by Preda A

Here are the basics about each of the medicines below. Only common problems with them are listed.

Prescription Medicines

Stimulants

  • Mazindol
  • Modafinil
  • Armodafinil
  • Methylphenidate
  • Dextroamphetamine

Medicine for Cataplexy

  • Sodium oxybate

Tricyclic antidepressants

  • Imipramine
  • Desipramine
  • Clomipramine
  • Protriptyline

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)

  • Fluoxetine
  • Paroxetine
  • Sertraline
Stimulants

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
Medicine for Cataplexy
  • 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
Tricyclic Antidepressants

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
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)

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.

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