Here are the basics about each of the medicines below. Only common problems with them are listed.
Prescription Medicines
- Mazindol
- Modafinil
- Armodafinil
- Methylphenidate
- Dextroamphetamine
- Sodium oxybate
- Imipramine
- Desipramine
- Clomipramine
- Protriptyline
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
- Fluoxetine
- Paroxetine
- Sertraline
Common names are:
- Modafinil
- Armodafinil
- Mazindol
- Methylphenidate
- Dextroamphetamine
Stimulants can help a person feel more alert and awake. They can interact with other prescription and over the counter medicines, though.
Problems may be:
- Lack of hunger
- Weight loss
- Insomnia
- High blood pressure
- Anxiety or restlessness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Fast or irregular heartbeat
- Lightheadedness
- Drowsiness
- Blurred vision
- Rash
- Sodium oxybate
Cataplexy is a sudden loss in muscle tone when a person is awake. Medicine can help lower the number of attacks. But it can also become addictive when it is not used as advised.
Problems may be:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Lightheadedness
- Headache
- Sleep problems
- Confusion
- Bedwetting
Common names are:
- Imipramine
- Desipramine
- Clomipramine
- Protriptyline
These medicines may be taken to lessen muscle weakness, hallucinations, and sleep paralysis.
Problems may be:
- Dry mouth
- Lightheadedness
- Drowsiness
- Blurred vision
- Constipation
- Sun sensitivity
- Blood glucose changes in people with diabetes
- Excess warmth and sweating
- Mood swings and behavior changes
- Thoughts of suicide in some people, especially young adults
Common names are:
- Fluoxetine
- Paroxetine
- Sertraline
These medicines may be taken to lessen muscle weakness, hallucinations, and sleep paralysis. Monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors should not be used with SSRIs.
Problems may be:
- Anxiety
- Mania
- Weight loss or gain
- Seizures
- Low blood glucose in people with diabetes
- Lightheadedness
- Drowsiness
- Blurred vision
- Irregular heartbeat
- Mood swings and behavior changes
- Thoughts of suicide in some people, especially young adults
References
Narcolepsy. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/narcolepsy. Accessed April 25, 2022.
Narcolepsy. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. National Institutes of Health website. Available at: https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/narcolepsy. Accessed April 26, 2022.
Narcolepsy fact sheet. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke website. Available at: https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/Patient-Caregiver-Education/Fact-Sheets/Narcolepsy-Fact-Sheet. Accessed April 25, 2022.
Revision Information
- Reviewer: EBSCO Medical Review Board Daniel A. Ostrovsky, MD
- Review Date: 11/2021
- Update Date: 04/26/2022