is the cost of the medications. Just for the generic of nuvigill is expensive. Also with Sunosi because paying out of pocket is obscene with these type of medications. Its insane. The good thing is I have obamac are and having Sunosi keeps me alert, focused, and more awake as opposed to not taking it at 150 MG every day in the morning. The only problem is that it can increase the level of anxiety as I did for me but it settles after a while.
 
#32 ·
I remember being on Ritalin which works as a norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitor just like Sunosi does. It caused more anxiety and nervous stimulation than what dexedrine, vyvanse and adderall ever has. For whatever reason the effects of adderall that I'm on currently are better.
 
#36 ·
Latest Update: This friday ill be seeing my pcp again for follow up but his main conern is about my unhealthy weight/severe obesity. Im just going to tell him I cant do it alone. I need a support system in my town or the help I need to get down to where I need to be. If I had extra cash to afford a specialists in eating disorder Id try that in a heart beat. Then four days later I see my Psych Nurse Practioner to see if I can get on Parnate. I will keep you posted about the pptential parnate prescription and pcps recommendation as far as the chronic fatigue is concerned and bariatric surgery. It just seems like a good idea but also the cons of it dont seem a permanent solution mentally. Too much weight fluctuations in my weight history as ive read that many people end up with diabetes as im already prediabetic.
 
#37 ·
Welp, I had to turn back home driving because just to avoid seeing the pcp but more importantly to be careful of the covid. So, the telemedicine went on for about five minutes couldnt really get much out of it but im continuing the same meds. My main focus right now is the eating disorder which i think is tied to my depression/anxiety. I found a common thought process on the web with people who struggle with eating disorders interesting.
 

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#38 ·
Just One Last Current Update: The Sunosi conclusively has helped my depressed mood and spike energy levels from feeling lethargic and sluggish to anxious but wide alert. The only drawback or pro and con is that when Im so anxious I cant talk at all. I hate it but it is for what is i guess. So the problem now is trying to get the depression under control and not have to fight everything or force everything to get things done in the day. I just cant sit and relax or allow things to happen on their own or whatever is out my control to just end up with no chronic feelings of powerlessness.

Ive tried seeing several or many psychiatrists and psychiatric nurse practioners that its troublesome finding the help I need to get it sorted it out. If a psych MD cant help me I doubt a psych nurse will help though the one I'm currently seeing does seem willing to prescribe an MAOI liek Parnate. It be a miracle if a Psychiatrist does that here in my area ugh. :duck
 
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