narcoleptic

nar·co·lep·tic

(nar'kō-lep'-tik), 1. A sleep-inducing drug. 2. A person with narcolepsy.

nar·co·lep·tic

(nar'kō-lep'-tik) 1. A sleep-inducing drug. 2. A person with narcolepsy

narcolepsy

(năr′kō-lĕp″sē) [Gr. narke, numbness, + lepsis, seizure] A disorder marked by recurrent, uncontrollable attacks of daytime sleepiness, often associated with temporary muscular paralysis (cataplexy), which may occur after powerful emotional experiences. People affected by this condition may have several sleep attacks each day. Typically, narcoleptic patients arouse from sleep relatively easily. narcoleptic (năr-kō-lĕp′tĭk), adjective

Etiology

Narcolepsy occurs in families, and about 90% of affected people have specific human leukocyte antigens (HLA-DQw6 or HLA-DR2). People with narcolepsy have diminished levels of peptides in the brain, called orexins, that influence sleep and consciousness.

Treatment

Scheduled naps during the day may prevent sleep attacks, especially if the naps are timed to occur when the patient usually experiences sleep attacks. Drugs used to treat narcolepsy include stimulants such as dextroamphetamine sulfate, pemoline, or methylphenidate hydrochloride.

CAUTION!

Narcoleptics should avoid activities that require constant alertness (e.g., driving or flying). At the first sign of drowsiness, affected patients should seek a safe place to sleep. In many states in the U.S., loss of consciousness is grounds for revocation of driving privileges. Patients with narcolepsy should review their motor vehicle usage with their health care professionals.

Patient discussion about narcoleptic

Q. How do you wake up in the morning if your narcolepsy is so severe you can't hear the alarm clock, phone ring? biggest problem is sleep paralysis, can't wake up. Late for work, everything, life is suffering because of severity. Have tried ritalin, natural supplements, hypnosis therapy, Provigal, antidepressants, nothing seems to work. Employer thinks it's an excuse, friends are irritated, I'm at my wits end. Life is spent sleeping more than awake.A. Narcolepsy cannot yet be cured. But EDS and cataplexy, the most disabling symptoms of the disorder, can be controlled in most patients with drug treatment. Often the treatment regimen is modified as symptoms change. For decades, doctors have used central nervous system stimulants-amphetamines such as methylphenidate, dextroamphetamine, methamphetamine, and pemoline-to alleviate EDS and reduce the incidence of sleep attacks. For most patients these medications are generally quite effective at reducing daytime drowsiness and improving levels of alertness. However, they are associated with a wide array of undesirable side effects so their use must be carefully monitored. Common side effects include irritability and nervousness, shakiness, disturbances in heart rhythm, stomach upset, nighttime sleep disruption, and anorexia. For full article: http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/narcolepsy/detail_narcolepsy.htm#120393201 Hope this helps.

More discussions about narcoleptic

narcoleptic

nar·co·lep·sy

narcoleptic

nar·co·lep·tic

nar·co·lep·tic

narcolepsy

Etiology

Treatment

CAUTION!

Patient discussion about narcoleptic

narcoleptic

Words related to narcoleptic

noun a person who has narcolepsy

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noun a soporific drug that produces an uncontrollable desire to sleep

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