health and wellness
One Woman’s Path to Finding Treatment for Narcolepsy
Wendy’s childhood cataplexy led to a narcolepsy diagnosis after years of excessive sleepiness. She now effectively manages her symptoms with the LUMRYZ medication.
Last Updated on September 24, 2024 by Daily News Staff
Wendy was compensated by Avadel Pharmaceuticals for her time. Individual results may vary.
(Family Features) For Wendy, playfully jumping on the bed as a child led to panic when, suddenly, her limbs ceased to function and she dropped to the floor. Although she needed help, she couldn’t use her voice. This was Wendy’s first experience with cataplexy, a sudden period of muscle weakness that can be triggered by strong emotions, like laughter, excitement, or anger – a hallmark symptom of narcolepsy type 1.
Narcolepsy is a complex, lifelong sleep disorder that includes symptoms like cataplexy and excessive daytime sleepiness and is estimated to affect 1 in 2,000 Americans.
Wendy’s childhood experience with cataplexy was followed by years of struggling with excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) and trouble sleeping through the night. Her sleepiness, however, was dismissed for much of her life – often being told she was tired simply due to being busy.
“No one believed me when I said that something felt wrong,” Wendy said.
For people with narcolepsy, the lines between being asleep and awake are blurred. Instead of a natural sleep pattern, they often experience short periods of poor-quality sleep throughout the day and night, rather than restorative, consolidated sleep.
25 years after her first cataplexy attack, Wendy experienced a second episode while driving and was rushed to the emergency room.
“I stayed in the hospital for a week,” said Wendy. “Doctors first thought I likely had an attack similar to a stroke or a severe migraine. It wasn’t until I met with a neurologist and shared that I slept too much that I was referred for a sleep study and finally diagnosed with narcolepsy.”
After receiving the right diagnosis, the next challenge for Wendy was finding the right treatment.
Her doctors first prescribed several stimulants, which didn’t alleviate her daytime sleepiness. She was then prescribed a sodium oxybate, a treatment used for EDS and cataplexy, however this particular medication required waking up in the middle of the night to take a second dose, which Wendy found herself struggling to do.
Wendy turned to the narcolepsy community, where she learned about a once-nightly medication, LUMRYZ® (sodium oxybate) for extended-release oral suspension, CIII.
LUMRYZ is the first and only U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved once-at-bedtime sodium oxybate treatment for cataplexy or EDS in adults with narcolepsy, and a medication that Wendy says she is grateful for.
LUMRYZ has a boxed warning as a central nervous system depressant and for its potential for abuse and misuse. LUMRYZ is available only through a restricted program under a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy called the LUMRYZ REMS. Most common adverse reactions (incidence ≥ 5% and greater than placebo) reported for all doses of LUMRYZ combined were nausea, dizziness, bedwetting, headache and vomiting. Please see additional Important Safety Information, including Boxed Warning below.
“When I first heard about LUMRYZ being once-at-bedtime, I was ecstatic there was an option that might help with my cataplexy and EDS without having to wake in the middle of the night for a second dose,” said Wendy.
Today, Wendy has discovered a treatment that is right for her and helps improve her EDS and cataplexy symptoms, individual results may vary.
“My advice to others with narcolepsy is to be outspoken about your experience and learn as much as you can to be well-informed. I want to see people be diagnosed earlier, advocate for themselves, and find a treatment that’s right for them.”
If you are struggling with excessive daytime sleepiness, ask your healthcare provider about narcolepsy, and if you have been diagnosed, ask your physician if LUMRYZ is right for you. Learn more at www.lumryz.com.
Photo caption: Wendy, a person with narcolepsy
INDICATIONS
LUMRYZ (sodium oxybate) for extended-release oral suspension is a prescription medicine used to treat the following symptoms in adults with narcolepsy:
- sudden onset of weak or paralyzed muscles (cataplexy)
- excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS)
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATIONWARNING: Taking LUMRYZ™ (sodium oxybate) with other central nervous system (CNS) depressants such as medicines used to make you fall asleep, including opioid analgesics, benzodiazepines, sedating antidepressants, antipsychotics, sedating anti-epileptic medicines, general anesthetics, muscle relaxants, alcohol, or street drugs, may cause serious medical problems, including trouble breathing (respiratory depression), low blood pressure (hypotension), changes in alertness (drowsiness), fainting (syncope), and death. The active ingredient of LUMRYZ (sodium oxybate) is a form of gamma hydroxybutyrate (GHB), a controlled substance. Abuse or misuse of illegal GHB alone or with other CNS depressants (drugs that cause changes in alertness or consciousness) have caused serious side effects. These effects include seizures, trouble breathing (respiratory depression), changes in alertness (drowsiness), coma, and death. Call your doctor right away if you have any of these serious side effects. Because of these risks, LUMRYZ is available only by prescription and filled through certified pharmacies in the LUMRYZ REMS program. You must be enrolled in the LUMRYZ REMS to receive LUMRYZ. Further information is available at www.LUMRYZREMS.com or by calling 1-877-453-1029.
It is not known if LUMRYZ is safe and effective in people less than 18 years of age.
Do not take LUMRYZ if you take other sleep medicines or sedatives (medicines that cause sleepiness), drink alcohol, or have a rare problem called succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase deficiency.
Keep LUMRYZ in a safe place to prevent abuse and misuse. Selling or giving away LUMRYZ may harm others and is against the law. Tell your doctor if you have ever abused or been dependent on alcohol, prescription medicines, or street drugs.
Anyone who takes LUMRYZ should not do anything that requires them to be fully awake or is dangerous, including driving a car, using heavy machinery, or flying an airplane, for at least six (6) hours after taking LUMRYZ. Those activities should not be done until you know how LUMRYZ affects you.
Falling asleep quickly, including while standing or while getting up from the bed, has led to falls with injuries that have required some people to be hospitalized.
LUMRYZ can cause serious side effects, including the following:
- Breathing problems, including slower breathing, trouble breathing, and/or short periods of not breathing while sleeping (e.g., sleep apnea). People who already have breathing or lung problems have a higher chance of having breathing problems when they take LUMRYZ.
- Mental health problems, including confusion, seeing or hearing things that are not real (hallucinations), unusual or disturbing thoughts (abnormal thinking), feeling anxious or upset, depression, thoughts of killing yourself or trying to kill yourself, increased tiredness, feelings of guilt or worthlessness, and difficulty concentrating. Tell your doctor if you have or had depression or have tried to harm yourself. Call your doctor right away if you have symptoms of mental health problems or a change in weight or appetite.
- Sleepwalking. Sleepwalking can cause injuries. Call your doctor if you start sleepwalking.
Tell your doctor if you are on a salt-restricted diet or if you have high blood pressure, heart failure, or kidney problems. LUMRYZ contains a lot of sodium (salt) and may not be right for you.
The most common side effects of LUMRYZ in adults include nausea, dizziness, bedwetting, headache, and vomiting. Your side effects may increase when you take higher doses of LUMRYZ. LUMRYZ can cause physical dependence and craving for the medicine when it is not taken as directed. These are not all the possible side effects of LUMRYZ.
For more information, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA.
Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
Please see full Prescribing Information, including BOXED Warning, and Medication Guide.
PM-US-AVGEN-0169-v2 07/2024
SOURCE:
Avadel
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Consumer Corner
Cold cities are the most ready for winter, with one exception. See where your city ranks
Cold cities? Every neighborhood has a mix of homeowners who approach seasonal home maintenance differently – there are the people who stay on schedule, and on the other end, the procrastinators. There are the dedicated DIYers, and those who have their favorite maintenance pro saved as a favorite contact in their phone. As it turns out, cities are no different. Some metropolitan areas keep their neighborhoods in tip-top shape, while others are a little more slow-going.
Cold cities are the most ready for winter, with one exception. See where your city ranks
(Sheeka Sanahori) Every neighborhood has a mix of homeowners who approach seasonal home maintenance differently – there are the people who stay on schedule, and on the other end, the procrastinators. There are the dedicated DIYers, and those who have their favorite maintenance pro saved as a favorite contact in their phone. As it turns out, cities are no different. Some metropolitan areas keep their neighborhoods in tip-top shape, while others are a little more slow-going.
New data from home services company Angi, covering fall maintenance activity in August, reveals which U.S. metropolitan areas are the most proactive with fall maintenance. Washington, D.C., tops the ranking with the strongest demand for fall maintenance in the country, followed by Columbus, Ohio, and Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Northern cities dominate the rest of the list.
Cleveland, Ohio, and Albany-Schenectady-Troy, New York, round out the top five. Cold-weather markets dominate the ranking, accounting for eight of the 10 most-prepared metros. Rochester, New York; Charlotte, North Carolina; Chicago; Indianapolis; and Pittsburgh complete the top 10.
Least fall-ready metros
Fewer than 1 in 5 American cities is prepping for fall at an above-average rate. Among the 66 metros that recorded at least 100 fall maintenance service requests during the analysis period, Los Angeles had the lowest level of per-capita activity, followed by Oklahoma City and Riverside, California. California accounts for four of the bottom 10 markets, with Los Angeles, Riverside, San Diego and San Francisco all appearing on the list. These metros historically don’t experience the colder winter climates of the Northeast and Midwest, making fall maintenance less of an imperative.
Grand Rapids, Michigan, stands out as the only clearly cold-weather metro among the 10 least-prepared large metros. The New York City metro, which includes Newark and Jersey City, ranked just outside the 10 least-prepared large metros, coming in at number 11. Other New York state metros, including Syracuse, Rochester and the Albany metro area, were on the most prepared list.
Homeowners are choosing upkeep over upgrades
Sixty-three percent of homeowners who have recently hired a professional completed maintenance work, and 58% completed repairs. Although they may be waiting to do that dream kitchen or bath renovation, they’re focusing for now on the maintenance that keeps their homes in order.
The most common fall maintenance projects focus on outdoor upkeep. Nationally, tree trimming was the most popular, followed by lawn and yard waste cleanup and shrub care.
What homeowners should do now
When tackling a home maintenance list, start at the top of the home by inspecting the roof and gutters. Look for loose or damaged shingles, and make sure gutters are debris-free. It’s also a good idea to ensure downspouts direct water far away from the foundation. Homeowners should inspect these areas from the ground or hire a professional if the work requires climbing or feels unsafe.
Next, check for drafts around the windows and doors. Replacing worn weatherstripping and damaged caulk in the fall can prevent warm air from escaping once the heat comes back on. Homeowners should also inspect their HVAC filters and have the heating system checked before the temperatures drop.
Every home’s maintenance needs will vary, depending on the age and condition of the house and where it’s located. Whether homeowners hire a professional or safely address small issues, making the fixes can prevent larger and more expensive problems later.
The ranking: Metros from most to least prepared
America’s 10 Most Fall-Prepared Metros
1. Washington, D.C.
2. Columbus, Ohio
3. Milwaukee, Wisconsin
4. Cleveland, Ohio
5. Albany-Schenectady-Troy, New York
6. Rochester, New York
7. Charlotte, North Carolina
8. Chicago, Illinois
9. Indianapolis, Indiana
10. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
10 Metros With the Most Opportunity to Get Fall-Ready
1. Los Angeles, California
2. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
3. Riverside, California
4. Miami, Florida
5. San Diego, California
6. Houston, Texas
7. Grand Rapids, Michigan
8. San Francisco, California
9. Austin, Texas
10. Memphis, Tennessee
Methodology
The rankings are based on fall maintenance activity recorded on Angi during August 2026. Projects included yard cleanup, winterization, roofing and gutters, heating systems, water and drainage, outdoor plumbing, fireplaces and chimneys, pest prevention, and snow and storm preparation. U.S. metropolitan areas were ranked by activity per 100,000 residents using 2020 U.S. Census population data. To qualify for the least-prepared ranking, metros were required to have at least five service requests or jobs during the analysis period. The rankings reflect activity on Angi’s platform and are not a complete measure of all home-maintenance activity within each metro. These rankings reflect activity observed on Angi’s platform and should not be interpreted as a complete measure of all home-maintenance behavior within a metro area.
Photo courtesy of Shutterstock
SOURCE:
Angi
Health
Type 2 Diabetes Doesn’t Have to Be Your Future: Medicare Has a Benefit That Can Help
Left unchecked, prediabetes can progress to type 2 diabetes. However, with the right support, prediabetes can often be managed or even reversed. If you have Medicare, you may qualify for a Medicare-covered program that can help you lower your chances of developing type 2 diabetes – at no cost to you.
(Feature Impact) Nearly 1 in 2 people age 65 and older has prediabetes – a condition where blood sugar (glucose) levels run higher than normal. Left unchecked, prediabetes can progress to type 2 diabetes. However, with the right support, prediabetes can often be managed or even reversed. If you have Medicare, you may qualify for a Medicare-covered program that can help you lower your chances of developing type 2 diabetes – at no cost to you.
The Medicare Diabetes Prevention Program is a covered Medicare benefit that gives you practical tools, personalized support, and proven strategies to make healthy lifestyle changes. Learn how to eat better, exercise more, and build healthy habits that stick while guided by a certified coach who helps you every step of the way.
Research shows the program works. People with prediabetes who complete the program result in weight loss, which ultimately leads to reduced risk of type 2 diabetes onset.
What can you expect?
Prevention does not mean you have to make big changes all at once. This program helps you take small, realistic steps that can add up to lasting results. It includes 16 core sessions where you can learn how to reduce your diabetes risk by making healthier meals, moving more, and building healthy habits.
The core sessions are followed by six months of monthly maintenance sessions to help you keep your momentum.
You can choose the class format that works for you
You can enroll in these services from approved Medicare Diabetes Prevention Program suppliers and participate in the way most convenient for you:
- In-Person: Attend sessions in a community location.
- Live-Distance Learning: Join interactive group sessions from home.
- Self-Paced Online: This new option allows you to access online content and learn on your own schedule.
Visit www.medicare.gov/PreventDiabetes to find a class that’s right for you.
Who is eligible?
You may qualify if you are enrolled in Medicare Part B and meet these criteria:
- Have had one of the following test results within the past 12 months:
- Hemoglobin A1c between 5.7% and 6.4%
- Fasting plasma glucose between 110 and 125 mg/dL
- Two-hour plasma glucose between 140 and 199 mg/dL after an oral glucose tolerance test
- Have a body mass index (BMI) of 25 or higher (or 23 or higher if you self-report as Asian descent).
- Have never been diagnosed with type 1 or type 2 diabetes or end-stage renal disease (ESRD).
What does it cost?
If you have Medicare Part B and qualify for the program, you pay nothing to participate. If you are in a Medicare Advantage Plan, you may have to go to an in-network provider to get these services. Contact your plan for more information.
Ready to get started on your healthier future?
Take control of your health on your own terms, schedule, and pace that fits into your life. Check with your doctor to find out if you have prediabetes or are at risk for developing type 2 diabetes. If you’re eligible for the Medicare Diabetes Prevention Program, your doctor can refer you, or you can enroll on your own.
If you’re ready to get started today, find the class that’s right for you at: www.medicare.gov/PreventDiabetes.
Information provided by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Photos courtesy of Shutterstock
SOURCE:
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
(Feature Impact) Dry eye is one of the most overlooked symptoms of perimenopause, the phase of fluctuating hormones leading up to a woman’s final period, and menopause, the point in a woman’s life when she’s gone a year without a period.
In fact, 79% of women1 recognize hot flashes as a symptom of menopause, but only 14% recognize dry eye as a menopause-related symptom, according to the 2026 Bausch + Lomb (Peri)Menopausal Survey. What’s more, 78% of women1 were surprised to learn that dry eye is a symptom of perimenopause or menopause.
“Dry eye is still widely overlooked as a symptom of menopause, and many women think it’s just a minor nuisance, but the truth is it can significantly affect your daily life,” said Neda Gioia, OD, CNS, IFMCP, FOWNS, founder, Integrative Vision. “Early symptoms are often misunderstood or self-treated but it’s very important for women who experience symptoms to see an eye doctor and get an accurate diagnosis and treatment.”
During perimenopause and menopause, declining hormone levels can impact tear production, tear quality and tear evaporation, contributing to dry eye symptoms including redness, fluctuating vision and a gritty or tired feeling in the eyes, all of which can impact day-to-day comfort and quality of life. If left untreated, dry eyes may worsen over time, potentially impacting eye health and vision. Among peri-, menopausal and post-menopausal women who experienced dry eye, 80% said the symptom came as a surprise.
Respondents reported their dry eye symptoms caused difficulty reading (58%), difficulty using screens (53%), difficulty driving (26%) and reduced productivity (17%), underscoring the often-overlooked impact dry eyes can have on everyday life.1
However, there are a variety of products and treatment approaches available to help manage dry eye symptoms. For example, Bausch + Lomb offers a range of options designed to address the main causes of dry eye.
A doctor-recommended, clinically proven once-daily soft gel supplement that targets the key root causes of dry eyes, Blink NutriTears supports healthy tear production and provides lasting, continuous relief.* § As part of a comprehensive approach to dry eye management, the supplement can be used with Blink Triple Care Preservative Free Lubricant Eye Drops, which are designed to directly address tear evaporation, one of the leading causes of dry eye, and provide instant and long-lasting symptom relief.
An eye care professional can help determine the approach that’s right for each individual. To learn more about dry eye and products to help combat it, visit JustBlink.com.*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
12026 Bausch & Lomb (Peri)Menopause Survey via Suzy, n=402; Women ages 30–80+ who are perimenopausal, menopausal, or post-menopausal
§Based on a clinical study
SOURCE:
Bausch + Lomn
