Narcolepsy

Injury	Disease	Nutrition	Poison

Symptoms	Surgery	Test	Special Topic

Sleep patterns in the young and aged

Overview

Symptoms

Treatment

Prevention

Narcolepsy

Alternative Names:

Daytime sleep disorder

Treatment:

There is no known cure for narcolepsy. Treatment is aimed at control of the symptoms.

Lifestyle adjustments and learning to cope with the emotional and other effects of the disorder may improve functioning in work and social activities. Planned naps can help regulate daytime sleep and reduce the number of unplanned, sudden sleep attacks. It is important to tell teachers and supervisors about this condition so that those affected are not punished for being "lazy" at school or work.

Eating light or vegetarian meals during the day and avoiding heavy meals prior to important activities may help reduce the odds of an attack after daytime meals. If possible, schedule a brief nap (10 to 15 minutes) after meals.

Prescription medications may be necessary, including stimulants such as dextroamphetamine and methylphenidate (Ritalin). Modafinil, a new type of stimulant that is believed to have less abuse potential than other stimulants, has recently been found to be effective in maintaining wakefulness.

Antidepressant medications such as imipramine can help to reduce the number of episodes of cataplexy, but they usually do not reduce the number of sleeping episodes.

Patients with narcolepsy may have driving restrictions placed on them. These restrictions vary from state to state.

Expectations (prognosis):

Narcolepsy is a chronic, life-long condition. It is not a fatal illness, but it may be dangerous if episodes occur during driving, operating machinery or similar activities. Narcolepsy is usually controllable with treatment. Treating other underlying sleep disorders can improve symptoms of narcolepsy markedly.

Complications:

Injuries, accidents if attacks occur during activities
Impairment of functioning at work
Impairment of social activities
Side effects of medications used to treat the disorder

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if symptoms suggestive of narcolepsy occur.

Call your health care provider if narcolepsy does not respond to treatment, or if other symptoms develop.

Review Date: 8/1/2004
Reviewed By: Joseph V. Campellone, M.D., Division of Neurology, Cooper University Hospital, Camden, NJ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2004 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.