Are there medications to treat narcolepsy symptoms?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Yes, there are medications available to help manage the symptoms of narcolepsy, including excessive daytime sleepiness and cataplexy.

Questions about narcolepsy medications?

Can I manage medication myself Do I need a prescription for narcolepsy Where to get narcolepsy medication I'm concerned about medication effects Could medication help my symptoms What if medication doesn't work Seeking a second opinion on medication

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Explanation

Narcolepsy is a condition that makes people very sleepy during the day. There are medications that can help with this. Some medicines help people stay awake, like modafinil and armodafinil. These help reduce daytime sleepiness. Other medicines, like sodium oxybate, can help with both sleepiness and cataplexy, which is when someone suddenly loses muscle strength.

There are also newer treatments available. These include solriamfetol and pitolisant, which can help people stay awake during the day. These newer options give doctors more choices to find the best treatment for each person.

It's important for people with narcolepsy to talk to their doctor about which medicine might be best for them. Each medicine can have different effects and side effects, so finding the right one might take some time. If you or someone you know is experiencing mental health concerns, visit 988lifeline.org for support.

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