Most people with type 1 and type 2 narcolepsy have poor nighttime sleep. Planned naps before activities that require high alertness levels, such as driving, can be highly beneficial. After a short sleep period, people with narcolepsy are more likely to wake up refreshed, as they can reach REM sleep faster than people without narcolepsy. Planning 15- to 20-minute naps throughout the day can help you manage daytime drowsiness. You can try out these nonmedical treatment options, adapting them to fit your individual lifestyle preferences: These involve lifestyle strategies that help promote better nighttime sleep and daytime alertness. It’s worth mentioning that in a 2013 study that focused on interviewing 320 patients with narcolepsy about their sleeping and medical-related routines, research suggested that people with narcolepsy may have a higher risk for certain medical and psychiatric comorbidities - one of which was major depressive disorder (MDD) - than the general population.Īlong with medications, various behavioral techniques can help in narcolepsy treatment. selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SSNRIs), such as venlafaxine and fluoxetinĪntidepressants carry fewer side effects than amphetamines, though some side effects can arise, such as high blood pressure and irregular heartbeat.tricyclic antidepressants, such as imipramine and clomipramine.Two classes of antidepressants may be effective: Treatment for cataplexy, hallucinations, and sleep paralysisįor people with type 1 narcolepsy, medication can help treat cataplexy, hallucinations, and sleep paralysis.Īntidepressants are the most common medication used to treat cataplexy. Also, sodium oxybate has demonstrated a higher value in improving nighttime sleep. However, there’s preliminary research on the impact of these drugs. The total time spent sleeping during a 24-hour period is generally the same as someone without narcolepsy, because you tend to sleep frequently for shorter periods through the day and night.īenzodiazepines and hypnotic non-benzodiazepines may improve the overall quality of sleep among people with narcolepsy. There aren’t many FDA-approved medications to treat disrupted nighttime sleep symptoms. Many people with narcolepsy experience disrupted nighttime sleep (DNS), where they wake often during the night. However, its use is highly restricted due to safety concerns, such as central nervous system depression and misuse. This is an FDA-approved treatment for both EDS and cataplexy. It has shown to be beneficial for reducing EDS and cataplexy in people with both type 1 and type 2 narcolepsy. Pitolisant is a newer option in this class of drugs. Its side effects are similar to modafinil, and it’s a reasonable choice for treating EDS in narcolepsy. Norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitor (NDRI).However, stimulants may not help with cataplexy, have side effects, and can carry a chance for misuse. Some stimulants, such as amphetamine or methylphenidate, can help promote alertness and prevent sleep attacks. In addition, these wakefulness-promoting agents carry fewer side effects and lower potential for addiction compared with traditional stimulants. They work in the brain’s hypothalamus to promote wakefulness and reduce sleep attacks. These are FDA-approved treatments for EDS in narcolepsy and similar sleep disorders. Medication doesn’t provide complete relief from EDS, but it can help prevent serious accidents.Ĭurrently, four medications can be used to help manage EDS symptoms: People with narcolepsy experience EDS every day. According to the National Institute for Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), most people can manage the excessive sleepiness and cataplexy related to narcolepsy by using a combination of behavioral changes and medications. Medications cannot cure narcolepsy, but they can help you manage your symptoms.
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