Pharmacotherapy for cataplexy.
A variety of medications representing several major drug classes improve cataplexy in patients with narcolepsy. These include aminergic reuptake inhibitors such as venlafaxine and clomipramine as well as sodium oxybate. This review is intended to familiarize readers with the safety and efficacy of these medications, thus enabling clinicians to optimize their management of cataplexy.
Houghton
William C
WC
Orphan Medical, Inc., Medical Affairs, 13911 Ridgedale Drive, Suite 250, Minnetonka, MN 55305, USA. whoughton@orphan.com
Scammell
Thomas E
TE
Thorpy
Michael
M
D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002385:Cataplexy / Q000188:drug therapy*; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D002997:Clomipramine / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003511:Cyclohexanols / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D008134:Long-Term Care; D012978:Sodium Oxybate / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D000069470:Venlafaxine Hydrochloride
D000928:Antidepressive Agents; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants; D003511:Cyclohexanols; D000069470:Venlafaxine Hydrochloride; D012978:Sodium Oxybate; D002997:Clomipramine