TRANYLCYPROMINE IN NARCOLEPSY

The narcolepsy syndrome consists of excessive daytime somnolence, cata plexy, hallucinations, and sleep paralysis. Data on the effects of tra nylcypromine are scant. We report on a patient with severe narcolepsy in whom administration of tranylcypromine led to freedom from hallucin ations, nightmares, sleep paralysis, and rapid eye movements (REM), wi th considerable amelioration of cataplexy and increased daytime alertn ess. Muscle atonia and low-voltage desynchronized cortical activity du ring REM sleep did not change. Tranylcypromine warrants further study in narcolepsy.