Developing A Narcolepsy Management Plan

For most people with narcolepsy, management plans require implementation of ongoing pharmacological therapy to keep symptoms under control. Patients may also need substantial lifestyle adjustments, such as maintaining nocturnal sleep hygiene and regular scheduling of daytime naps. Narcolepsy management plan development should consider balance between the tolerance to available medications and impact of certain comorbidities associated with the disorder. The prevalence of certain comorbidities is higher in patients with narcolepsy compared with matched controls; this is true both at diagnosis and at prolonged follow up. The increased frequency of comorbidities among patients with this condition should be thoroughly reviewed while creating individualized management strategies. Comorbidities that are more prevalent in patients with narcolepsy include psychiatric and sleep conditions, as well as cardiovascular and cardiometabolic conditions. This episode is produced by Sleep Review and is episode 2 of a 5-part series sponsored by Jazz Pharmaceuticals. Visit Jazzpharma.com and NarcolepsyLink.com for more information. In episode 2, listen as Sleep Review’s Sree Roy and pulmonologist-sleep specialist Richard K. Bogan, MD, discuss: What comorbidities you need to consider when determining whether a patient is an appropriate candidate for a given pharmacotherapy? Why are these important in management decisions? Can you share any best practices for monitoring the emergence and management of narcolepsy related comorbidities? What sleep lifestyle changes are typically incorporated into a narcolepsy management plan?