- Researchers in Canada discovered that three anti-fatigue drugs can be effective
- Solriamfetol, brand name SUNOSI, found to make the biggest difference
- READ MORE: One in five Americans has a life-threatening sleep disorder
Scientists have discovered a drug that combats daytime sleepiness better than an espresso.
Researchers in Canada found that three anti-fatigue medications may be effective in reducing daytime sleepiness.
They reviewed previous studies of the drug in people with obstructive sleep apnea who were already using another therapy, such as a positive airway pressure (PAP) mask.
Sleep apnea is a common sleep-related condition in which breathing stops and starts during the night, putting the body at risk of dangerously depriving it of vital oxygen. Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common type.
Scientists have discovered a drug that fights daytime sleepiness better than an espresso
The researchers reviewed 14 previous clinical trials involving a total of 3,085 participants with obstructive sleep apnea and associated excessive daytime sleepiness.
They compared the effectiveness of three drugs against fatigue: solriamfetol, armodafinil-modafinil and pitolisant.
All three were found to be more effective than a placebo drug in combating fatigue in patients, with solriamfetol having the greatest impact.
Participants’ tiredness was measured using self-reported questionnaires and a test called the Maintenance of Wakefulness Test (MWT), which measures how alert a person is during the day.
It involves a person trying to stay awake in a dimly lit room while wearing sensors to measure their vital signs.
Armodafinil-modafinil and pitolisant were found to “likely improve” wakefulness after one month of use.
The researchers noted that the side effects of the medications could be a problem for users.
Solriamfetol, for example, has been linked to an increase in blood pressure.
The study was published in the journal Annals of internal medicine.
According to the manufacturers of the drug solriamfetol, brand name SUNOSI, it improved wakefulness for up to nine hours. With caffeine, people probably won’t feel the effects after four to six hours.
