Persons Taking Medication for Narcolepsy & Primary Hypersomnia

Narcolepsy and primary hypersomnia are neurological sleep disorders.

Prescription medication for narcolepsy and primary hypersomnia is used to treat excessive sleepiness that is disruptive to the patient's life. Choices include stimulants and sleep aids.

Central hypersomnia disorders

Excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS)

Narcolepsy and primary hypersomnia are disorders of the central nervous system that cause excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS). They are neurological, not psychological, disorders.

Treatable symptoms

In primary hypersomnia, EDS often makes patients require more sleep than normal. In narcolepsy, dream-related symptoms like sudden loss of muscle tone (cataplexy) and hallucinations may be present.

Stimulants

Modafinil (ProVigil), amphetamines (Adderall, Dexedrine), and methylphenidate (Ritalin) are stimulants often prescribed for these conditions. Clomipramine, an older-generation antidepressant with stimulant effects, may be prescribed for narcolepsy with cataplexy.

Sodium oxybate

Sodium oxybate (Xyrem) may be prescribed to improve nighttime sleep. It is taken at bedtime and again during the night, and is available only by mail from a single central pharmacy.

Dependence

Amphetamines, methylphenidate, and sodium oxybate are all Schedule III drugs with high potential for abuse. They should be used with caution and under close medical supervision.

Side effects

All medications for narcolepsy and primary hypersomnia have side effects. Persons taking these drugs should work closely with their doctors and pharmacists to understand and manage specific side effects.

References

• "Narcolepsy;" Merck Manual of Diagnosis and Therapy
• Drug labels for patients and health care professionals

Resources

• "Narcolepsy: Treatments and Drugs;" Mayo Clinic
• Sleep Education, from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine