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Initial study results sound promisingHello awake tablet tested! New drug helps against severe fatigue
Is the pill for fatigue coming soon?
Millions of people complain that they are constantly tired. Especially and understandably those who work different shifts. A new drug called Solriamfetol was tested on them and the first results sound promising. Nevertheless, doctors urge caution.
Sleep disorders are increasing in Germany
It's the daily battle against the internal clock: If you have to get up between three and seven in the morning, you are working against your body's natural sleep rhythm. This leads to extreme fatigue and sleep disorders and has an impact on concentration, performance and safety at work. A situation that affects millions of people in Germany and also worries doctors. “In fact, we can speak of an epidemic of sleep disorders. This has increased significantly, mainly due to our not very biorhythm-friendly lifestyle”said Dr. Christoph Specht in an RTL interview.
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Now a new drug called Solriamfetol could help. The effect: Solriamfetol is a dopamine and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. “When nerve signals are transmitted, it is always via messenger substances, for example dopamine (happiness hormone) and norepinephrine (stress hormone). And now if I have a so-called reuptake inhibitor, then I increase the rate of dopamine. And that is linked to increased vigilance.”explains Dr. Woodpecker.
Medicine can apparently relieve early shift workers
A recent clinical study in the journal NEJM Evidence shows that early shift workers who took the drug solriamfetol were able to stay significantly more awake during their work hours than colleagues taking a placebo. 78 adults took part in the study over a period of four weeks. “I wouldn't call it a breakthrough, also because the study is of course still very small. Relatively few subjects were tested and for a relatively short period of time. That means we don’t really have any idea about long-term effects yet.”says Dr. Woodpecker.
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According to the Mass General Brigham research institute, the research team is now preparing a follow-up clinical study, in which solriamfetol is to be tested as a possible treatment for sleep disorders in night shift workers.
Dr. However, Specht generally advises caution because pills such as solriamfetol can influence natural sleep. Instead of taking medication, people should establish sleep routines, reduce screen time, get plenty of natural light, and reduce stress levels. Not always easy, but still the best way to get a healthy sleep.
Sources used: RTL, NEJM Evidence
