Treatments For Narcolepsy - Narcolepsy: Sleep Disorders

Table 4: Medications used to treat narcolepsy

Generic name

Brand name

Use

Side effects

Comments

clomipramine*, desipramine*, nortriptyline*, protriptyline*

Anafranil, Norpramin, Pamelor, Vivactil

To prevent cataplexy and other REM-related symptoms

Dizziness, dry mouth, blurred vision, weight gain, constipation, trouble urinating, drowsiness, disturbance of heart rhythm (arrhythmia)

Should not be used with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or during immediate recovery from a heart attack.

dextroamphetamine

Dexedrine

To counter daytime sleepiness

Nervousness, insomnia, loss of appetite, nausea, dizziness, irregular heartbeat, headache, changes in blood pressure and pulse, weight loss

Should not be used with MAOIs or in cases of hypertension or glaucoma; may require dosage changes in medications prescribed for other conditions.

fluoxetine*, paroxetine*, sertraline*

Prozac, Paxil, Zoloft

To prevent cataplexy and other REM-related symptoms

Nausea, dry mouth, headache, loss of appetite, nervousness, diarrhea or constipation, sweating, sexual problems

Should not be used with MAOIs.

Methylphenidate, modafinil

Ritalin, Provigil

To counter daytime sleepiness

Nervousness, loss of appetite, nausea, dizziness, palpitations, headache, changes in blood pressure, weight loss, abnormal movement

pemoline*

Cylert

To counter daytime sleepiness

Nervousness, insomnia, loss of appetite, nausea, dizziness, palpitations, headache, changes in blood pressure, weight loss, abnormal movement

Sodium oxybate*

Xyrem

To prevent cataplexy and improve nighttime sleep

Abdominal pain, chills, dizziness, abnormal dreams, drowsiness, stomach discomfort

Must be taken at bedtime and again during the middle of the night.

*Although the FDA has not approved this drug for this use, physicians have found that it often helps people with this condition and therefore prescribe it.