Yasuo Hishikawa, H. Ida, Kenji Nakai
Sep 1, 1966
Citations
1
Influential Citations
71
Citations
Quality indicators
Journal
Journal of the neurological sciences
Abstract
Abstract In 23 narcoleptic patients, the action of desmethylimipramine and/or imipramine (25–50 mg a day in the majority of the cases and 75–150 mg a day in a few cases) on their clinical symptoms was studied. Desmethylimipramine produced good results in the relief of cataplectic attacks, sleep paralysis and hypnagogic hallucinations, but it had little if any effect upon the sleep attacks. The same results were obtained by the use of imipramine. Undesirable side-effects were minor as a rule, and were less frequent in the case of desmethylimipramine than of imipramine. Accordingly, desmethylimipramine appeared more suitable for practical use than imipramine. It is recommended that desmethylimipramine should be used in combination with one of the analeptic drugs (amphetamine, ephedrine, methylphenidate, pipradrol), which are the most effective medicaments at present available for attacks of irresistible sleep. The possible neuropharmacological mechanisms of the striking effects of desmethylimipramine and imipramine upon the narcoleptic symptoms, are discussed on the basis of recent work.