Narcolepsy

Narcolepsy is a neurological condition characterized by severe fatigue, irresistible episodes of sleep and general sleep disorder. It is a kind of dyssomnia.

Treatment

Several treatments are available for narcolepsy. These treat the symptoms, not the underlying cause. The drowsiness is normally treated using stimulants such as methylphenidate (Ritalin®), amphetamine (Adderall®), dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine®), methamphetamine (Desoxyn®), modafinil (Provigil®), etc. However, in many cases, planned regular short naps can reduce the need for drowsiness treatment to a low or non-existent level. The loss of muscle control is treated using clomipramine, impramine, or protryptiline but this need only be done in severe cases.

Related Topics:
Methylphenidate - Amphetamine - Dextroamphetamine - Methamphetamine - Modafinil - Clomipramine - Impramine - Protryptiline

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Narcolepsy is tied to the hypothalamus' failure to produce the orexin hormone pair sufficiently for normal human life and may have a genetic basis. Subjects not only fall asleep several times during the day, they also experience abnormal sleep patterns at night. A new medication is Xyrem, the proprietary name of gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB). In the United States, it has recently been approved by the Food and Drug Administration, adding another drug to the armamentum available to physicians. It is thought to be effective because it increases the quality of nocturnal sleep.

Related Topics:
Xyrem - GHB - United States - Food and Drug Administration

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Although there is no cure for narcolepsy, treatment options are available to help reduce the various symptoms. Treatment is individualized depending on the severity of the symptoms, and it may take weeks or months for an optimal regimen to be worked out. Complete control of sleepiness and cataplexy is rarely possible. Treatment is primarily by medications, but lifestyle changes are also important. The main treatment of excessive daytime sleepiness in narcolepsy is with a group of drugs called central nervous system stimulants. For cataplexy and other REM-sleep symptoms, antidepressant medications and other drugs that suppress REM sleep are prescribed. Caffeine and over-the-counter drugs have not been shown to be effective and are not recommended.

Related Topics:
Central nervous system - Stimulant - Antidepressant - Caffeine

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In addition to drug therapy, an important part of treatment is scheduling short naps (10 to 15 minutes) two to three times per day to help control excessive daytime sleepiness and help the person stay as alert as possible. Daytime naps are not a replacement for nighttime sleep.

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Ongoing communication among the physician, the person with narcolepsy, and family members about the response to treatment is necessary to achieve and maintain the best control.

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