Treatment of Excessive Daytime Sleepiness

• Medications used to relieve sleepiness are all stimulants or wake-promoting medications
• Patients may find that some of these medications work better than others
• Sometimes, it is necessary for the doctor to prescribe more than one medication to a patient

COMMON MEDICATIONS USED TO CONTROL SLEEPINESS (PDF)

Treatment of REM Symptoms

• Antidepressants that suppress REM Sleep are commonly used to treat REM Intrusion. They are aimed at the most serious of these symptoms, Cataplexy, but also works to relieve Hypnagogic and Hypnopompic Hallucinations, Sleep Paralysis, and Disrupted Nighttime Sleep
• Sodium Oxibate (Xyrem®) is used to treat Sleepiness, REM Intrusion, and Disrupted Nighttime Sleep

COMMON MEDICATIONS USED TO CONTROL REM SLEEP INTRUSION (PDF)

There is continuing research on narcolepsy, how the sleep/wake cycle works, and new medications. Our bodies and lifestyles change as we age, and our physiology can adapt to our medicines. Because of these factors, it is possible that your doctor will adjust your medication regiment over time.

Disclaimer: No medication works equally well for every individual. In addition, narcolepsy is known to have more than one underlying cause. The following discussion is intended to provide general information. Only your physician can determine what is right for you.