Novel therapies for narcolepsy.
Narcolepsy is a primary neurological disorder, which often produces disabling symptoms, including excessive daytime sleepiness and cataplexy. Although the precise aetiology of narcolepsy has not been determined, our understanding of the pathophysiology of this complex disorder has grown dramatically during the past several years, especially as it relates to the newly discovered hypocretin system. While symptomatic treatment of narcolepsy is available, the commonly used pharmacological agents are often not completely effective and may be poorly tolerated. The need for new therapeutic tools is, therefore, apparent. This paper explores some exciting new approaches to the treatment of narcolepsy. It is important to emphasise that, although narcolepsy is not a common disorder, new agents for its treatment will undoubtedly find more extensive use in other conditions.
Brooks
Stephen
S
Stanford Sleep Disorders Clinic, 401 Quarry Road, Suite 3301, Stanford CA 94305, USA. stephen.brooks@Stanford.edu
Black
Jed
J
D018663:Adrenergic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002352:Carrier Proteins / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002385:Cataplexy / Q000188:drug therapy; D006801:Humans; D047908:Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins; D009290:Narcolepsy / Q000188:drug therapy*; D009479:Neuropeptides / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000068797:Orexins; D012978:Sodium Oxybate / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014851:Wakefulness / Q000187:drug effects
D018663:Adrenergic Agents; D002352:Carrier Proteins; D047908:Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins; D009479:Neuropeptides; D000068797:Orexins; D012978:Sodium Oxybate