This is a video synopsis/summary of a panel discussion involving Michael Thorpy, MD; Karl Doghramji, MD, FAASM, DFAPA; Clete Kushida, MD, PhD; and Richard K Bogan, MD.

Experts discuss the ongoing drug studies for narcolepsy, exploring various medications and their potential efficacy. Variants of medications like pitolisant and other H3 receptor antagonists are being investigated, alongside an antidepressant for cataplexy treatment and new hyporcretin agonists.

Hypocretin agonists hold promise in addressing narcolepsy's underlying deficiency in the orexin system. Preliminary data on medications show significant reductions in daytime sleepiness. However, their safety and overall effectiveness in clinical populations are yet to be fully established.

There's optimism about the potential of hypocretin agonists, although concerns remain about their ability to address all aspects of narcolepsy, including nocturnal symptoms. While initial results are promising, further research is needed to determine their impact on rapid eye movement (REM) sleepdissociative symptoms and disrupted nocturnal sleep.

The consensus is that these medications could offer significant improvements in narcolepsy treatment, but it will likely take a few more years before they become available on the market, allowing for more comprehensive understanding and refinement of their effects.

Video synopsis is AI-generated and reviewed by NeurologyLive editorial staff.