Recent research unveils that solriamfetol, coupled with standard positive airway pressure (PAP) mask treatment, is the most beneficial approach to mitigate daytime sleepiness for patients afflicted with sleep apnea. This conclusion is drawn from a thorough evaluation of 14 clinical trials.
McMaster University researchers, Dena Zeraatkar and Tyler Pitre, found that solriamfetol is the optimal solution for combating excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) in people grappling with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
Ordinarily, OSA is managed using a PAP mask that utilizes pressurized air to maintain open airways in the lungs during sleep. However, some patients continue to experience EDS despite using the PAP mask. For these patients, anti-fatigue medication can offer symptom relief.
The research findings by Zeraatkar and Pitre were made public in the journal Annals of Internal Medicine.
Dena Zeraatkar. Courtesy: McMaster University
“The primary step for people diagnosed with OSA should be regular use of their PAP device. But if sleepiness persists, there are medication alternatives to alleviate their fatigue,” stated Tyler Pitre, the first author of the study, a resident physician in internal medicine at McMaster University, and a prospective respirology fellow at the University of Toronto.
Tyler Pitre. Courtesy: McMaster University
“OSA has been diagnosed in 15-30% of the North American population, although actual prevalence could be higher due to many undiagnosed cases. As obesity is strongly linked to this condition, the number of affected individuals is increasing across Canada, the US, and other high-income countries,” he explained.
“Many of these patients endure EDS, which impairs their quality of life, reduces productivity, and increases their susceptibility to mental health issues. Therefore, enhancing their circumstances is a top priority for healthcare providers.”
Pitre highlighted that OSA impacts nearly a billion people worldwide, with a significant proportion at risk of EDS.
In their research, Zeraatkar and Pitre evaluated 14 clinical trials involving 3,085 participants who took anti-fatigue medication. They also analyzed data from MEDLINE, CENTRAL, EMBASE, and ClinicalTrials.gov through a network meta-analysis from October 2022 to January 2023.
Zeraatkar, the senior author of the study, noted that although solriamfetol appears to be the most effective medication for EDS, drugs like armodafinil–modafinil and pitolisant are also useful in tackling fatigue. However, solriamfetol might lead to an increase in blood pressure, which is a particular concern for OSA patients with cardiovascular conditions.
“It will be intriguing to explore the efficacy of these anti-fatigue drugs in managing related illnesses such as chronic fatigue syndrome and long COVID, given their proven effectiveness for a similar condition,” said Zeraatkar, an assistant professor in the Department of Anesthesia.
Reference: “Comparative Efficacy and Safety of Wakefulness-Promoting Agents for Excessive Daytime Sleepiness in Patients With Obstructive Sleep Apnea – A Systematic Review and Network Meta-analysis” by Tyler Pitre, MD, MA, Jasmine Mah, MD, MSc, Sarah Roberts, BHSc, Kairavi Desai, BMSc, Yusing Gu, MD, Clodagh Ryan, MD, Ph.D., Jason W. Busse, DC, Ph.D. and Dena Zeraatkar, Ph.D., May 2023, Annals of Internal Medicine.
DOI: 10.7326/M22-3473
Table of Contents
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about solriamfetol sleep apnea treatment
What is the most effective treatment for excessive daytime sleepiness in sleep apnea patients?
The most effective treatment for excessive daytime sleepiness in sleep apnea patients is solriamfetol, alongside the standard positive airway pressure (PAP) mask treatment, according to a comprehensive review of 14 clinical trials.
Who conducted this research?
The research was conducted by Dena Zeraatkar and Tyler Pitre, researchers from McMaster University.
Where was this research published?
The research findings were published in the journal Annals of Internal Medicine.
What percentage of people in North America have been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)?
Between 15 and 30 percent of people in North America have been diagnosed with OSA, though the actual prevalence could be higher due to undiagnosed cases.
What are some potential alternative treatments for EDS if solriamfetol isn’t effective or suitable?
If solriamfetol is not effective or suitable, other medications such as armodafinil–modafinil and pitolisant have also been found effective in combatting fatigue.
Are there any potential side effects of solriamfetol?
Yes, solriamfetol can raise blood pressure, which can be particularly risky for people with OSA who also have cardiovascular issues.
More about solriamfetol sleep apnea treatment
- McMaster University
- Annals of Internal Medicine
- Information on Obstructive Sleep Apnea
- Information on Solriamfetol
5 comments
This’s really reassuring. My dad suffers from sleep apnea and he is always tired during the day. i’ll recommend this medication to him.
But what about the cost? Medications like solriamfetol aint cheap! They gotta find ways to make this treatment more accessible, you know?
Solriamfetol is certainly promising, but patients should remember its not a cure all and the PAP mask remains crucial. Always talk to your doctor first guys!
Great news! Its about time they found something effective. Living with OSA and EDS is really tough.
I’ve got sleep apnea and daytime sleepiness is just the worst thing, i can tell you. Got to look into this solriamfetol stuff, hope it helps.