Medicine for Sleep Apnea

Overview

Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder characterized by brief pauses in breathing during sleep. There are several types of medications that may be used to help treat sleep apnea including:

• Wakefulness-promoting agents: These medications, such as modafinil, armodafinil, and solriamfetol, help promote wakefulness during the day for individuals who still feel sleepy despite using positive airway pressure devices. They affect neurotransmitters (chemicals in the brain that help send messages) like dopamine and norepinephrine to increase alertness. Potential side effects include headaches and cardiovascular (heart) problems like chest pain and high blood pressure.
• Supplemental oxygen: Oxygen therapy can be used alongside other treatments to prevent drops in blood oxygen levels caused by airway collapse. It is typically used in individuals with severe heart or lung disease or neuromuscular disorders. However, it does not prevent airway collapse or sleep fragmentation.

It's important to note that medication should be used in conjunction with other treatments for sleep apnea and under the guidance of a healthcare provider. Medication dosing (how and when medication is taken) may be affected by many factors, so it's essential to speak with your healthcare provider about dosing for your individual situation. Other side effects can occur, so it's crucial to discuss potential precautions and side effects with your healthcare provider or read the information provided with your medication for additional information.