drugs to treatment narcolepsy cataplexy and anxiety

Other than sleep hygiene, the most important thing that can help with your condition is keeping your body working the best it can. Ways of doing this include setting regular bed times, using your bed for sleep only, getting a good amount of sunlight during the day, scheduling naps, and not eating, exercising or using electronic devices for a couple of hours before going to bed. This involves helping the brain distinguish the correct times for “wake” and “sleep”. Lifestyle changes Most of the lifestyle changes that will help in the treatment of narcolepsy involve having good sleep hygiene. Common side effects: nausea, dizziness, numbness, headaches, “drunken” feeling (before falling asleep), mood issues.Benzodiazepines are used more as a sleep aid than an overall treatment.Xyrem is used to promote deep sleep in narcoleptic patients, with potential to reduce all symptoms including cataplexy.Sodium oxybate (Xyrem, GHB), hypnotic benzodiazepines (including estazolam, flurazepam, temazepam and triazolam).Common side effects: dry mouth, nausea, weight gain, anxiety or depression, headaches, sexual dysfunction, generally “flat” feeling.

Typically “anti-depressant” medications used in narcolepsy patients to help combat cataplexy.Fluoxetine (Prozac), venlafaxine (Effexor), duloxetine (Cymbalta), atomoxetine (Stattera), protriptyline (Vivactil), inipramine (Tofranil), desipramine (Norpramin), clomipramine (Anafranil).Common side effects: dry mouth, teeth grinding, headaches, anxiety, high-blood pressure.Keep you awake for a few hours at a time.Dextroamphetamine (amphetamine, Dexedrine, Adderall), methylphenidate (Ritalin), modafinil (Provigil), armodafinil (Nuvigil).Main source: /psychiatry/narcolepsy/medications *This medication list is not intended to replace valuable medical advice and guidance by a sleep disorder specialist or/and a neurologist. It is important to note that medications will work differently for each individual and it is crucial that you work with your doctor to find the right combination of medication for you. Some use a combination of these to treat different symptoms. Medication* The medications taken for narcolepsy comprise of three main groups: stimulants, anticataplectic compounds and hypnotic compounds.

Drugs to treatment narcolepsy cataplexy and anxiety