Treatment - Medication and Modification

Although there is no cure for Narcolepsy, a number of medications and lifestyle modifications can help manage the symptoms.

Amphetamines and other stimulants that act on the Central Nervous System (CNS) have long been the primary treatment to help people with Narcolepsy stay awake during the day. While these medications improve symptoms in many people, they may cause serious adverse side effects and can be psychologically addictive.

A new drug called modafinil (Provigil) is designed to help people with Narcolepsy stay awake. Although its mechanisms are not completely understood, it is different from traditional drugs that act on the CNS. Results to date demonstrate that Modafinil isn't as addictive as Amphetamines and doesn't produce the highs and lows associated with traditional stimulants. It is believed that Modafinil produces a more natural state of wakefulness.

Antidepressants which suppress REM sleep are often prescribed to help alleviate the symptoms of Cataplexy, Hypnagogic hallucinations and sleep paralysis.

In addition to medications, lifestyle modifications are very important in managing the symptoms of Narcolepsy.

MEDICATIONS USED IN THE TREATMENT OF NARCOLEPSY

The current treatment for Narcolepsy is mainly pharmacologic. Excessive Daytime Sleepiness (EDS) is controlled through the use of amphetamine-like stimulants.

The most commonly prescribed amphetamine stimulant in the UK is Dexedrine (a Dexamphetamine) - visit http://peak-health.com/dexedrine.html. Mazindol is sometimes used as a preferred stimulant, but does not have a UK licence for use in Narcolepsy.

Modafinil (Provigil) (see www.provigil.com) is a newly licensed non-amphetamine treatment for Narcolepsy. It is a wake promoting agent that has been developed to treat the excessive sleepiness that is characteristic in Narcolepsy.