Treatment of Narcolepsy

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There is clinical evidence that frequent short day- time naps reduces excessive daytime sleepiness. Also keeping to strict bedtimes is important, ensuring adequate sleep at night. Take regular exercise and try to keep stress levels to a minimum.

Excessive daytime sleepiness may be helped greatly by amphetamine stimulants. Dexamphetamine sulphate (Dexedrine) is the most commonly prescribed in the UK. Alternatively Methylphenidate (Ritalin) is sometimes prescribed. These drugs have side effects (always read the Patient Information leaflet carefully) and should not be taken by pregnant or nursing mothers.

More recently modafini, a wake-promoter has also been licensed for this use.

Cataplexy can be reduced by antidepressant drugs, which suppress rapid eye movement sleep. There are two main classes of antidepressant used for treating cataplexy - the Tricyclic antidepressants and the Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs ).