
What Causes Extreme Sleepiness During The Day Time?

I've been using Neupro (4mg/24) patches for 9 years. I'm experiencing problems with binocular vertical diplopia and extreme sleepiness during the day. It is a struggle to stay awake during the day. Driving limited to trips of no longer than 30 minutes. I've tried using water proof tape on the application area to reduce the dosage to 3mg/day. Feel much better with regards to double vision and sleepiness. Much more energetic and alert. However, suffer from RLS at the lower dosage. Latter limits sleep to 4 hours per night.
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Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.
If rotigotine (Neupro) is causing you extra daytime sleepiness then the possible options would be either to reduce dosage or switch to another alternative treatment. Since you say dosage reduction doesn't control RLS then other options may be considered such Pregabalin or Gabapentin which are a commonly used option.
However before changing medication due to sleepiness during the day it must be considered if actually that daytime sleepiness is due to the lack of sleep during the night due to RLS and not a medication side effect. In that cases RLS control would be the way to tackle it, and perhaps Neupro dosage might actually be increased.
Of course any medication needs to be completed with non-medication measures such as sleep hygiene, exercising, avoiding alcohol and nicotine etc.
I remain at your disposal for further questions.


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Detailed Answer:
I see, so you take Sinemet and Azilect as well. Those may also be used for RLS, so the addition may have had its effect. It is good that you seem to have found some balance for the moment, however make sure to take the dose increase with your new neurologist as well.
Let me know if I can further assist you.

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