A blood test is neither necessary or sufficient to make the diagnosis of narcolepsy. There is no known cure for narcolepsy, but symptoms can be managed with medications. Stimulant medications are used to control sleep attacks and excessive daytime sleepiness. Since patients respond differently to different stimulants, if one drug causes side effects or fails to relieve excessive daytime sleepiness, a different compound should be tried. Some patients may also find that short, frequent naps help relieve daytime sleepiness, and all patients are encouraged to avoid sleep deprivation.
Stimulant medications are no substitute for adequate sleep at night.
At present, there is no evidence that dietary adjustments, nutritional supplements, or exercise will improve daytime alertness. Small doses of antidepressant medications and other drugs that suppress REM sleep may be used to control cataplexy. Not all patients with cataplexy require medication. Some have infrequent episodes and others learn to avoid situations that trigger cataplexy. Although disrupted night time sleep is usually not treated, some patients may be treated with short-acting hypnotic medications or sedating antidepressants.