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How do you treat idiopathic hypersomnia inadequately responding to modafinil?

In light of the recent RCT by Dauvilliers et al., PMID 40359459 published June 2025 in Neurology.
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Do you use sodium oxybate to treat idiopathic hypersomnia?

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5 Answers
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Neurology · UNC Health
Answered on · Updated on

I agree with @Dr. First Last. I usually start my patients on modafinil or armodafinil. If those do not work, I will try solriamfetol. I will supplement with as needed amphetamines as well. I do not often go straight to sodium oxybate/low-sodium oxybate, as you need the right patient for this medicat...

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Neurology · Northwestern University
Answered on

I would try a traditional stimulant first, and if they have side effects, then switch to low-sodium oxybate.

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Pulmonology · Sanford Health
Answered on

Although I agree with modafinil or armodafinil as a first-line, amphetamines are problematic both in the mood disorders associated with idiopathic hypersomnolence and in college students. Solriamfetol is intriguing, but since IH is an off-label indication, insurers routinely deny it. Overall, sodium...

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Psychiatry · Jennifer Neuwalder, MD
Answered on

The one patient I work with who has idiopathic hypersomnia also has other dysautonomias, so I referred out to a sleep specialist. It took over two years for them to get approved for Xywav because their sleep study was slightly off, and not many physicians prescribed GHB. My patient experienced a bri...

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Neurology · Brown University
Answered on

In reviewing the AASM practice guidelines 2021 (1), clarithromycin also has RCT evidence to support it, but must be used cautiously in those with comorbid heart disease, and being wary of the development of antibiotic resistance. Flumazenil also has interesting retrospective data to support it (2) [...

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