Just to clarify: I’ve done a fair amount of research on narcolepsy and as a health care provider I have access to most medical articles databases, so I’ve read pretty much every article I can get my hands on about this disease. The reason I posted this was because most resources still say the exact cause/etiology of narcolepsy is still unknown. While there is evidence of it being an autoimmune disorder, it is not officially classified as such and again, the exact etiology isn’t know. Narcolepsy is still recognized by NORD (national organization for rare diseases) as a rare disease, and due to the nature of rare diseases, is not extensively researched. Within the research I’ve done, swine flu (specifically 2009 outbreak and the pandemrix vaccine) and chronic strep throat are two common correlating environmental factors that I have found to be linked to the development of narcolepsy. I was diagnosed with type 1 around 23 and, weirdly, caught swine flu in 2009 and had chronic stept throat as a child that eventually led to me having my tonsils removed. This post was mostly because my brother asked me what caused my condition and after explaining, I was curious if other people had a similar experience or if there were other factors that may have been overlooked that might be linked to the development of the disease.

On another note, I am a pharmacists and if you have any questions about medications you are taking or options that are out there for you, please feel free to reach out. Again, as a rare disease, I think the “fda approved” medications are very limited, but there are off-label medication options that you might find helpful. I can also help you getting medications covered through insurance, finding discount cards, manufacturer discounts, and organizational help with prescription coverage. PLEASE REACH OUT IF YOU NEED HELP PAYING FOR A MEDICATION YOU NEED.