Narcolepsy & Hypersomnia Medications: Treatment Options & Information

Prescription medication for narcolepsy and primary hypersomnia is used to treat excessive sleepiness that is disruptive to the patient's life. Choices include stimulants and sleep aids.

Central hypersomnia disorders

• Excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS)

  Narcolepsy and primary hypersomnia are disorders of the central nervous system that cause excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS). They are neurological, not psychological, disorders.

Treatable symptoms

• In primary hypersomnia, EDS often makes patients require more sleep than normal. In narcolepsy, dream-related symptoms like sudden loss of muscle tone (cataplexy) and hallucinations may be present.

Stimulants

• Modafinil (ProVigil), amphetamines (Adderall, Dexedrine), and methylphenidate (Ritalin) are stimulants often prescribed for these conditions. Clomipramine, an older-generation antidepressant with stimulant effects, may be prescribed for narcolepsy with cataplexy.

Sodium oxybate

• Sodium oxybate (Xyrem) may be prescribed to improve nighttime sleep. It is taken at bedtime and again during the night, and is available only by mail from a single central pharmacy.

Dependence

• Amphetamines, methylphenidate, and sodium oxybate are all Schedule III drugs with high potential for abuse. They should be used with caution and under close medical supervision.

Side effects

• All medications for narcolepsy and primary hypersomnia have side effects. Persons taking these drugs should work closely with their doctors and pharmacists to understand and manage specific side effects.