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For further information, see CMDT Part 25-15: Sleep-Wake Disorders
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A disorder of excessive sleepiness, manifesting in "sleep attacks"
Disorder begins in early adult life
Affects both sexes equally
Severity levels off at ~30 years of age
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Tetrad of symptoms
Sudden, brief sleep attacks during any type of activity
Cataplexy, a loss of specific or generalized muscle tone
Sleep paralysis: a flaccidity of muscles with full consciousness while falling or waking from sleep
Hypnagogic hallucinations, preceding sleep or occurring during a sleep attack
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Dextroamphetamine, 10 mg orally each morning
Modafinil, 200 mg orally each morning
Mechanism of action is unknown, but risk of abuse is thought to be lower than with stimulants
May reduce the efficacy of cyclosporine, oral contraceptives, and other medications by inducing their hepatic metabolism
Common side effects include headache and anxiety
Imipramine, 75–100 mg once daily orally, is effective in treatment of cataplexy but not narcolepsy