Table 2.
Current pharmacological treatment for human narcolepsy and its related disorders.
| Compound | Mode of action | Usual Daily Doses | Half life (hrs) | Side effects/Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wake-promoting Compounds for EDS: | ||||
| Sympathomimetic stimulants: | ||||
| D-amphetamine sulfate | Dopamine enhancer (Dopamine release/ Dopamine uptake inhibition) | 5-60 mg | 16-30 | Irritability, mood changes, headaches, palpitations, tremors, excessive sweating, insomnia |
| Methylphenidate HCl | Dopamine enhancer | 10-60 mg | ∼3 | Same as amphetamines, less reduction of appetite or increase in blood pressure. |
| Pemoline* | Dopamine enhancer | 20-115 mg | 11-13 | less sympathomimetic effect, milder stimulant slower onset of action, occasionally produces liver toxicity |
| Non-amphetamine wake-promoting compounds: | ||||
| Modafinil | Unknown, inhibits dopamine uptake inhibition | 100-400 mg | 11-14 | No peripheral sympathomimetic action, headaches, nausea. |
| Short acting hypnotics: | ||||
| Gamma hydroxybutyric acid | Unknown, may act GABA-B or specific GHB receptors, reduces dopamine release | 6-9 g (divided nightly) | ∼2 | Sedation, nausea |
*
Potentially hepatotoxic - frequent liver function monitoring required.