Therapy for Cataplexy

Abstract

Purpose of the review Cataplexy, an involuntary loss of muscle activity triggered by strong emotions is the most impressive symptom in narcolepsy. This review gives an overview of the current understanding of cataplexy and its available treatment options. Recent findings With the discovery of hypocretin/orexin, the understanding of the pathophysiology of cataplexy advanced in the past decades. In the recent years, with the development of new anticataplectic agents (e.g., Pitolisant) symptomatic treatment of cataplexy has further improved. Abrupt cessation of anticataplectic medication especially antidepressants increase the risk of status cataplecticus, a virtually continuous series of long-lasting cataplectic attacks. Summary Cataplexies still remain an under-recognized phenomenon due to missing diagnostic measures. Treatment for cataplexy still remains symptomatic but new agents with better tolerability and usability are continuously developed. New therapeutic actions either targeting the autoimmune mechanisms underlying orexin cell death or substituting orexin action are promising treatments for the near future.