Narcolepsy often is undiagnosed or misdiagnosed for a variety of reasons. Although confirmation of an initial diagnosis requires monitoring of physiologic variables conducted at a sleep center by specialists, the primary care physician has a critical role in the identification and management of this incurable affliction.
This article provides recommendations for the diagnosis and management of narcolepsy. The cataplexy associated with narcolepsy can be managed with tricyclic antidepressants.