What are the current drugs for cataplexy and mild Narcolepsy?

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I've had mild narcolepsy and cataplexy. I manage it w/o drugs, mostly, with naps and sometimes a good night's sleep. In the beginning I took some antidepressants against the cataplexy and a stimulant against the daytime sleepiness, but quit when I started having babies. Now, three years later, I'm finished nursing my children and will look into something to help the daytime sleepiness in the afternoons (driving, etc.)

What's out there now for cataplexy. I hated taking antidepressants and would rather not start them again. Any advice?

Sarina
I have heard about Xyrem. Any experience with that or other drugs from those who know about narcolepsy and have experience with the current drugs would be much appreciated.
Don't take medication geared towards mental health issues lightly. You really should be asking a professional. And if you don't trust the answer, seek a second opinion from another professional. Many of these drugs are addictive or they have very serious side effects. No matter what you decide to do, you need to have a professional observing the effects the drug has on your brain and your body. The people answering your question on this site, cannot make these observations even if they know what they are talking about (don't take that for granted). TALK TO A PROFESSIONAL!!!  (+ info)

What types of employment would a person that suffers from Narcolepsy and Cataplexy apply for?

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Narcolepsy is when you are tired all the time and can fall asleep standing up. Cataplexy is when you lose muscle control from over excitement or even getting scared.
Porn so you can play it off either way!!  (+ info)

What is the difference between "status cataplecticus" and cataplexy?

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Status Cataplecticus is a state of prolonged cataplexy which may require medical intervention to restore the person to normal. Unlike regular old cataplexy, which usually involves weakness in one or more muscle groups, status cataplecticus has features which mimic REM sleep.  (+ info)

If I fall down from being scared, could I have cataplexy?

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If I get spooked or surprised (like, say, someone pops out of no where or someone pokes me in the stomach) I sometimes fall down into a pile on the floor. It doesn't take me that long to get back up, but could that be a form of cataplexy or not?
Cataplexy is a very rare condition and associated with narcolepsy. It is thee total loss of muscle tone upon an extreme emotional fright.

Personally I would recommend mentioning this to your doctor (GP). He would be able to determine whether you need to see a neurologist, sleep specialist, a psychiatrist or any other specialist for that matter. If this does happen as you say, it would be important to have it tended to as you would not want to suffer an attack on a flight of stairs, while driving or in any other dangerous circumstance.  (+ info)

Question for folks with narcolepsy: What is your experience with Xyrem for treatment of cataplexy and EDS?

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I have mild narcolepsy with EDS and cataplexy. For a few years I managed it with day time naps. I'm not sleeping well in the last few hours of the night anymore, and the cataplexy and EDS has gotten worse. With two 16 month twins at home, I also find my nap opportunities are diminishing as my kids shun their naps! My doctor has suggested Xyrem. I'm aware of the potential side-effects and treatment methods. I would like to hear any positive or negative comments you may have about your personal experience with it.

Thanks for your time!
I have just recently started Xrem and am still getting use to it. So far I don't feel anymore alert, but the cataplexy is somewhat better.

So far the best thing that I have found for the EDS besides naps is Provigil. It has really helped me. Unlike caffeine it helps keep you from falling alseep but doesn't make you jittery. I would even sleep after two pots of coffee, but not with Provigil.

If you do decide to try the Xrem make sure that you have a few days where you can test it out before being super alert. With two babies I know that will be hard, but maybe their father, or a friend could help pitch in for a little bit until you get use to how the medication works.

Good luck! I will try and check back in once I have been on the Xrem longer myself.  (+ info)

Any one have Narcolepsy/Cataplexy or know someone with these disorders?

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I am 65 years old and have had Narcolepsy/Cataplexy since I was about 14 years old. However I was past 40 years old before I was finally diagnosed correctly.

I have never even talked to another person who has this disorder. How old were you when symptoms appeared? How old were you when diagnosed? How has it affected your life?
Mouses1 Narcolepsy/Cataplexy is not a fatal desease but it can be very disruptive. Snoring normally comes from Sleep Apnea not Narcolepsy. But you are right you never feel like you have enough sleep.
That person who posted above is wrong.

Go to www.talkaboutsleep.com and www.sleepnet.com, there is a ton of information on narcolepsy.

I have it too and it took 21 yrs to diagnose. Now you know why your life has been so hard and a daily struggle.  (+ info)

Why is it that when someone has a full blown cataplexy attack their vital signs are hard to find?

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I would assume that vitals are weak because of the rapid onset and lack of muscle contraction this would in turn cause vasodialation to occur.

I found this article that might help you. I also found a few others that I had access to but would not be free to you so I have not included them.
http://www.npi.ucla.edu/sleepresearch/heart.pdf   (+ info)

My friend is 35, has Narcolepsy and Cataplexy. & has been taking prescribed anphetamines for more 18 yrs.?

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She recently has been experiencing very heavy menses & severe nose bleeds that last longer then 12 minutes. Could there be a connection between the neurological disorders & the long term use of her med.'s?
She takes anywhere from 6-8 5mg. pills of dextroamphetamines per day. She is a smoker as well.
  (+ info)

Can cataplexy exist without having narcolepsy?

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Yes.  (+ info)

Is this cataplexy or just normal?

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When laughing hard, or when I'm startled, I uncontrollably drop to the ground. Mostly when I'm startled though. Is that a natural reaction or is that cataplexy? I also have sleep paralysis fairly often, so I'm curious if they're connected.
I have heard of this! It IS a medical condition, but I don't know what it's called. Google your symptoms, and it should bring up similar stories such as yours.  (+ info)

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