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Antidepressants substantially affect basic REM sleep characteristics in narcolepsy-cataplexy patients
Jitka Busková1, David Kemlink1, Veronika Ibarburu1
1Department of Neurology and Center for Clinical Neurosciences, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University in Prague and General University Hospital in Prague, Czech Republic.
Neuro Endocrinology Letters
|December 29, 2015
Summary
Antidepressant use in narcolepsy with cataplexy patients significantly increases the risk of developing REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD). This study found a three-fold higher occurrence of RBD in patients with a history of antidepressant use compared to those who were antidepressant-naïve.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Sleep Medicine
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Antidepressants can alter REM sleep and induce REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD) in the general population.
- Antidepressants are often prescribed to manage cataplexy in narcolepsy with cataplexy (NC).
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between antidepressant use and the development of RBD in patients diagnosed with narcolepsy with cataplexy (NC).
Main Methods:
- Seventy-five NC patients underwent structured interviews regarding RBD manifestations and antidepressant history.
- Night video-polysomnography and multiple sleep latency tests were performed for assessment.
Main Results:
- 45.3% of NC patients reported antidepressant use; 38.2% of these developed RBD.
- Only 12.2% of antidepressant-naïve NC patients were diagnosed with RBD.
- Antidepressant use was linked to increased REM latency, reduced REM sleep percentage, and more periodic limb movements during sleep.
Conclusions:
- NC patients with a history of antidepressant use exhibit a threefold higher incidence of RBD compared to antidepressant-naïve patients.
- Antidepressant use is a significant risk factor for RBD development in narcolepsy with cataplexy.
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