From the Guidelines
Over-the-counter treatments for excessive daytime sleepiness include caffeine as the most accessible option, typically found in coffee (80-100mg per cup), tea (30-50mg per cup), or supplements (100-200mg tablets). For optimal results, take caffeine early in the day, limiting consumption to 400mg daily and avoiding it after 2pm to prevent sleep disruption 1. B vitamins, particularly B12, may help with energy levels; a B-complex supplement containing 2.4mcg of B12 daily can be beneficial. Some people find relief with herbal supplements like ginseng (200-400mg daily) or rhodiola (200-600mg daily), though their effectiveness varies. Addressing sleep hygiene is crucial alongside these treatments—maintain a consistent sleep schedule, limit screen time before bed, create a comfortable sleep environment, and exercise regularly. If excessive sleepiness persists despite these measures, consult a healthcare provider as it may indicate an underlying condition like sleep apnea, narcolepsy, or a medication side effect requiring professional evaluation and treatment. It's essential to note that while modafinil has been shown to be effective in treating excessive daytime sleepiness, it is a prescription medication and not available over-the-counter 1. Additionally, other treatments like pitolisant may be effective, but more research is needed to fully understand its effects, particularly in pediatric populations 1.
Key Considerations
- Caffeine is the most accessible over-the-counter option for treating excessive daytime sleepiness
- B vitamins and herbal supplements may also be beneficial, but their effectiveness varies
- Addressing sleep hygiene is crucial for optimal results
- If excessive sleepiness persists, consult a healthcare provider to rule out underlying conditions
Treatment Options
- Caffeine: 100-200mg tablets, limit consumption to 400mg daily
- B vitamins: B-complex supplement containing 2.4mcg of B12 daily
- Herbal supplements: ginseng (200-400mg daily) or rhodiola (200-600mg daily)
From the FDA Drug Label
The FDA drug label does not answer the question.
From the Research
Over-the-Counter (OTC) Treatments for Excessive Daytime Sleepiness (EDS)
There are no specific over-the-counter (OTC) treatments for excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) mentioned in the provided studies.
Prescription Treatments for EDS
- The medications available to improve daytime wakefulness include:
- Amphetamines
- Methylphenidate
- Pemoline
- Modafinil 2
- Wakefulness-promoting agents such as modafinil, stimulants such as methylphenidate and amphetamines, and newer agents specifically designed to improve wakefulness are used to treat EDS secondary to central disorders of hypersomnolence 3
- Modafinil is approved for use in patients with excessive sleepiness associated with narcolepsy, obstructive sleep apnoea/hypopnoea syndrome (OSA/HS) or shift work sleep disorder (SWSD) 4
- Stimulants are used to treat excessive sleepiness 5
- Amphetamine-like central nervous system stimulants or modafinil and its R-enantiomer, armodafinil, wake-promoting compounds unrelated to amphetamines are used to treat EDS 6
Treatment Approach
- Determining the cause of daytime sleepiness is the first step in treating it 2
- Treatment of EDS should focus on targeting the primary disorder when excessive sleepiness is secondary to other conditions 3
- Treating the primary cause, whenever identified, is the approach for treating excessive sleepiness 5