What is the treatment for cataplexy?
Sodium oxybate at doses between 6 and 9 grams (g) nightly is the medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of cataplexy. Sodium oxybate is effective in reducing both the frequency and intensity of attacks.
What herbs help with narcolepsy?
Natural cures for narcolepsy include:
- Guarana, which is a natural stimulant.
- Cayenne pepper.
- Ginkgo biloba, which increases blood flow to the brain.
- Ephedra, which increases energy levels.
- Gotu kola, which reduces fatigue.
- Rosemary tea.
- B complex vitamins, which are important in the sleep-wake cycle.
Is narcolepsy a functional disorder?
Narcolepsy is a lifelong problem, but it does not usually worsen as the person ages. Symptoms can partially improve over time, but they will never disappear completely. The most typical symptoms are excessive daytime sleepiness, cataplexy, sleep paralysis, and hallucinations.
Can you work with cataplexy?
Cataplexy can cause falls or short periods of inattention that lead to mistakes and accidents. However, with the right adjustments, most people with narcolepsy can work.
What is the difference between narcolepsy and cataplexy?
Clinicians now recognize two major types of narcolepsy: narcolepsy with cataplexy (muscle weakness triggered by strong emotions) and narcolepsy without cataplexy. People who have narcolepsy without cataplexy have sleepiness but no emotionally triggered muscle weakness, and generally have less severe symptoms.
Is narcolepsy with cataplexy a disability?
Narcolepsy isn’t one of the conditions the SSA considers a disability. But if your symptoms interfere with your ability to do your job, you may still qualify for benefits. The Disability Benefits Help website offers a free evaluation to help you determine whether your condition is considered a disability.
How do you stop narcolepsy naturally?
Lifestyle and home remedies
- Stick to a schedule. Go to sleep and wake up at the same time every day, including weekends.
- Take naps. Schedule short naps at regular intervals during the day.
- Avoid nicotine and alcohol. Using these substances, especially at night, can worsen your signs and symptoms.
- Get regular exercise.
What does cataplexy feel like?
Cataplexy is sudden muscle weakness triggered by strong emotions like embarrassment, laughter, surprise, or anger. Cataplexy can cause your head to drop, your face to droop, your jaw to weaken, or your knees to give way. Attacks can also affect your whole body and cause you to fall down.
Is cataplexy considered a disability?
This disorder is extremely unpredictable and can be dangerous. There is no cure, but treatments such as medication and scheduled naps can reduce some of its effects. The Social Security Administration (SSA) does not recognize narcolepsy as a medical condition that automatically qualifies you for disability benefits.
Is narcolepsy related to Parkinson’s?
Narcolepsy-like symptoms are common in people with Parkinson’s disease. One study found that 3 out of 4 people with Parkinson’s have excessive daytime sleepiness. Another study of 100 veterans with PD found that slightly more than half had daytime sleepiness, often with cataplexy, hallucinations, and sleep paralysis.
How is sodium oxybate used to treat narcolepsy?
Sodium oxybate. Sodium oxybate (Xyrem) is the sodium salt of gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB), a naturally occurring substance in the brain. Sodium oxybate is quite different from the other medications used to treat narcolepsy. Instead of a pill taken during the day, sodium oxybate is a sedating liquid taken at bedtime.
How are antidepressants used to treat cataplexy?
1 Antidepressants. Antidepressant medications have been used for decades to reduce cataplexy. 2 The rationale for using antidepressants is that these medications strongly suppress… 3 Venlafaxine (Effexor) is one of the most commonly used medications for reducing cataplexy… 4 Fluoxetine (Prozac) is also generally well tolerated and long lasting.
Are there any medications that can help with narcolepsy?
Pitolisant. Pitolisant is another new and unique medication that can improve alertness across the day. It also can reduce cataplexy, hypnagogic hallucination and sleep paralysis. It increases brain levels of histamine, norepinephrine, dopamine and acetylcholine (all of which improve alertness in various ways).
How does narcolepsy cause a person to fall asleep?
Narcolepsy is a neurological sleep disorder that causes a potentially disabling level of daytime sleepiness. This sleepiness may occur in the form of repeated and irresistible “sleep attacks.” In these episodes a person suddenly falls asleep in unusual situations, such as while eating, walking or driving.
