I was diagnosed with idiopathic hypersomnia about 2 months ago. My doctor has to put me on ritalin because my insurance company denied me provigil. My first question is, what kinds of side effects have people who have used this medication had? I'm just curious as to what to expect. I'm 20 years old, and i've never really been on any kind of medication.

Second, I was wondering how to tell my employer about this condition. I have been working for him for awhile, and I got in trouble for being late two times last week because I couldn't get out of bed! I really don't want to get in trouble for this again, because my doctor is trying to get me under control. Have any of you told your employer? How should I bring this up to him?

My third and last question is, have any of you tried any other methods of keeping yourselves awake? Like, natural methods? I would really like to try some effective natural methods instead of filling my body with stimulants. If anybody out there has any ideas, please help!

I know this is a loaded question. If anyone is able to help me, please do! I can use all the help I can get!