Medications can affect social relationships!

To understand how medications commonly prescribed for narcolepsy or idiopathic hypersomnia can effect social relationships, it’s important to start by understanding that medications are not all designed in the same way. Some medications are designed for fast action – doctors call these immediate release medications and their effects typically last 2-4 hours. Other medications are designed to last longer and are called extended release medications. Their effects can last 6-24+ hours.

For example, immediate release methylphenidate lasts 2-4 hours. This can mean that you need to take 2-3 doses per day (morning, after lunch, and early evening). On the other hand, extended release methylphenidate lasts 6-8 hours and is typically taken once in the morning.

This means that if you are taking an immediate release formulations of a stimulant medication, it may require that you have to leave class or work to go and get the next immediate release dose so you can stay awake in the afternoon. Some people are not bothered by this and find times to go that works for their schedules. Others find it can take away time from their friends and co-workers, or they can get embarrassed if they have to excuse themselves every day.

Another way in which narcolepsy or idiopathic hypersomnia medications can affect social relationships is because many adolescents have activities or want to hang out with friends after school or work. Sometimes a short nap is needed before social activities and long-acting medication can make it difficult to fall asleep at the desired time. This may require adjustments in dose or timing of medication taken. On the other hand, if you take short acting medications, you likely know that the effects of morning medications wear off by mid-afternoon. This means that you may require another dose so that you can maintain social relationships.

Ultimately, a conversation with your sleep doctor about your unique schedule and desired social activities/relationships is very important. They can help you balance the risks/benefits of any changes to your current medication plan, with the goal of creating a personalized therapeutic plan that works for your needs.