Scientists from McMaster University have found that the drug solriamfetol is the most effective treatment for excessive daytime sleepiness in people with obstructive sleep apnea. The research was published in the journal Internal Medicine Annuals.
About a billion people worldwide suffer from obstructive sleep apnea – breathing stops due to airway closure. The standard treatment for obstructive sleep apnea is a CPAP machine that creates positive airway pressure. The device is a mask through which compressed air enters the respiratory tract during sleep. Previous studies have shown that CPAP is effective in the treatment of sleep apnea, but despite its use, many patients continue to experience daytime sleepiness.
In the new study, researchers reviewed 14 anti-fatigue clinical studies in 3,085 people. Scientists have found that solriamfetol is probably the best treatment for daytime sleepiness in sleep apnea. The drugs armodafinil-modafinil and pitolizant were also effective.
Solriamfetol can also raise blood pressure, which is especially dangerous for people with obstructive sleep apnea, as sleep apnea increases the risk of cardiovascular problems.