Efficacy of trazodone in narcolepsy.

A 25-year-old man with narcolepsy and cataplexy experienced partial relief of symptomatology following administration of methylphenidate. Moreover, the latter caused extreme agitation and aggression. However, administration of the antidepressant agent trazodone resulted in almost complete alleviation of the narcoleptic and cataplectic attacks within 48 h after initiation of therapy. Trazodone, a novel antidepressant agent may be useful in the long-term management of individuals suffering from narcolepsy.