Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 29, 2025
04:34
Meta-Analysis of the Effectiveness and Safety of Shugan Jieyu Capsules for the Treatment of Insomnia
Published on: February 17, 2023
1.5K
Pitolisant: A Review in Narcolepsy with or without Cataplexy
1Springer Nature, Private Bag 65901, Mairangi Bay, Auckland, 0754, New Zealand. demail@springer.com.
CNS Drugs
|January 31, 2020
Summary
Pitolisant (Wakix) effectively treats narcolepsy symptoms like excessive daytime sleepiness and cataplexy in adults. This first-in-class histamine 3 receptor antagonist offers a well-tolerated, non-controlled substance option for narcolepsy management.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Neurology
- Sleep Medicine
Background:
- Narcolepsy is a chronic neurological disorder characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) and cataplexy.
- Current treatments for narcolepsy have limitations, including potential for abuse and side effects.
- Pitolisant represents a novel therapeutic approach targeting the histamine 3 receptor.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of pitolisant (Wakix) for treating narcolepsy with or without cataplexy in adults.
- To assess pitolisant's potential as a non-controlled substance for narcolepsy management.
Main Methods:
- Phase III clinical trials involving adult patients with narcolepsy.
- Administration of pitolisant at a maximum dose of 36 mg once daily.
- Comparison of pitolisant's effects against placebo and, in some cases, modafinil.
Main Results:
- Pitolisant significantly reduced EDS and cataplexy in adults with narcolepsy compared to placebo.
- Noninferiority to modafinil for EDS management was not demonstrated.
- Pitolisant was generally well-tolerated, with common side effects including headache, insomnia, and anxiety.
Conclusions:
- Pitolisant is an effective and well-tolerated oral treatment for narcolepsy with or without cataplexy in adults.
- Its minimal abuse potential and once-daily dosing offer a convenient new option for patients.
- Pitolisant expands therapeutic choices for adult narcolepsy patients, distinct from controlled substances.
Related Concept Videos
01:07Narcolepsy
422
Narcolepsy is a chronic sleep disorder characterized by pervasive, uncontrolled sleepiness and other sleep disturbances. One of its hallmark symptoms is an abrupt transition to REM sleep upon falling asleep, which causes symptoms typically associated with this phase to occur unexpectedly during wakefulness. These include the following symptoms, which typically last from a minute or two to half an hour.
422
01:24Sleep-Wake Cycles
2.6K
Sleep is an essential physiological process vital to maintaining overall well-being. The reticular activating system (RAS), a network of neurons in the brainstem, regulates wakefulness and sleep. While it may seem passive, sleep consists of distinct cycles, each with its unique characteristics and functions. Two key sleep phases are non-rapid eye movement (NREM) and rapid eye movement (REM).
NREM Sleep
NREM sleep comprises four progressive stages that seamlessly merge:
NREM Sleep
NREM sleep comprises four progressive stages that seamlessly merge:
2.6K
01:19Management of Insomnia
450
The sleep cycle, an integral part of human health, consists of several stages with distinct characteristics and functions. It begins with a transition from wakefulness to sleep, known as the light sleep phase, followed by the restorative deep sleep phase, essential for physical recovery and growth. The cycle concludes with the Rapid Eye Movement (REM) phase, characterized by high brain activity and vivid dreaming. Insomnia, a prevalent sleep disorder, involves difficulty falling asleep, staying...
450
01:17Sedatives and Hypnotics Drugs: Miscellaneous Agents
441
Sedatives and hypnotics encompass a wide range of substances, each with its unique mechanism of action, uses, and potential adverse effects.
Melatonin congeners like ramelteon (Rozerem) and tasimelteon (Hetlioz) selectively bind to melatonin receptors (MT1 and MT2) and thus mimic the actions of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles. Tasimelteon is primarily used for non-24-hour sleep-wake disorder, common in blind patients. They are also used to treat conditions like insomnia...
Melatonin congeners like ramelteon (Rozerem) and tasimelteon (Hetlioz) selectively bind to melatonin receptors (MT1 and MT2) and thus mimic the actions of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles. Tasimelteon is primarily used for non-24-hour sleep-wake disorder, common in blind patients. They are also used to treat conditions like insomnia...
441
01:24Parkinson's Disease: Treatment
878
Neurodegenerative disorders, such as Parkinson's Disease (PD), involve the gradual and irreversible destruction of neurons in particular brain areas. These disorders exhibit standard features like proteinopathies, selective vulnerability of some neurons, and an interaction of intrinsic properties, genetics, and environmental influences in neural injury.
Parkinson's Disease is primarily a result of the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta. The cornerstone of...
Parkinson's Disease is primarily a result of the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta. The cornerstone of...
878
01:24Mania and Antimanic Drugs: Overview
493
Mania, a psychological condition characterized by elevated mood, increased energy, and reduced sleep need, is part of the bipolar disorder cycle. The exact cause of mania isn't entirely known, but it is thought to be a combination of genetic, environmental, and neurological factors. Bipolar disorder involves alternating manic and depressive episodes. Mood stabilizers like lithium, antipsychotics, and anticonvulsants help manage these episodes. Lithium carbonate is particularly effective as...
493