Other antidepressants


cataplexy
antidepressantsclomipraminetricyclicfluoxetineSSRIvenlaflexineSNRImedicationdrug

If the first choice antidepressants for cataplexy are unsuitable for an individual, or become hard to get hold of due to supply problems, it is possible that other, closely-related options would be suitable.

Related to clomipramine (tricyclics) – imipramine, trimipramine, amitriptyline, nortriptyline, duloxetine, trazodone, lofepramine.

Related to fluoxetine (SSRIs) – sertraline, citalopram, escitalopram, paroxetine (not commonly used due to withdrawal symptoms).

Related to venlafaxine (SNRIs) – duloxetine, raboxetine

Side effects

As with any medication, the drugs used to treat narcolepsy can have side-effects. These can take many forms. They may be relatively minor, such as mild headaches or a dry mouth, or much more serious, such as anxiety or depression. You should check the Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) in the packaging of your medication for more details and if you experience any of these side-effects (or any not on the PIL) you should consult your doctor or pharmacist.

You can also report side effects directly via the Yellow Card Scheme. By reporting side effects, you can help improve the safety of this medicine.

How is narcolepsy treated?

There is at present no cure for narcolepsy, but the condition is manageable. Narcolepsy is usually caused by the loss of certain cells within the

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What is narcolepsy?

Narcolepsy is a chronic neurological disorder characterised by excessive daytime sleepiness and often an array of additional symptoms, including (but not limited to) cataplexy, sleep

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Methylphenidate

Methylphenidate hydrochloride (or just methylphenidate) is a “stimulant” that is used to promote wakefulness and to reduce excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) in narcolepsy and idiopathic

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Pitolisant

Pitolisant is a drug designed to promote wakefulness and so reduce excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS), whilst also resulting in a significant reduction in cataplexy. This

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Fluoxetine

Fluoxetine (also referred to as fluoxetine hydrochloride) is used primarily for the treatment of cataplexy. Fluoxetine is widely used as an anti-depressant. It is best

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Sodium oxybate

Sodium oxybate is a powerful sedative used to treat cataplexy but can also help with many of the other symptoms of narcolepsy, including excessive daytime

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