Diseases
narcolepsy
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Overview
Narcolepsy is a sleep disorder that makes people very drowsy during the day. People with narcolepsy find it hard to stay awake for long periods of time. They fall asleep suddenly. This can cause serious problems in their daily routine.
Symptoms
- hallucinations
- excessive daytime sleepiness.
- sudden loss of muscle tone
- sleep paralysis.
- changes in rapid eye movement (rem) sleep.
Causes
- the exact cause of narcolepsy is unknown. people with type 1 narcolepsy have low levels of hypocretin, also called orexin.
Risk factors
- age. narcolepsy typically begins between ages 10 and 30.
- family history. your risk of narcolepsy is 20 to 40 times ...
- ... higher if you have a close family member who has it.
Diagnosis
- a sleep study, known as polysomnography
- sleep history
- multiple sleep latency test.
- genetic tests and a lumbar puncture, known as a spinal tap.
Medicines used
Frequently asked questions
What is narcolepsy?
Narcolepsy is a sleep disorder that makes people very drowsy during the day. People with narcolepsy find it hard to stay awake for long periods of time. They fall asleep suddenly. This can cause serious problems in their daily routine.
What are the symptoms of narcolepsy?
hallucinations, excessive daytime sleepiness., sudden loss of muscle tone, sleep paralysis., changes in rapid eye movement (rem) sleep.
What causes narcolepsy?
the exact cause of narcolepsy is unknown. people with type 1 narcolepsy have low levels of hypocretin, also called orexin.
Which medicines are used for narcolepsy?
amphetamine, armodafinil, dextroamphetamine, methylphenidate, modafinil
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