Quote:
Originally Posted by lurkingforacure
OK, now I've heard it all. Listening to the radio I heard an ad for a new drug that has not only barrelled right through the FDA approval process (while scores of PWP suffer daily, waiting for approval of duodopa in this country) but is now being actively marketed for, drum roll, NOT any of the horrible conditions millions are and have been suffering for decades with, but, yes, apparently this is an epidemic we never knew about:
Shift Disorder Syndrome.
You read that right. If you work nights, or off hours, this new drug can help you overcome that pesky circadian rhythm and stay focused and alert all through the shift. There are, of course, side effects. Huge ones. In fact, the disclaimer of side effects took longer for the broadcaster to read through than the spiel for the drug itself.
And some wonder why so many have such little faith in the pharmacuetical industry.
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I believe the drug is Nuvigil.
Nuvigil (armodafinil) is a long-acting version of a previously-approved drug, modafinil. Nuvigil is prescribed for people with excessive sleepiness caused by narcolepsy, shift work sleep disorder, use of breathing devices, or obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome.
A quick Google search indicates that Nuvigil was not pushed through the FDA approval process. It was approved by the FDA after over 2.5 years of review, discussion, and follow-up. By contrast, the average approval period by the FDA for a new drug application is 12.5 months.
I mention all this not because I am personally interested in Nuvigil. I'm not. I mention this because I come to this forum to read what I consider to be usually well-researched and thoughtful discussions of issues that affect the PD community. I believe these discussions help us deepen our understanding of PD and the challenges facing our community and, in turn, make us better advocates for better research, heathcare, and treatment options.
I completely understand the frustration surrounding our limited drug options. I'm a PWP myself. But I don't think we advance our cause by making statements that are not fact-based and we lose ground when we trivialize the treatments that are available for those with other serious conditions.
Thanks for reading.